Research output per year
Research output per year
Personal profile
Research interests
Professor Iain Donnison is head of the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS). He is a plant and environmental scientist with expertise in temperate and tropical grasses. His work focuses on environmental stress, and strategies for adaptation to, and mitigation of, climate change. He is co-ordinator of the BBSRC Core Strategic Programme in Resilient Crops, Director of the pan Wales BEACON Biorefining Centre, Topic Lead for Resources in the UKRI Supergen Bioenergy Hub, and leads the UKRI Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal Demonstrator. He is committed to work with industry and policymakers so that academic research is translated to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits. He was a member of the Committee for Climate Change (CCC) advisory groups for reports on Biomass in a low carbon economy (2018) and Land Use (2020), and is a member of the NFU’s academic advisory group on Net Zero.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation -
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth -
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water -
SDG 15 Life on Land
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
Profiles
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Jack Cook
Person: Doctor of Philosophy
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Construction and As-Built Performance of a Miscanthus Straw Bale House
Thornton, J. M., Rowan, B., Mos, M. & Donnison, I. S., 28 Aug 2025, In: Buildings. 15, 17, 16 p., 3075.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus)115 Downloads (Pure) -
Dynamics of Miscanthus spp. Overwinter Leaf Litter Drop and Decomposition
McCalmont, J., Hawkins, S., Davies, J., Holder, A., Donnison, I. S. & Farrar, K., 31 Dec 2025, In: GCB Bioenergy. 17, 12, 18 p., e70091.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile12 Downloads (Pure) -
Innovations for a Changing World: IBERS Impact Case Studies
Donnison, I., Farrar, K., Kingston-Smith, A., Gallagher, J., Robson, P., Marley, C., Howarth, C., Lloyd, D., Fraser, M., Adams, J., Bryant, D., Yadav, R., Spittle, M. J., Thornton, J., Davies, S. (Editor), Cole, A. (Editor) & Hodgson, E. (Editor), 01 Jun 2025, Prifysgol Aberystwyth | Aberystwyth University. 27 p.Research output: Book/Report › Book
Open AccessFile68 Downloads (Pure) -
Bioscience for a Better Tomorrow
Donnison, I. & Hodgson, E., 15 Jun 2024, Prifysgol Aberystwyth | Aberystwyth University. 19 p.Research output: Book/Report › Book
Open AccessFile35 Downloads (Pure) -
Upscaling miscanthus production in the United Kingdom: The benefits, challenges, and trade-offs
Hodgson, E. M., McCalmont, J., Rowe, R., Whitaker, J., Holder, A., Clifton‐Brown, J. C., Thornton, J., Hastings, A., Robson, P. R. H., Webster, R. J., Farrar, K. & Donnison, I. S., 31 Aug 2024, In: GCB Bioenergy. 16, 8, 28 p., e13177.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile13 Citations (Scopus)63 Downloads (Pure) -
Building the Policy Ecosystem in Europe for Cultivation and use of Perennial Biomass Crops
Clifton-Brown, J., Hastings, A., von Cossel, M., Murphy-Bokern, D., McCalmont, J., Whitaker, J., Alexopoulou, E., Amaducci, S., Andronic, L., Ashman, C., Awty-Carroll, D., Bhatia, R., Breuer, L., Cosentino, S., Cracroft-Eley, W., Donnison, I., Elbersen, B., Ferrarini, A., Ford, J. & Gattinger, A. & 29 others, , 2023, European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings. p. 352-362 11 p. (European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding (ISBN)
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Landscape Decision System through spatial modelling tools to ensure food security
Arshad, N., Donnison, I., Rowe, R. & Hastings, A., Sept 2023.Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract
Open Access -
Novel Miscanthus hybrids: Modelling productivity on marginal land in Europe using dynamics of canopy development determined by light interception
Shepherd, A., Awty‐Carroll, D., Kam, J., Ashman, C., Magenau, E., Martani, E., Kontek, M., Ferrarini, A., Amaducci, S., Davey, C., Jurišić, V., Petrie, G., Al Hassan, M., Lamy, I., Lewandowski, I., de Maupeou, E., McCalmont, J., Trindade, L., van der Cruijsen, K. & van der Pluijm, P. & 6 others, , 30 Apr 2023, In: GCB Bioenergy. 15, 4, p. 444-461 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile17 Citations (Scopus)139 Downloads (Pure) -
Perennial biomass cropping and use: Shaping the policy ecosystem in European countries
Clifton‐Brown, J., Hastings, A., von Cossel, M., Murphy-Bokern, D., McCalmont, J., Whittaker, J., Alexopoulou, E., Amaducci, S., Andronic, L., Ashman, C., Awty‐Carroll, D., Bhatia, R., Breuer, L., Cosentino, S., Cracroft‐Eley, W., Donnison, I., Elbersen, B., Ferrarini, A., Ford, J. & Greef, J. & 20 others, , 31 May 2023, In: GCB Bioenergy. 15, 5, p. 538-558 21 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile52 Citations (Scopus)324 Downloads (Pure) -
Species selection determines carbon allocation and turnover in Miscanthus crops: Implications for biomass production and C sequestration
Briones, M. J. I., Massey, A., Elias, D. M. O., McCalmont, J. P., Farrar, K., Donnison, I. & McNamara, N. P., 20 Aug 2023, In: Science of the Total Environment. 887, 13 p., 164003.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile17 Citations (Scopus)146 Downloads (Pure) -
Synergy between industry and agriculture: Techno-economic and life cycle assessments of waste recovery for crop growth in glasshouses
McDonald, L. J., Pinto, A. S. S., Arshad, M. N., Rowe, R. L., Donnison, I. & McManus, M., 20 Dec 2023, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 432, 13 p., 139650.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile12 Citations (Scopus)5 Downloads (Pure)
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Land Use For Net Zero (LUNZ) Hub
Donnison, I. (Project Lead)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
13 Nov 2023 → 28 Feb 2027
Project: Externally funded research
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Germinal Breeding Agreement
Donnison, I. (Project Lead)
01 Jan 2021 → 31 Dec 2030
Project: Externally funded research
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CASE Studentships industrial contribution to 13647
Donnison, I. (Project Lead)
01 Oct 2020 → 30 Sept 2028
Project: Externally funded research
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FoodBioSystems: biological processe across the Agri-Food system from pre-farm to post-fork
Donnison, I. (Project Lead)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
01 Oct 2020 → 30 Sept 2028
Project: Externally funded research
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Biomass Connect Jan - March 2026 (Bridging extension 14146)
Donnison, I. (Project Lead), Cutress, D. (Project Co‑Lead), Ashman, C. (Research and Innovation Associate) & Cole, A. (Technician)
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
01 Jan 2026 → 31 Mar 2026
Project: Impact & Knowledge Exchange
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Biomass Connect April to Dec 2025 (re-profile 14146)
Donnison, I. (Project Lead), Thornton, J. (Project Lead), Cutress, D. (Project Co‑Lead), Ashman, C. (Research and Innovation Associate), Needham, M. (Research and Innovation Associate) & Cole, A. (Technician)
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
01 Apr 2025 → 31 Dec 2025
Project: Impact & Knowledge Exchange
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BEACON Mid-Wales: Growing the Circular-Bioeconomy-Shared Prosperity
Donnison, I. (Project Lead)
01 Apr 2024 → 31 Dec 2024
Project: Externally funded research
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Miscanthus AI - Plant selection and breeding for Net Zero (IBERS 14364)
Doonan, J. (Project Lead), Slavov, G. (Researcher Co‑Lead), Akanyeti, O. (Researcher Co‑Lead), Donnison, I. (Researcher Co‑Lead), Lu, C. (Researcher Co‑Lead), Zwiggelaar, R. (Researcher Co‑Lead) & Stiles, W. (Fellow)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
01 May 2023 → 31 Mar 2025
Project: Externally funded research
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Institute Energy Supplementary Grant (IESG)
Donnison, I. (Project Lead)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
01 Apr 2023 → 31 Mar 2025
Project: Externally funded research
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BioFIND- Phase2-Lot2-BEIS-Biomass Connect
Donnison, I. (Project Lead) & Jensen, E. (Fellow)
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
15 Jun 2022 → 31 Mar 2025
Project: Externally funded research
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CSP Rollover 22/23
Donnison, I. (Project Lead)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
01 Apr 2022 → 31 Mar 2023
Project: Externally funded research
Impacts
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Greenhouse gas removal: September 2018
Clifton-Brown, J. (Researcher) & Donnison, I. (Researcher)
Impact: Policy and legislation
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Land use: Policies for a Net Zero UK: 23 Jan 2020
Clifton-Brown, J. (Researcher) & Donnison, I. (Researcher)
Impact: Policy and legislation
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Next steps for employability in Wales: skills development, the new ‘Economic Contract’ and preparing for the future 20th September 2018.
Donnison, I. (Researcher)
Impact: Policy and legislation, Economy, commerce and organisations
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Rush biomass designated as none waste
Corton, J. (Researcher), Walker, J. (Participant), Fraser, M. (Researcher) & Donnison, I. (Researcher)
Impact: Policy and legislation
Press/Media
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NFU Cymru/Wynnstay Sustainable Farming Conference: Stability crucial to farmers’ environmental delivery
03 Sept 2025
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media coverage
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NFU Cymru Sustainable Farming Conference 2025
26 Aug 2025
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media coverage
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'Once in a generation' change for farming in Wales
14 Jul 2025
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media contribution
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Aberystwyth University welcomes biomass experts from across the world
07 Oct 2024
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media coverage
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Studies from Aberystwyth University Have Provided New Data on Bioenergy (Upscaling miscanthus production in the United Kingdom: The benefits, challenges, and trade-offs)
Donnison, I., Farrar, K. & Robson, P.
09 Aug 2024
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media coverage
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Negative emissions: Scientists debate role of CO2 removal in tackling climate change
26 Jun 2024
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media coverage
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Aberystwyth academics assess biomass potential of fast-growing tree species
22 May 2024
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media coverage
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Study explores crops like willow and alder to boost farm income
21 May 2024
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media coverage
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Biomass crop research aims to boost rural economy
20 May 2024
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Media coverage
Activities
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NFU Cymru Sustainable Farming Conference 2025
Donnison, I. (Speaker)
03 Sept 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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Sustainable Farming Scheme: Carbon Sequestration Evidence Review Panel
Donnison, I. (Consultant) & Fraser, M. (Consultant)
28 Feb 2025Activity: Consultancy › Work on advisory panel to industry or government or non-government organisation
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Growing Opportunities for Welsh Farmers in the Biomass Industry
Doonan, J. (Participant), Donnison, I. (Participant) & Robson, P. (Participant)
2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Workshop, Seminar, or Course
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Responded to Welsh Government Consultation on their preferred policy on carbon capture, utilisation and storage
Donnison, I. (Consultant)
2025Activity: Consultancy › Work on advisory panel to industry or government or non-government organisation
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The role of biomass in low carbon agriculture
Doonan, J. (Participant), Donnison, I. (Participant) & Robson, P. (Participant)
2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Workshop, Seminar, or Course
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Scoping workshop for net zero and nature positive pathways in Wales
Donnison, I. (Speaker)
2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Farming Connect Networking day
Donnison, I. (Participant)
2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Festival or Exhibition
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Environment & Infrastructure Committee
Donnison, I. (Participant)
21 Mar 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Conference
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Panel debate with National Farmers Union, Farmers Union of Wales, Wildlife Trusts Wales, RSPB on the role of trees and biomass in Welsh farming systems
Donnison, I. (Speaker)
2024Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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Groundswell Agricultural Show
Ashman, C. (Participant), Donnison, I. (Participant) & Robson, P. (Participant)
2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Workshop, Seminar, or Course
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Hosted a 'Future Leaders Network' event at Aberystwyth as part of the greenhouse gas removals community
Donnison, I. (Participant) & Robson, P. (Participant)
2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Workshop, Seminar, or Course
Prizes
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BBSRC Core Strategic Programme in Resilient Crops: Miscanthus
Donnison, I. (Recipient), 17 Mar 2022
Prize: Other distinction
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BBSRC Core Strategic Programme in Resilient Crops: Miscanthus
Donnison, I. (Recipient), 18 Mar 2022
Prize: Other distinction
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Dr Astley Hastings, member of Defra advisory committee on policy optimisation
Donnison, I. (Recipient), 16 Mar 2022
Prize: Other distinction
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Optimising the diversity and resilience of grasses for use in urban environments.
Donnison, I. (Recipient), 02 Mar 2023
Prize: Other distinction
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Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal
Donnison, I. (Recipient), 17 Mar 2022
Prize: Other distinction
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Trustee of the Association of Applied Biologists
Donnison, I. (Recipient), 17 Mar 2022
Prize: Other distinction