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Rothamsted Research announces five-year transformation to refocus science and secure sustainable future
Strategic shift will refocus research on key agricultural priorities for the coming decade and beyond while streamlining operations to achieve greater efficiency.

Harpenden, 29 April 2025. 

Rothamsted Research, the world-renowned agricultural research institute with a history of over 180 years of pioneering work, has launched a five-year transformation plan to ensure its long-term sustainability and enhance the translational impact of its science. This strategic shift will refocus research on key agricultural priorities for the coming decade and beyond, while streamlining operations to achieve greater efficiency.

Like many higher education and research institutions, Rothamsted Research has faced increasing financial pressures. This transformation aims to identify significant cost savings while retaining core scientific expertise and building a more resilient organisation for the future. This necessary transformation will involve a reduction in the workforce by approximately 25% (around 90 posts) as Rothamsted Research adapts to its future needs.

The five-year transformation plan will focus on:

  • Refocusing science on translational impact, ensuring research delivers real-world benefits
  • Achieving significant cost savings and greater efficiency through restructuring
  • Fostering greater integration of science and innovation
  • Remodelling science into fewer, more impactful research programmes

 

Sir Peter Kendall, Chair of the Rothamsted Research Board of Trustees, said: "This refocusing will allow Rothamsted to continue exploiting its key strengths. Its ability to link fundamental science with real world agricultural expertise will be critical in creating resilience in a changing climate, delivering sustainable food production and protecting the environment."

Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, Executive Chair of the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said: "BBSRC supports eight UK bioscience institutes, including Rothamsted Research, through strategic investments in resource, expertise and research infrastructure. Vital in addressing major scientific and societal challenges, our investments are also crucial to the success of UK bioscience. We are actively supporting Rothamsted Research to address current challenges through their robust programme of transformation for the benefit of staff, stakeholders, farmers and society worldwide."

Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers' Union of England and Wales, said: "To drive productivity and growth we need world leading research and development to help lead the way. With the challenges of climate change and a growing world population the importance of developing the technologies of tomorrow cannot be overlooked."

Graham Birch, Chair of the Lawes Agricultural Trust, said: "Ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural research is paramount. This strategic refocus by Rothamsted Research will help to enhance its impact while delivering crucial advancements for the benefit of agriculture and society."

 

Contacts

James Clarke

Director of Communications and Engagement

ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH

Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research, interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world: The Long-Term Experiments, Rothamsted Insect Survey and the North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).

ABOUT BBSRC

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges, such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity, and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.

ABOUT LAT

The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.

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