PhenomUK: First Projects to Start in Autumn
PhenomUK builds on advances in fundamental engineering and physical sciences, bringing the necessary disciplines into closer contact and promoting an integrated, holistic view of the phenotyping process across the UK.
PhenomUK was formally launched at a one-day meeting at Rothamsted Research in February 2019. The national phenotyping network PhenomUK is led by Tony Pridmore (University of Nottingham) and Malcolm Hawkesford (Rothamsted Research). The launch event included an overview of the goals and intentions of the TTL project, with a UKRI perspective provided by BBSRC. A short series of brief technical talks provided academic context, but the bulk of the day was given over to discussion within the community of what felt PhenomUK’s role should be and what services it should provide. Some 50 delegates attended the launch meeting, and the discussion was very productive.
Work on the establishment of PhenomUK began in mid-September 2018, with the appointment of the Network Manager, Ms Claire Hayes. Initial effort focussed on branding the network, designing and implementing an appropriate network website and social media accounts. A membership recruitment drive was then initiated using these tools and existing phenotyping mailing lists, websites, etc. PhenomUK’s membership currently stands at around 120 individual scientists from a variety of disciplines. The (also multidisciplinary) Management Board was established and to date has met twice.
Open calls for Workshop and Networking visit proposals were released soon after the launch and the first call for proposals for pilot projects was made in spring 2019. Submission closed on 12 July, with 13 proposals being put forward. They are now being reviewed by Management Board members with a view to the first projects starting in autumn 2019.