The Knowledge

Edge Hill University is celebrating after its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with The Progress Group received the highest possible rating from Innovate UK, achieving an ‘Outstanding’ grading in recognition of the project’s innovation, impact and successful delivery. The prestigious grading reflects the strength of the collaboration between Edge Hill University and The Progress Group, recognising…

In June, colleagues and students from across Edge Hill University attended Flood & Coast 2026, the annual conference organised by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) which was held in Liverpool for the first time. Recognised as one of the UK’s industry-leading events focused on flood risk management, climate resilience, coastal change…

When people think about the GIC, they often think of greenhouse-grown tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and the technologies that support protected food production. While these remain a major focus of our activities, our work extends much further across the horticulture sector. One recent example is our involvement in SAFECORM: Saffron Fungal Evaluation & Corm Rot Management,…

Dr Sven Batke, our Chair, recently featured on BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, contributing to a discussion on the future of UK fruit and vegetable production. The radio broadcast also featured GIC partners, Flavourfresh. The programme brought together perspectives from across the food and farming sector, including the UK Government’s Minister for Food Security…

The GIC is proud to contribute to Lancashire’s ambitions for innovation-led growth, food security, skills development and economic resilience. Recognised within Lancashire’s Growth Plan, the Consortium brings together businesses, researchers, educators and policymakers to explore how innovation in food production and protected horticulture can support regional priorities and national food security objectives. Much of this…

From concept to commercial reality One of the biggest challenges facing greenhouse innovation is the gap between a promising idea and commercial-scale validation. Testing new materials, coatings or technologies directly in commercial greenhouses can be expensive, disruptive and often too risky for early-stage concepts. To address this challenge, the GIC and Edge Hill University have…

As part of her BSc (Hons) Plant Science dissertation at Edge Hill University, Sarah Treble undertook a research project exploring how environmental conditions within a commercial tomato crop influence plant stress responses. The study was conducted in partnership with Flavourfresh Salads, one of the UK’s leading greenhouse tomato producers, providing a unique opportunity to carry…

The future of UK horticulture depends not only on technological innovation and investment, but also on the people who will lead the sector in the years ahead. Developing the next generation of growers, scientists, consultants and industry leaders is therefore a key priority for the GIC. Through its network of industry and academic partners, the…

Poor air quality is often described as an invisible health risk. Yet for many families across St Helens and Warrington, its impact is anything but invisible, particularly for those living with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Working in partnership with St Helens Borough Council, Warrington Borough Council and City…