Outstanding Contribution of Lincoln Agri Tech Professor Recognised with Prestigious National Award

The achievements of Professor Simon Pearson, Director of Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), have recently been recognised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE).

Simon was awarded RASE’s inaugural Science and Technology Award, which acknowledges individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to either the science underpinning agriculture, or the development of an innovative technology that is changing agricultural practice.

The Award recognises the growth of LIAT, which was founded by the University of Lincoln, UK in 2016, and the work the Institute has done in connecting with farmers and making real-world impacts to improve the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of the agri-food sector.

Simon was also recognised for the role he played in the recent DEFRA review of Automation in Horticulture. He co-chaired the review alongside then Environment Secretary George Eustice which explored how the horticultural sector can make use of innovative technologies.

The review, which brought together experts across horticulture, technology and supporting industries, made a number of recommendations to the Government to ensure that the sector was best placed to take advantage of available technologies, to support the development of new technology, and suggested measures to help address the labour shortage faced across the industry.

Speaking about the award, Simon said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the Award and would like to thank RASE for the recognition. I’m privileged to lead an incredibly talented team at LIAT and the award is an acknowledgement of the fantastic work they all undertake.

“We are starting to have a real, positive impact on the industry and helping to ensure that it’s future continues to be prosperous.”

In addition to securing the Science and Technology Award, Simon has also been awarded a Fellowship of Royal Agricultural Societies (HonFRAgS).