Today’s research shaping the agri-food industry of tomorrow

Research plays a vital role for our agri-food industry in developing many of the new technologies, and techniques that improve productivity and sustainability.

DAERA funded postgraduate student Samuel Hawe discussing his research with DAERA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Denis McMahon.

This was a key message delivered at the recent Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Postgraduate Symposium.

Over 120 delegates attended the event at the Stormont hotel to hear the postgraduate students deliver presentations and poster displays of the findings from their research. The presentations covered a wide range of topics including beef production, rural poverty and social isolation and the management and control of bovine TB, among many others.

DAERA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Denis McMahon, welcomed everyone to the symposium and highlighted DAERA’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the scientific expertise available to the wider agri-food sector.

Guest speaker Dr Sam Strain, Chief Executive, Animal Health and Welfare NI) in his address delivered sound advice for the PhD students as they continue with their studies and then in their future careers.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the event as it gave them an opportunity to promote and highlight the findings of their research which they have invested heavily in over the last three years.

The event also recognised the quality of the presentations and posters displayed by the students. Awards were presented to students Katie Lawther, Paul Cottney, Sophie Redpath and Naomi Rutherford.

DAERA plans to open the 2020 Postgraduate Studentship Competition in December 2019. Awards are made for a three year PhD Research Studentship aligned to DAERA Priority Research Areas, which will be published at launch of the competition. 

Further details of DAERA’s postgraduate research.

Notes to editors: 

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