News and events

French help for British wine research

Published 8 November 2010

One of Bordeaux's top wine producers is helping finance research into wine production at Plumpton College, the University of Brighton's partner institution.

Plumpton has received a donation from Martin Krajewski, owner and chief executive officer of Chateau de Sours in Bordeaux.

By working with Sam Davies, director of Development and Alumni at the university, it has been possible to almost double the value of the donation through the current government matched funding scheme, enabling the appointment of Dr Belinda Kemp as a full-time lecturer and research coordinator in wine.

Chris Foss, head of the Wine Department at Plumpton, said: "This is a great boost for our research programme and will make a tremendous difference to the UK wine industry, which is growing in leaps and bounds."

Belinda's previous careers included stints as a circus performer and she graduated from Plumpton College with a First Class BSc(Hons) in Viticulture and Oenology. After working the 2006 vintage at Nyetimber Ltd (UK), she completed her PhD on the effects of vine leaf removal on fruit ripening at Lincoln University, New Zealand.

Martin Krajewski, Belinda Kemp and Chris Foss

Martin Krajewski, Dr Belinda Kemp and Chris Foss in the college's main winery

Part of Belinda's job will involve the management of current research collaborations with Jon Danielewicz, an expert on oxidation in wine, and Professor Richard Marchal, of the University of Reims. She will also establish new research links with colleagues from the University of Brighton's Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Other industry collaborations are planned for the future with both UK and international companies and further private funding will enable the sponsorship of MSc and PhD students completing front-line research projects at Plumpton College.

Martin Krajewski said: "Plumpton is just starting out but it is already doing excellent research work and we are very proud to support them".