May 22, 2018, by Lindsay Brooke

British Science Association recognises Professor Martin Broadley

The British Science Association (BSA) has appointed Martin Broadley, Professor of Plant Nutrition in the School of Biosciences, as President of its Agriculture and Food Section from September. The news comes just days after Professor Broadley shared a prestigious Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Innovator of the Year award for international impact, in recognition of his world-leading research into solving hidden hunger.

He said: “I am honoured to have be appointed to this position by the British Science Association.  It is especially exciting to giving the Presidential Address at the British Science Festival in Hull this September.  This lecture provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase publicly the work of many dozens of colleagues with whom I am fortunate to be collaborating, including from Ethiopia, India, Malawi, Pakistan, Zambia and Zimbabwe, along with many from the UK.”

Each year, the BSA Sections nominate an individual who has made a significant contribution to their scientific field for Presidency of the Section. They are invited to give their Presidential Address at the British Science Festival in September to mark the start of their year-long Presidency. 

Since the foundation of the British Science Festival, the Scientific Sections, comprised of science professionals, have played a key role in developing the programme of events – organising talks, demonstrations, and other activities. The Sections are also important for advising the British Science Association (BSA) on the latest developments within their fields.

The research focus of Professor Broadley’s group is on plant mineral nutrition. Their research seeks to underpin improvements in the nutritional quality and nutrient-use efficiency of crops using agronomic and/or genetic approaches. This work includes collaborations with geochemists, soil scientists, and human and animal nutritionists across the globe. Current projects include: improving nutrient-use efficiency in Brassica crops; improving forage nutrient management for improved animal health; using wild relatives of wheat to produce improved varieties adapted to Indian soils; and soil geochemistry for improved agriculture and health.

Being involved in a BSA Section provides new opportunities to bring specific academic disciplines to the wider public. It can also provide opportunities to establish new contacts with a wide range of people from multiple fields at various levels of their career, exposing you to new ideas and developments within your own and other disciplines.

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