Dr Roger Williams - BSPP Secretary

John Clarkson

Roger is the Director of Research Development at the Foundation for Arable Research in New Zealand and is responsible for ensuring provision of relevant, cost-effective, robust scientific research to support the New Zealand cropping sector. Key to this is understanding the range of environmental, business and agronomic constraints (including plant diseases!) which cropping farmers face in New Zealand. The next step is identifying priorities for investment in Research, Development and Extension (R, D & E) , and then building effective partnerships and business operating systems with key research providers and funders, both nationally and internationally, to deliver the required (R, D & E) activities.

Prior to joining FAR in 2012, Roger was Head of Science at the Royal Horticultural Society based at Wisley Garden in Surrey. As well as dealing with around 70,000 gardening advice enquiries each year from RHS members, the team of 40 scientists and advisors there undertakes a range of applied research projects relevant to amateur horticulture. Plant pathologists work alongside the disciplines of botany, entomology, soil science and plant physiology to support evidence-based advice and policy.

Prior to joining the RHS in 2008, Roger worked for nine years in the R&D department of the Home-Grown Cereals Authority. This involved managing a portfolio of contracted-out, near-market research projects focussed on the needs of UK arable farmers and primary processors of cereals and oilseeds. Plant pathology featured prominently in the research programme and during his time at HGCA, Roger developed a particular interest in cereal mycotoxins and the associated fungi.

He studied for his first degree at the University of Hertfordshire and undertook his doctoral research, on mycoparasitism of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, at HRI in Wellesbourne. Post-doctoral positions included investigating aerobiology and oilseeds pathology at Rothamsted Research.

Roger is passionate about the need for applied plant sciences including plant pathology.