Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research
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The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) was one of eight research institutes funded by the United Kingdom's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and was based at Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales.
As of 1st April 2008, IGER has been absorbed by Aberystwyth University. Along with the former Institute of Rural Studies and Institute of Biological Sciences, it is now part of that institution's Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences.[1]
Formed in 1990, IGER included the main laboratories and administrative centre at Plas Gogerddan near Aberystwyth plus sites at North Wyke near South Tawton, Devon and Bronydd Mawr near Trecastle, Powys. Another site at Hurley, Berkshire, was closed in 1992. At the same time farm facilities at Trawsgoed were acquired.
Upon the merger with Aberystwyth University, the North Wyke site ceased to operate as part of IGER and became a component of Rothamsted Research.[2]
IGER was originally the Welsh Plant Breeding Station, which was established in 1911 under the guidance of Sir George Stapledon. Initially based at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, WPBS moved to Plas Gogerddan in 1953 when it was officially opened by the Queen.
Bronydd Mawr was acquired as part of the WPBS in 1983 to conduct research into sustainable beef and sheep systems for hills and uplands.
The Institute consisted of three research departments:
- Plant, Animal and Microbial Science
- Plant Genetics and Breeding
- Soil, Environmental and Ecological Sciences
SucraSEED is a commercial exploitation of High Sugar Grass seed which was originally developed at IGER.
