UK Research and Innovation Visit Showcases University of Lincoln’s Groundbreaking Research

The University of Lincoln, UK, welcomed a delegation from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for a two-day visit on 27-28 March 2025, celebrating the University’s pioneering research and the transformative impact of UKRI’s investment.

Led by Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, CEO of UKRI, the delegation included senior representatives from Research England and UKRI’s research councils, including Innovate UK. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the University’s world-leading research facilities and discuss its role in driving innovation, regional development, and global impact.

The UKRI team toured several of the University’s flagship research facilities, including the Riseholme Campus, home to the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT). LIAT is host to a number of UKRI funded projects driving the future of agriculture. This includes work in AI and robotics through the SUSTAIN and AgriFoRwArdS Centres for Doctoral Training, which are playing an important role in addressing challenges around food security and sustainable production, as well as Lincoln Agri-Robotics whose work was recognised earlier this month as they won Best Research Project (Impact) at the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub 2025 AI & Robotics Research Awards.

The visit also included tours of The Bridge – a not-for-profit research and development facility, to understand how its researchers collaborate with businesses to develop cutting-edge R&D solutions; Lincoln Conservation, one of the UK’s leading centres for cultural and heritage conservation; and, the Barbican Creative Hub, the soon to open facility that will play an important role in supporting the creative industries in Lincoln and beyond.

The delegation also toured the Lincoln Medical School, where they met with the team from the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health (LIRCH). LIRCH was founded following a £10.9 million grant from Research England’s Expanding Excellence in England (E3) initiative, and is undertaking vital research to address the health inequalities experienced by rural and coastal communities, including those in Greater Lincolnshire.

In addition to site visits, the delegation participated in high-level discussions with the University’s Senior Leadership Team, academics, and industry and public sector partners. These sessions covered topics including health, energy transition and decarbonisation, artificial intelligence and decision making, and the University’s civic responsibility and the important role it plays in driving innovation-led growth in the region.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Neal Juster, said: “We were delighted to welcome UKRI to Lincoln and showcase the impact of our research across sectors which are vital to our region and beyond. The visit has reinforced the importance of strong partnerships in delivering innovation and growth in our focus areas of Agri Food and Technology, Defence and Security, Energy and Net Zero, Rural and Coastal Health, Heritage and Cultures of Creativity. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with UKRI.”

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, added: “It was a pleasure visiting the University of Lincoln and hearing about how their focused, strategic approach to research and innovation is driving impact. From advancing agri-food technology and engineering to the conservation of historic buildings and pioneering rural healthcare, the university is tackling pressing societal and economic challenges with success.

“It was inspiring to meet the people behind these achievements over the last two days and see first-hand how the university is shaping industries, supporting communities, and driving economic growth in Lincolnshire and beyond.”