A multi-million pound programme of strategic research delivered over five years providing science and evidence to support policymakers and its partners. Informed by strong partnerships and the needs of a broad range of stakeholders. Science at the heart of society contributing to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland and beyond.
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Research
Ongoing research (2022-2027)
Displaying 11 - 20 of 24
Pathways to healthy and sustainable diets: identifying facilitators, barriers and unintended consequences of switching to a more plant-based diet
We explore dietary choices people make when they switch to a more plant-based diet. Plant-based diets are viewed as healthier and sustainable, but little is known about the plant-based foods people choose in place of meat and why. We conduct a series of studies to explore personal and social barriers, both perceived and real, to eating less meat and the health and environmental impacts when meat consumption and purchasing patterns vary.
- Food & Drink Improvements
- 2022-2027
Risk-benefit analysis of Scottish seaweeds as a sustainable food source
The project aims to test the evidence that Scottish seaweeds can provide rich, sustainable, plant-based sources of essential dietary micronutrients with an eventual goal to include these as dietary ingredients within foods. A key driver for this research is the need to provide alternative, sustainable sources of micronutrients which will decrease as practices transform to address the climate emergency and the need to achieve Net Zero. This project will determine levels of micronutrients as well heavy metals within selected Scottish seaweed species, and therefore aims to identify seaweed...
- Human Nutrition
- 2022-2027
Towards Carbon Positive Through Improved farming
Agriculture has a key role in sequestering carbon and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions to meet net zero targets. A lack of cost effective, robust, consistent, transparent and accurate methods limits large-scale use of mitigation measures. This project aims are to improve assessments of mitigation practices for additionality, permanence, and uncertainty in achieving net zero, and produce regionally specific options to reduce GHGs and effective monitoring mechanisms.
- Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
- 2022-2027
Understanding of the principal drivers of pest and disease incidence, severity, and spread in Scotland, and the factors currently limiting effective disease control
We are delivering a comprehensive body of research that integrates cutting-edge mapping, artificial intelligence, genomics, experimental, and modelling techniques to quantify the abundance, diversity, and spatiotemporal dynamics of key Scottish crop pests and pathogens, as well as the ecology of pest and pathogen-host-environment-management interactions and potential impacts of climate change.
- Plant Disease
- 2022-2027
Crop Genetic Improvement
The main activities will focus on barley, wheat, potato and soft fruit, the crops of major importance to the Scottish economy. For each crop, the spectrum of capabilities is linked into translational crop genomics pipelines that ultimately deliver improved cultivars. Underpinning research in all projects will be the continued development of novel technologies and approaches including custom platforms for genomic and functional characterisation of important traits.
- Plant Disease
- Crop Improvement
- 2016-2022
Genetic Diversity of Crops
The major aim is to develop suitably characterised germplasm resources leading to the generation of crops better equipped and adapted to future climatic conditions, taking into account key areas of stakeholder concern that impact on profitability and the sustainability of Scottish crop production. The specific goals are based on identifying relevant genetic diversity in germplasm and developing new phenotyping methods.
- Plant Disease
- Crop Improvement
- 2016-2022
Getting further value from the GHG research platform project
The aim of this work is to develop novel approaches to improve the understating of environmental and management controls of nitrous oxide emissions from the soils, and to improve the estimation of methane emissions from grazing cattle and sheep. The work also aims to provide policy and practical guidelines to greenhouse gas mitigation in Scottish farming, through a wide process of engagement with key stakeholders.
The research builds on previous work within the RESAS Strategic Programme and on collaborations with UK and International partners.
- Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
- 2016-2022
GHG reductions from livestock
Animal-based strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant livestock: The aim of this work is to address major knowledge gaps in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock by investigating the effects of different grassland management systems, the rumen microbiome (the microbes that normally inhabit the gut), endemic diseases and host genetics on methane production and emissions intensity.
- Large Scale Models
- 2016-2022
Improving existing green house gas reduction measures
The aim of this research is to address some key farm-level and policy-level issues to help develop policies in Scotland and more widely in the UK and in Europe, as part of a wider national and international research programme. The research includes a combination of environmental economic modelling, survey work and development of monitoring and evaluation tools and approaches. Specifically, focus is placed on providing improved understanding and estimates of agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation at national and farm level and developing tools for policy makers, farmers and researchers.
- Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
- 2016-2022
In-field detection
The overall aim is to improve detection of economically important pests/pathogens/diseases affecting key Scottish crops. This will improve decision making for growers and control recommendations and inform policy and statutory recommendations, leading to improved disease control. Much of the research capitalises on outputs from the previous RESAS programme and externally funded research. The initial focus is primarily on developing/improving the necessary assays, tools and techniques.
- Plant Disease
- 2016-2022