Geoffrey Emett Blackman (1903-1980) FRS was the Sibthorpian Professor of Rural Economy at the University of Oxford from 1945 to 1970 and Director of Agricultural Research Council Unit of Experimental Agronomy from 1950 to 1970.
Four of the BWC’s larger projects were: Other projects, often smaller and unsuccessful, ranged from determining the optimal mixture of grass species for aerodromes and the suitability of Juncus gerardii as camouflage, to comparing seaweed species to find the best source of agar.
In 1944, the Allies invaded the beaches of northern France (D-day) and the thoughts of the BWC naturally turned to the re-occupation of Europe.
From experiences gained in the blitzed cities of Britain, the BWC decided that high priority should be given to control measures to deal with outbreaks of rats, blowflies etc.
; the combating of dry rot in timber; mosquito control, especially in deep shelters; and clothes moths and the proofing of blankets.