Cornwall College University and Eden Project launch Centre for Excellence

‘A display of commitment to ecology and transformative research’ will look to transform sustainable agriculture.

The Cornwall College University Centre for Excellence in Research and Knowledge Transfer, new state of the art laboratories have opened at the Eden Project.

Andy Jasper, CEO of Eden Project, kickstarted the official ribbon cutting ceremony last week, and made it clear the new facility would help deliver and support community-focused education and environmental stewardship. 

‘I am incredibly proud of our partnership the Eden Project has with Cornwall College, with the brilliant students, now the cutting-edge laboratories (heated by our own geothermal plant) which will take things to the next level,’ said Jasper.

‘This campus now equips students with the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experience to lead in soil science, biodiversity restoration, and regenerative horticultural practices,’ he continued. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for our communities and our planet and I feel there has never been a better time or place to study the science, art and practice of horticulture.’

Among other skillsets, the next generation of plant scientists, ecologists and soil experts will be trained at the institution, helping drive and develop new solutions at a time when biodiversity and nature restoration is a priority for central and local governments. The opening is possible thanks to a £574,820 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme, funded by Downing Street under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

‘I am delighted that our Good Growth Programme has been able to fund this new facility, aiding local growers and farmers in boosting their productivity,’ said Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for the economy. ‘The agri-food industry is crucial to Cornwall’s economy and natural environment, and fostering innovation in this sector will pave the way for a more prosperous future.’

More on climate change and net zero: 

New technologies help tree saplings grow four times faster

World’s biggest football stadiums face catastrophic climate losses

2million square metres of nature mapped by schools

Image: Cornwall College University / Eden Project