NRI works with partners in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, often in collaboration with developing-country organizations. These partnerships are built on common interests and objectives in particular thematic areas and draw on complementary strengths of the respective organizations. An example of such a partnership is work with the University of Reading on issues ranging from development of enhanced communication approaches to improvement of banana production systems in Uganda. Such collaborations often have a strong capacity-building dimension – for example, through the provision of both degree and non-degree training programmes. Other UK organizations with which NRI has regular collaboration include Rothamsted Research, John Innes Institute, CAB International, Overseas Development Institute and International Institute for Environment and Development.

Increasingly, NRI has partnerships with organizations in other countries in Europe. Many of these collaborations are designed to foster capacity-strengthening in developing countries. NRI is a member of AGRINATURA, which is an association of over thirty-five European universities and research organizations involved in agricultural research, education, training and capacity-strengthening for development.