AFBI-QUB PhD Students excel at DAERA Post-graduate Day

AFBI-QUB students, Naomi Rutherford and Paul Cottney recently won best presentation and best poster respectively, at the annual DAERA postgraduate conference. This is a key achievement for both these students within a strong field of postgraduate students from QUB, UU and AFBI working across agri-food challenges.

AFBI currently hosts over 40 PhD students, in conjunction with QUB and other universities, working on a range of research topics aligned with AFBI’s strategic priorities in terms of leading improvements in the agri-food industry, enhancing the natural and marine environments and protecting animal, plant and human health.

Funding for studentships is derived from a range of governmental, university and industry sources. Naomi and Paul are both supported by DAERA PhD funding, which is a key source of support to help develop the next generation of researchers and industry leaders.

Naomi won best final-year presentation for her study investigating rumen temperature during the pre-slaughter phase of Holstein bulls and its relationship with meat quality. This research was in addition to Naomi’s core work investigating the impact of grazing strategies for beef animals.  Naomi’s research supervisor is Dr Frances Lively, Head of Beef Research at AFBI, Hillsborough.

Paul (pictured above) won best second-year poster illustrating his work on the potential benefits from using cover crops within arable rotations. Paul’s wider programme of work is focused on nutrient cycling and soil health, especially within arable systems.  Paul’s research supervisor within AFBI is Dr Lisa Black, a Principal Scientific Officer in AFBI’s Grassland and Plant Sciences team.  AFBI congratulates Naomi and Paul on their awards.

 

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision  is “Advancing the Local and Global Agri-Food Sectors Through Scientific Excellence”.

AFBI's core areas:
            - Leading improvements in the agri food industry;
            - Protecting animal, plant and human health;
            - Enhancing the natural and marine environment.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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