All change at Pseudomonas-Prunus

Today, 1 September 2022, sees a changing of the guard for the Pseudomonas-Prunus project. Original project lead, Richard Harrison, has left both NIAB Cambridge Crop Research and the UK and is heading for the Netherlands. Richard has been appointed Managing Director of the Plant Sciences Group at Wageningen University & Research. This exciting opportunity will see him directing fundamental and applied research with a focus on sustainable, climate smart agriculture.

He will be leaving the Pseudomonas-Prunus project in the capable hands of Prof Xiangming Xu. Xiangming is the Head of Science, NIAB East Malling. He currently leads a research group focusing on plant disease epidemiology and integrated disease management strategies making him ideally suited to leading the Psuedomonas-Prunus project. Apart from the change of leadership the project will continue as planned with the rest of the team remaining the same.

Reflecting on his time with the project Richard said: “I am really sad to be leaving the UK and this project, but I will remain as a collaborator. Xiangming will do a fantastic job though, as he has a huge amount of experience with cherry canker, so I am in no doubt that the project is in safe hands.”

Xiangming is poised to take the lead, adding: “I am excited to take on this challenging project and to continue the excellent work already achieved under Richard’s leadership. I look forward to working with the project team and Richard as well as the wider BPD programme to deliver high-quality science with industry impact.”

The BPD Coordination team would like to thank Richard for his project leadership and contributions to the wider programme, wishing him all the very best for his new role. And we warmly welcome Xiangming to the team and look forward to working with him.

Read more about the Pseudomonas-Prunus project.

Read more about Richard’s new appointment