February 2016
This month Dr Steven Morrison, programme leader of sustainable livestock production within AFBI talks about his career in livestock science.
Upon completing my Agriculture degree and PhD studies in dairy cow nutrition I started work on a short term contract leading a project investigating the role of wood chip as a bedding material for beef cattle on the AFBI Hillsborough site. Soon after, I took up the role of research scientist leading projects in the area of dairy youngstock rearing but also assisting in projects related to dairy cow genetics and utilisation of industry data.
I am now 5 months into my role as Programme Leader for Sustainable Livestock Production Research based at AFBI Hillsborough with much of my time now developing research strategies, assisting in branch management, securing research contracts and building partnerships. One such partnership is the soon to be launched UK Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) which will increase the UK’s ability to deliver cutting edge R&D and it will directly enhance the research facilities on the AFBI Hillsborough site through major capital investment.
During the course of my career I have been lucky enough to have built strong relationships and contacts throughout academia, industry and government, locally and internationally, and I have had the privilege of delivering lectures and supervising postgraduate students. Continual interaction and discussion with a wide range of stakeholders helps stimulate innovation and challenge norms therefore I can often be found in a heated debate. For those that know me – I love to talk.
Having worked in research for over 10 years what have been the best bits? I get a real sense of achievement and satisfaction when I see the R&D that I have been responsible for actually used in practice and delivering benefits for producers. When farmers inform you that they took on board my team’s research findings and have reduced calf mortality, increased animal performance and increased their profitability it does give you that buzz.
Facts about Dr Steven Morrison
What are your hobbies/sports?
I would have an interest in almost all sports and try to take part if and when I can. I and a group of friends try to take on challenges from time to time with endurance hill walking and high altitude mountain climbing the most recent adventures. Not sure what is next but a long distance cycle could be on the cards. I do enjoy eating out, horse riding (badly), cinema, supporting Ulster rugby at Ravenhill, cooking in at home and helping on the uncle’s farm at the weekends.
What unique fact do we not know about you?
Nothing very unique springs to mind – I have climbed Kilimanjaro, was a trained gymnastics coach and I am supposedly related to John Wayne.
What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?
Adventure with a small group of friends to climb Kilimanjaro, do a safari in the Serengeti (including camping out in tents – the wild animals did get very close!) followed by a few days relaxing in Zanzibar. It really was an excellent trip with a combination of challenge, adventure, danger and relaxation.