The Institute for Agri-Food Research and Innovation (IAFRI) is a joint venture between Newcastle University and Fera Science Ltd (Fera). 

IAFRI represents a new model for how universities can work with research organisations. It operates under a private-public ownership to deliver both innovation and wealth creation in strategically important industrial sectors in the UK.  It does this while operating for the benefit of society.

IAFRI locations

IAFRI operates out of two main locations. Fera’s main site is based at the National Agri-Food Innovation Campus (Sand Hutton, North Yorkshire).

It also operates from the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (NES). In particular, their research sites in Newcastle University’s city campus and on the two research farms (Nafferton and Cockle Park) in Northumberland.

Find out how to contact IAFRI.

Research expertise

IAFRI brings together renowned experts under the directorship of Professor Rob Edwards, the Head of School for NES. IAFRI's mission is to conduct frontier research by bringing together the best multidisciplinary research talent in the social and natural sciences.  The mission is linked to Fera’s customers' needs.

This research will then be fast-tracked into innovation. It will drive new solutions, techniques, skills and best practice in the agri-food sector. This is well aligned to deliver national ambitions in innovation for the UK’s agri-food industries. It also uniquely contributes to international food security research for both immediate and longer term applications.

IAFRI has a long term commitment to research excellence. It will work to safeguard and grow the specialist skills base needed to sustain a vibrant agri-food sector in the UK. This will be achieved through a learning and development programme including a targeted PhD training programme and postgraduate and CPD training.