Biography

Prof. Graham Bonwick established AgriFoodX Limited with Dr Catherine Birch in July 2019. Prior to this he was Senior Lecturer and Lead Scientist in the Institute for Agri-Food Research & Innovation (a joint venture between Newcastle University and Fera Science Ltd), after serving as the Director of the Institute of Food Science and Innovation at the University of Chester. Graham has undertaken applied research and developed training to support growth and innovation of the food and drink sector industries. His research interests are environmental quality and food safety, and he is currently involved in activities relating to the circular bioeconomy, such as the characterisation and evaluation of agri-food by-products for bioactive compounds and bio-based packaging solutions. Graham holds Fellowships with the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Society of the Arts and is also a member of the Institute of Food Science & Technology and the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Dr Catherine Birch is a Director of AgriFoodX Limited which she co-established in July 2019. Formerly a Research Fellow at Newcastle University she has experience of research into Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Ingredients and Nanotechnology. Cath's personal research has involved successful development of novel compounds that help to ameliorate vascular disease. She has previously developed and taught food science and packaging programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as for industry up-skilling. Cath has extensive experience of business engagement and applied research to support innovation and growth, which has included the establishment of networks for artisan food and drink producers. She is a Member of the Royal Society of Biology, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Institute of Food Science & Technology and an enthusiastic science communicator.