image: Professor Cristobal Uauy - will be the next director of the John Innes Centre
Credit: John Innes Centre
Following an international search, Professor Cristóbal Uauy has been appointed as the next Director of the John Innes Centre.
Professor Uauy is internationally recognised for his significant contribution to the development of resources and tools available to the wheat research community which allow for the rapid identification of genes for key traits. His research has identified important genes for improved yield, quality and disease resistance.
Taking up the role in September 2025, Professor Uauy, a group leader at the John Innes Centre will succeed the outgoing Director, Professor Graham Moore FRS who retires in August 2025.
Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Chair of Governing Council for the John Innes Centre, said: “Cristóbal is an outstanding scientist who will be an exceptional Director for the John Innes Centre. His ability to blend world class fundamental science with the delivery of global impact will further enhance our international reputation for excellence and collaboration.
“Bringing extensive experience and an appreciation of discovery research across the diverse topics that the institute is so highly respected for, Cristóbal will provide exceptional leadership, as we accelerate our ambitions to bring fundamental science and global impact closer together.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Graham Moore, whose career as a group leader and then as Director, has developed and strengthened the institute’s position in plant and microbial science and has been instrumental in developing our future plans.”
Professor Uauy takes up his leadership as the institute continues to develop ambitious plans to deliver Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP3) – a joint scientific vision with The Sainsbury Laboratory, on the Norwich Research Park, UK.
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, Executive Chair at the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said: "I am thrilled to welcome Cristóbal as the new Director of the John Innes Centre. An internationally recognised leader in wheat genetic research and genomics, Cristóbal’s work has significantly advanced our understanding of crop improvement. His distinguished career and deep commitment to the delivery of meaningful societal contributions make him exceptionally suited to this leadership role.
“Cristóbal's vision for plant science, coupled with his internationally collaborative approach, will ensure the John Innes Centre remains at the forefront of addressing global agricultural challenges. As the Director of one of BBSRC's strategically supported bioscience institutes, he will also be pivotal in advancing our ambition to help maintain the UK's position as a world leader in bioscience research and innovation. I look forward to working with Cristóbal and am excited to see how his leadership will enhance our collective impact in the years to come."
Professor Cristóbal Uauy, Director-designate of the John Innes Centre, said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to take on the directorship of the John Innes Centre at such an exciting time, as we progress our vision for Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet.
“I’m passionate about the John Innes Centre’s mission which is rooted in its unique blend of interdisciplinary science and I am looking forward to working closely with colleagues to continue to build on our strength in discovery-led research, as well as applying our knowledge for the benefit of humanity and the environment.
“I would like to warmly thank our Director, Professor Graham Moore, for his leadership across the science community and John Innes Centre over many decades. He has been an inspiration and mentor to many of us and has made the Centre a wonderful place to work.”
Professor Graham Moore, outgoing Director of the John Innes Centre, said: “I’m really delighted that Cristóbal is taking up the post of Director. He is not only an outstanding scientific leader in his field but also a tremendously collaborative colleague who is hugely valued across the John Innes Centre and with our partners. He is a strong advocate for the entire plant and microbial sciences research community, and I know he will be instrumental in driving forward plans as a centre of excellence across a spectrum of its activities. I wish him every success for the future.”
Professor Cristóbal Uauy Biography
Professor Uauy is a geneticist recognised internationally for his significant contribution to the step change in resources and tools available to wheat research and development communities which allow for the rapid identification of genes for key traits required for crop breeding.
Cristóbal’s research programme focuses on using genetics and genomics to improve both yield and quality components in wheat. His lab has developed open-access tools and resources to enhance scientific discovery.
His research has identified important genes for improved yield, quality and disease resistance, overcoming the difficulties associated with the size and complexity of the wheat genome. As a result of these contributions, Cristóbal has been recognised as a Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher on multiple occasions.
He is passionate about the future of plant and microbial science and training the next generation of crop scientists and was recognised in 2021 with the Jeanie Borlaug Women in Triticum (WIT) Mentor Award.
Cristóbal studied Agronomy in the Universidad Católica de Chile and holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of California, Davis.