Catherine Howarth

Catherine Howarth is a Reader at the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, where she conducts advanced research in plant genetics and cereal breeding. Her work focuses on improving agronomic traits in oats and legumes through molecular and phenotypic approaches.

Research Interests: Dr. Howarth's research centers on elucidating the genetic and physiological basis of important agronomic traits in cereals, particularly oats. She employs DNA markers and trait analysis to enhance sustainable production, disease resistance, stress tolerance, and end-use quality. Her work supports global food security and aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The most recent articles highlight trends in oat genomics, phenotyping technologies, legume breeding, and sustainable crop systems. Key themes include disease resistance gene mapping, genomic prediction, UAS-based trait monitoring, and the development of climate-resilient varieties. Her publications span high-impact journals in plant science, agronomy, and genomics.

Scientific Engagement:

• Principal Investigator on multiple major grants from UKRI, Horizon Europe, and Innovate UK
• Active contributor to international research networks and conferences
• Editorial and peer review roles, including with Slate (Publisher)
• Regular media engagement on sustainable food systems and healthier bread development

Advising and Grants: Dr. Howarth supervises PhD students and early-career researchers in plant science. She leads significant research funding initiatives, including the LEGENDARY and Legume Generation projects under Horizon Europe, and the BetterBread project aimed at improving the nutritional quality of white flour. Her projects emphasize innovation in crop breeding and sustainable agriculture.

Labs and Teams: She is a key member of the IBERS research team at Aberystwyth University, collaborating with experts in genomics, plant physiology, and sustainable agriculture. Her group works on oat and legume improvement, utilizing cutting-edge phenotyping, genotyping, and genomic selection tools.