The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence. Providing a unique base for research in response to global challenges such as food security, bioenergy and sustainability, and the impacts of climate change, IBERS' scientists conduct research on genes and molecules, whole organisms and the environment. Approximately 300 research, teaching and support staff provide high level research and skills training. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework assessment, IBERS was placed in the top 10 universities in the UK for research intensity. There is formal collaboration with the College of Natural Sciences in Bangor University which links the processes and results of our scientific investigations to the work of social scientists in both locations. This enables us to inform policy on the rural economy and on rural communities.