JIF Rotation PhD Programme
We fund a major PhD studentship programme in plant and microbial sciences. Students undertake three research rotations in their first year before selecting their main supervisor and project. The programme provides an exceptional training environment and develops future scientific leaders across the disciplines supported by Norwich Research Park.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
JIF supports early research experience for undergraduates through funded Year in Industry placements and the International Undergraduate Summer School, giving students the opportunity to work within research groups at Norwich Research Park.
Research Grants and Fellowships
JIF provides grants that advance research in plant and microbial science, agriculture, genomics and related fields. This includes support for early-career researchers, fellowships and collaborative programmes across the Park’s institutes.
Education Grants and Programmes
JIF funds a range of initiatives that broaden access to science, agriculture and research careers for young people.
Education Grants
- Agricultural Bursary – an annual award supporting students from non-farming backgrounds to pursue agriculture degrees, with mentoring and industry placements.
- Grants for organisations delivering education, outreach and public engagement linked to plant science, agriculture or food systems.
- Support for partners such as the Food and Farming Discovery Trust and Rutlish Foundation, Merton Surrey, where the JIF was founded.
JIF Education Programme
JIF now operates a growing Education Programme, led by Dr Shannon Woodhouse. This work brings schools, young people and community partners into closer engagement with plant and microbial science, agriculture and the research of Norwich Research Park. A dedicated webpage with full information will be available soon.
Collections and Facilities
JIF supports the preservation and accessibility of historically significant collections housed at the John Innes Centre. The collections span five centuries of knowledge about plants and the natural world, and offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of science, particularly plant and microbial research, as well as the history of genetics, and botanical art.
We also contribute to student and staff wellbeing on Norwich Research Park through support for recreational and community facilities.
Capital Projects
As a long-term steward of the Research Park estate, JIF makes strategic investments in infrastructure that enhance research capability and provide shared benefit across the scientific community. Past contributions include facilities such as Centrum, support for social infrastructure including childcare provision, and ongoing investment in estate development through Anglia Innovation Partners LLP. Our current focus is supporting the Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP3) vision to become the very best plant and microbial science laboratory infrastructure anywhere in the world.
Norwich Institute of Sustainable Development.
The John Innes Foundation is providing £614,000 to support the next phase of the Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development. This 5-year grant, commencing October 2025, will strengthen collaboration across the Norwich Research Park and deliver practical solutions for climate-resilient farming.
Case Study:
Agricultural Bursaries
The John Innes Foundation Agricultural Bursary supports one student each year to undertake a three-year agriculture-related degree, typically those aspiring to careers in farm management, agronomy, field trials or farmed environmental services. To qualify they must be from non-farming background and satisfy criteria of financial necessity.
The bursary covers full tuition fees for the duration of the course and includes mentoring and assistance in arranging work experience. Awards are made on a competitive basis and require positive academic progress.
Daisy Readman, a recent beneficiary from Harper Adams University, has this to say:
“I am extremely grateful to have been awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary… the financial support, mentoring and contacts will enable me to gain the agronomic and practical experience needed to contribute meaningfully to the industry.”
Applications are administered by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. For details of the 2025 entry, visit: https://ffdt.co.uk/explore/jif-bursary-2025
Apply for a JIF Grant
We welcome applications for projects that support education, research, enterprise, or public engagement in plant and microbial science, in line with the Foundation’s charitable aims.
Download the documents to get started:
Applications are considered three times a year. Submission deadlines are:
31 January, 30 May, and 30 September.
Please note: eligibility criteria apply – full details can be found in the guidance document.
The Foundation does not currently provide direct funding to individuals for internships, studentships, or pre-doctoral placements. Our funding is typically directed toward strategic partnerships and programmes delivered through our institutional partners, such as the John Innes Centre.
Submit completed applications to: clerk@johninnesfoundation.org.uk
