May 21, 2013, by Tim Utton
Gold Medal at Chelsea
Nottingham academics have won a Gold Medal at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Researchers from the School of Biosciences – exhibiting for the first time at the Royal Horticultural Society event – won the ‘Best RHS Environment Exhibit’ Award.
The University’s exhibit, Food for the Future, showcases the latest plant and crop research. Nottingham bioscientists are at the forefront of work to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and nutritious food – an area of study known as global food security.
The exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to talk to leading Nottingham researchers and find out what they are doing to secure food for the future. People visiting the stand will also be able to see some of the alternative crops which researchers at the University are already investigating, which may be needed in the future to help overcome some major challenges around food production and the environment.
For more information on the stand visit the School’s website.
Professor Neil Crout, head of the School of Biosciences, said: “Achieving global food security is the one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Through sustained research our work is focused on developing crops that will feed our growing world population, using fewer of the earth’s precious resources. This project is an excellent opportunity to showcase the School of Biosciences significant contribution to ensuring food for the future.
“Once solutions are identified, scientists can produce new varieties of existing crops, or potentially introduce entirely new crops. Food for the Future is an introduction to some of Nottingham’s ongoing work to achieve this.”
Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh presented the University team with their Gold Medal at a presentation in the Grand Pavilion at 10am today (Tuesday, May 21st). After presenting the award he told the gathered audience that “gardening isn’t just about watering, mowing and getting wet in the winter, it’s about research and making sure we have food to eat and that we continue to understand and control pests and disease.”
David Hazelgrove, RHS council member and member of the judging panel, also commented on the award, stating that “The University of Nottingham stand relays a very important message in a clear and easily accessible means for the public. So many stands are either overcrowded or don’t put enough up and getting the balance right is very important. People will take something away from their day at the show.”
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from May 21st to 25th.
If you can’t see the gallery above, please visit our Flickr site.
Excellent stuff! Well done and congratulations
Very impressed. Well done, and congratulations!