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 1 - 10 of 35
A systems understanding of the flow of Antimicrobial Resistance from livestock production to the environment and humans: informing antimicrobial stewardship and optimal use
Antimicrobials are often the last line of defence in protecting animal health and maintaining animal welfare standards. This project is providing a deeper understanding of the consequences of antimicrobial use in livestock production to extend the useful lifespan of individual antimicrobials and reduce risk to public health and the wider environment.
- Animal Disease
- 2022-2027
A systems understanding of the flow of Antimicrobial Resistance from livestock production to the environment and humans: informing risk analyses
The aim of this project is to characterise and quantify the flow of antimicrobial resistance genes within and from livestock holdings to the wider environment and human population, to inform antimicrobial stewardship and optimal use, and human risk via the food chain. Using a study site with pig, beef, poultry and sheep holdings, we are generating top-down descriptions of antimicrobial resistance patterns found in the environment and matching them with bottom-up hypothesis testing with experimental characterisation of the processes driving antimicrobial resistance gene flow through the...
- Diet & Food Safety
- 2022-2027
Addressing knowledge gaps in the sources, epidemiology and genetic diversity of important foodborne pathogens
This project investigates the role of Scottish livestock and their environments in transmission of important foodborne pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii and Campylobacter spp., to humans.
- Diet & Food Safety
- 2022-2027
Assessing the impact of changing migratory patterns and population size of greylag geese on livestock and public health
This project aims to investigate microbial risks carried by wildlife species whose distribution and abundance is affected by climate change.
- Biodiversity
- Plant & Animal Health
- 2022-2027
Barley to support food and drink innovation
This project evaluates whether whole grain phytochemical-rich barley accessions developed from ancient grain (for improved climate credentials) can produce a significant change in blood sugar levels to complement the established lipid lowering health claims related to barley β-glucan. This project supports new food and drink market opportunities and promotes barley as a healthy and sustainable crop.
- Human Nutrition
- 2022-2027
Building the circular economy: sustainable technologies, green skills and upscaling behaviours
This project observes ‘living lab’ case studies in rural and island Scotland with a focus on dominant industries analysed through an innovative blend of micro- and macroeconomic concepts and methodologies to map an understanding of circular economy drivers and barriers such as behaviours (willingness) and socio-economic capacity i.e., technologies and green skills (readiness) under alternative scenarios depicting regional circular economy paths.
- Circular Economy & Waste
- 2022-2027
Data driven innovations for improved sustainability of ruminant productions systems
Use of precision livestock farming tools is increasing globally. When exploited fully, these can aid farm-level management, improve animal health, welfare and productivity, monitor or reduce emissions, and improve traceability. This project explores current and new digital innovations, key barriers to adoption and solutions, and provide a robust evidence base demonstrating benefits of integrated data use within beef, sheep and dairy systems.
- Livestock Improvement
- 2022-2027
Developing metabolomics and proteomics tools to identify the provenance of foods and beverages of economic importance in Scotland
The consumer has a right to know what is contained within the food they eat. Allied to this, there is a significant risk in the food supply chain of fraud where a food is replaced by a cheaper or inferior alternative. This project will develop mass spectrometry-based approaches for determining the provenance of food and beverages. We are developing methods for determining the composition of whisky and meats to ensure their integrity.
- Diet & Food Safety
- 2022-2027
Developing the circular economy in Scotland: resource flows, behaviours, and skills
This project investigates how behaviour change at the individual, household and organisational level creates challenges and opportunities for moving to a more circular economy.
- Circular Economy & Waste
- 2022-2027
Emerging water futures
This project is integrating model-based assessment of future risks to water quality and quantity under a range of scenarios, with new empirical water quality data and socio-economic risk assessment for drinking water supplies.
- Water
- 2022-2027