Meet the Team
Director
Dr John French
Dr John French is the Director of the InCrops Enterprise Hub, based at the University of East Anglia. John initially created the original concept for the InCrops Project and, in 2008 after gaining funding from EEDA and ERDF, the project became live and the InCrops Enterprise Hub was born.
With a BSc in Applied Biology from London University and a PhD from Cambridge, John has enjoyed a diverse and exciting career in both academia and business including Head of Science and Dean of Science & Technology. In the past decade he has specialised in the fundraising for major infrastructure projects and to date has raised over £8 million in external funding.
With a passion for sustainability and green innovation John holds a particular interest in India and China where he is currently involved in a range of collaborative projects focusing on Indian agriculture, Ayurvedic medicines and medicinal herbs. In addition, John has also established a successful private consultancy company which provided advice in alternative crops and bio-renewables and whose clients included the Eden Project, Writtle College and the UEA.
Business Innovation Managers
Dr Liliya Serazetdinova
l.serazetdinova@uea.ac.uk 0777 630 1718
Liliya joined InCrops Enterprise Hub in March 2009 with the responsibility in
identifying and helping develop market opportunities in bio-renewable derivatives from crop plants and takes the lead on biopolymers and bioplastics as well as new consumer markets covering textiles for furnishings, fashion and design and, natural pigments and eco-paints. Located jointly at the University of East Anglia and the John Innes Centre in Norwich, Liliya works closely with fellow colleagues engaged in knowledge transfer and business support. She has a PhD in plant molecular biology from the University of Hamburg, and with over 14 years scientific expertise in plant breeding, phytopathology, biochemistry and proteomics, Liliya has also built up a substantial amount of practical experience in science commercialisation and has established a wide range of contacts within the UK knowledge transfer sector.
Liliya's specialist sectors - Biopolymers and New consumer markets
Dr Beatrix Schlarb Ridley
b.schlarb-ridley@uea.ac.uk 0777 898 3612
Based at the Department of Plant Sciences within the University of Cambridge and at the University of East Anglia, Beatrix joined the InCrops Enterprise Hub in May 2009 and leads InCrops initiatives on biorefineries, algal technologies and biopharming. She studied Biochemistry in Germany and then moved to Cambridge, where she obtained her MPhil and PhD in photosynthesis research. A plant biochemist by background with over 13 years experience, Beatrix’s focus is on unlocking the potential of algal technologies for regional businesses in the areas of food and feed, platform chemicals, bioremediation and energy. Through her base at Cambridge University Beatrix provides InCrops with an affiliation to a variety of organisations, including the Cambridge Bioenergy Initiative, the Algal Bioenergy Consortium, the BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre, Cambridge Enterprise and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning.
Beatrix's specialist sector: Biorefineries, biopharma and biopharmaceuticals
Benedict Binns
b.binns@uea.ac.uk 07947 157707
Based at Building Research Establishment (BRE) and University of East Anglia (UEA), Ben joined the InCrops Enterprise Hub in March 2010. He takes the lead on creating low carbon supply chains using plant-based materials in the built environment. Having studied Economics to MA level at Manchester University, he was previously Vice-Principal for a sixth form college in Manchester and, upon moving to Norwich, set up and ran a successful organic food business. Prior to joining InCrops, he completed a Strategic Carbon Management MBA at UEA and along with his experience in generating and developing business, his role within the InCrops team is to provide consultancy services, advising and giving business support to clients wanting to develop low carbon products and facilitates access to the supply chain of major businesses concerned about sustainability.
Ben's specialist sectors: Green built environment and lifecycle analysis and carbon footprinting
Bianca Forte
b.forte@uea.ac.uk 0777 647 1810
Bianca’s responsibility within the InCrops Enterprise Hub is to support InCrops clients in the biofuels and bioenergy sectors and is actively involved with
entrepreneurs and SMEs. Based at both the Eco Innovation Centre, Peterborough and Rothamsted Research, she assists businesses seeking to develop new bioenergy technologies or looking to adopt sustainable solutions for their energy challenges. Born in Brazil and with a degree in Biological Sciences and an MSc in Environmental Management for Business, Bianca has previously worked for the Centre for Sustainable Engineering as a Bioscientist providing technology and market assessments on advanced biofuels to potential investors, developers and public bodies, and also for Renewables East, where she established a virtual Advanced Biofuels Hub aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry. She also helps InCrops develop international projects and commercial opportunities with investors, companies and research groups based in Brazil.
Bianca's specialist sector: Bioenergy and biofuels
Dr Mark Coleman
m.coleman@uea.ac.uk 07977 263 640
Mark is jointly based at the UEA and at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) and he
plays a key role in supporting clients in the natural fibre, natural fibre composites, functional food and bioenergy sectors. Seconded from the University of East Anglia (UEA), Mark retains a 0.2fte role as a member of faculty within the School of Biological Sciences where he is a lecturer in plant biology for both undergraduate and post-graduate degree courses. With a BSc in Biochemistry and a PhD, both from Imperial College, London, Mark has over twenty years research experience in the areas of plant-pathogen interactions. He has collaborated with various institutions on a number of projects and as a member of the Norwich Research Park-based British Bioalcohols Group, he maintains close links across the NRP. Within InCrops, Mark is actively involved with clients seeking to introduce novel berry crops in the region and has helped with InCrops’ strategic role in the introduction of sea buckthorn by developing links with the Lisavenko Institute in Russia.
Mark's specialist sectors: Biocomposites and functional foods and health products
Agri-Business Officer
Dr Carlos Gonzalez-Esquivel
c.gonzalez-esquivel@uea.ac.uk 0777 645 4204
Carlos’ role as Agri-Business Officer is to help promote alternative crops and their uses amongst farmers and SMEs. Based at Easton College, he conducts experimental and demonstration trials with the help of students from both the UEA and Easton College. Carlos’ expertise lies in Agroecology with a degree in Animal Production from the University of the State of Mexico and a PhD in sustainable agriculture from Wye College London. His previous appointments have included the evaluation of agroecosystem sustainability and he has also directed participatory, on-farm research on associated forage crops, organic horticulture, integrated aquaculture, biological pest control and rural tourism. His key role within InCrops is to link the agribusiness industry with the academics within the InCrops partnership and his demonstration trials allow the InCrops team to build a knowledge base on the technical feasibility and agronomic performance of alternative crops which in turn, benefits InCrops clients.
Carlos' specialist sector: Agronomy and crop improvement
Events Co-ordinator
Julia O'Rourke
j.orourke@uea.ac.uk 01603 591765
Julia joined the InCrops team in August 2009. With a background in events and marketing Julia has worked in both the private and public sector.
She will be supporting the full schedule of business support and other events programmed for around the region including the Eco-furniture competition.
Dr John French
Dr John French is the Director of the InCrops Enterprise Hub, based at the University of East Anglia. John initially created the original concept for the InCrops Project and, in 2008 after gaining funding from EEDA and ERDF, the project became live and the InCrops Enterprise Hub was born.
With a BSc in Applied Biology from London University and a PhD from Cambridge, John has enjoyed a diverse and exciting career in both academia and business including Head of Science and Dean of Science & Technology. In the past decade he has specialised in the fundraising for major infrastructure projects and to date has raised over £8 million in external funding.
With a passion for sustainability and green innovation John holds a particular interest in India and China where he is currently involved in a range of collaborative projects focusing on Indian agriculture, Ayurvedic medicines and medicinal herbs. In addition, John has also established a successful private consultancy company which provided advice in alternative crops and bio-renewables and whose clients included the Eden Project, Writtle College and the UEA.
Business Innovation Managers
Dr Liliya Serazetdinova
l.serazetdinova@uea.ac.uk 0777 630 1718
Liliya joined InCrops Enterprise Hub in March 2009 with the responsibility in
identifying and helping develop market opportunities in bio-renewable derivatives from crop plants and takes the lead on biopolymers and bioplastics as well as new consumer markets covering textiles for furnishings, fashion and design and, natural pigments and eco-paints. Located jointly at the University of East Anglia and the John Innes Centre in Norwich, Liliya works closely with fellow colleagues engaged in knowledge transfer and business support. She has a PhD in plant molecular biology from the University of Hamburg, and with over 14 years scientific expertise in plant breeding, phytopathology, biochemistry and proteomics, Liliya has also built up a substantial amount of practical experience in science commercialisation and has established a wide range of contacts within the UK knowledge transfer sector.Liliya's specialist sectors - Biopolymers and New consumer markets
Dr Beatrix Schlarb Ridley
b.schlarb-ridley@uea.ac.uk 0777 898 3612
Based at the Department of Plant Sciences within the University of Cambridge and at the University of East Anglia, Beatrix joined the InCrops Enterprise Hub in May 2009 and leads InCrops initiatives on biorefineries, algal technologies and biopharming. She studied Biochemistry in Germany and then moved to Cambridge, where she obtained her MPhil and PhD in photosynthesis research. A plant biochemist by background with over 13 years experience, Beatrix’s focus is on unlocking the potential of algal technologies for regional businesses in the areas of food and feed, platform chemicals, bioremediation and energy. Through her base at Cambridge University Beatrix provides InCrops with an affiliation to a variety of organisations, including the Cambridge Bioenergy Initiative, the Algal Bioenergy Consortium, the BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre, Cambridge Enterprise and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning.
Beatrix's specialist sector: Biorefineries, biopharma and biopharmaceuticals
Benedict Binns
b.binns@uea.ac.uk 07947 157707
Based at Building Research Establishment (BRE) and University of East Anglia (UEA), Ben joined the InCrops Enterprise Hub in March 2010. He takes the lead on creating low carbon supply chains using plant-based materials in the built environment. Having studied Economics to MA level at Manchester University, he was previously Vice-Principal for a sixth form college in Manchester and, upon moving to Norwich, set up and ran a successful organic food business. Prior to joining InCrops, he completed a Strategic Carbon Management MBA at UEA and along with his experience in generating and developing business, his role within the InCrops team is to provide consultancy services, advising and giving business support to clients wanting to develop low carbon products and facilitates access to the supply chain of major businesses concerned about sustainability.Ben's specialist sectors: Green built environment and lifecycle analysis and carbon footprinting
Bianca Forte
b.forte@uea.ac.uk 0777 647 1810
Bianca’s responsibility within the InCrops Enterprise Hub is to support InCrops clients in the biofuels and bioenergy sectors and is actively involved with
entrepreneurs and SMEs. Based at both the Eco Innovation Centre, Peterborough and Rothamsted Research, she assists businesses seeking to develop new bioenergy technologies or looking to adopt sustainable solutions for their energy challenges. Born in Brazil and with a degree in Biological Sciences and an MSc in Environmental Management for Business, Bianca has previously worked for the Centre for Sustainable Engineering as a Bioscientist providing technology and market assessments on advanced biofuels to potential investors, developers and public bodies, and also for Renewables East, where she established a virtual Advanced Biofuels Hub aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry. She also helps InCrops develop international projects and commercial opportunities with investors, companies and research groups based in Brazil.Bianca's specialist sector: Bioenergy and biofuels
Dr Mark Coleman
m.coleman@uea.ac.uk 07977 263 640
Mark is jointly based at the UEA and at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) and he
plays a key role in supporting clients in the natural fibre, natural fibre composites, functional food and bioenergy sectors. Seconded from the University of East Anglia (UEA), Mark retains a 0.2fte role as a member of faculty within the School of Biological Sciences where he is a lecturer in plant biology for both undergraduate and post-graduate degree courses. With a BSc in Biochemistry and a PhD, both from Imperial College, London, Mark has over twenty years research experience in the areas of plant-pathogen interactions. He has collaborated with various institutions on a number of projects and as a member of the Norwich Research Park-based British Bioalcohols Group, he maintains close links across the NRP. Within InCrops, Mark is actively involved with clients seeking to introduce novel berry crops in the region and has helped with InCrops’ strategic role in the introduction of sea buckthorn by developing links with the Lisavenko Institute in Russia.Mark's specialist sectors: Biocomposites and functional foods and health products
Agri-Business Officer
Dr Carlos Gonzalez-Esquivel
c.gonzalez-esquivel@uea.ac.uk 0777 645 4204
Carlos’ role as Agri-Business Officer is to help promote alternative crops and their uses amongst farmers and SMEs. Based at Easton College, he conducts experimental and demonstration trials with the help of students from both the UEA and Easton College. Carlos’ expertise lies in Agroecology with a degree in Animal Production from the University of the State of Mexico and a PhD in sustainable agriculture from Wye College London. His previous appointments have included the evaluation of agroecosystem sustainability and he has also directed participatory, on-farm research on associated forage crops, organic horticulture, integrated aquaculture, biological pest control and rural tourism. His key role within InCrops is to link the agribusiness industry with the academics within the InCrops partnership and his demonstration trials allow the InCrops team to build a knowledge base on the technical feasibility and agronomic performance of alternative crops which in turn, benefits InCrops clients. Carlos' specialist sector: Agronomy and crop improvement
Events Co-ordinator
Julia O'Rourke
j.orourke@uea.ac.uk 01603 591765
Julia joined the InCrops team in August 2009. With a background in events and marketing Julia has worked in both the private and public sector.
She will be supporting the full schedule of business support and other events programmed for around the region including the Eco-furniture competition.