Welcome to the 39th edition of Advances, the bi-annual John Innes Centre magazine.

Tomatoes have made an important contribution to the history of plant research, and not just because they are colourful, nutritious and tasty.

A snapshot of our recent research featured in scientific journals

While experimenting on his own farm, a chance discovery led David Laurie to become the first farmer embedded at the John Innes Centre

Inside the tissues of the Chilean soapbark tree is a substance valued at around $100,000 per gram that is attracting interest from pharmaceutical and commercial sectors worldwide

While we are known for our excellent fundamental science, we are also a catalyst for growth and commercial collaboration

This image is a collation of bioactivity screens carried out by Dr Katie Noble in the Hutchings Lab

Our mission includes a pledge to train and develop the next generation of plant and microbial scientists, technicians and entrepreneurs

We caught up with Sir Tom Hughes-Hallett, Chair of the John Innes Centre Governing Council, who believes that science and regenerative agriculture are in fact complementary approaches that can work together to secure a sustainable future

The John Innes Centre was built on philanthropy

Our Biophysical Analysis platform is working to quantify molecular interactions that would otherwise remain unseen

The UK's wheat harvest is under threat from a strain of the yellow rust pathogen that has overcome resistance within this vital crop

Our researchers and collaborators have utilised a simple misting technology to boost the fight against hidden hunger

At every career stage, and in every role, our colleagues support exceptional plant and microbial research

Following a rare immune system disorder (HLH), our colleague and dear friend Dr Philippa Borrill died suddenly over the Easter weekend in 2026

Hugo studied for a PhD at the John Innes Centre from 1995 to 1998. We caught up with him about how his love of people and plants has driven his career, and why he believes his proudest moment is just around the corner