Research with Impact
The Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences together have a long and successful record of promoting research with impact on the world beyond the universities. Our research is marked by an interdisciplinary approach which is vital to tackle the pressing and complex challenges that face the world’s population, including global environmental change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation and unsustainable use of natural resources. We have a strong record in knowledge exchange between researchers and stakeholders in the areas of policy and practice, which has led to our research having a high level of impact. This is demonstrated in the examples below.
Ecosystem conservation and resource management
- Quantification of ecosystem effects of fishing underpins the policy and practice of government, industry and retailers in relation to sustainable fisheries. Read on...
- New DNA forensics tools to improve sustainable fisheries management and reduce wildlife crime. Read on...
- Enhanced carbon footprinting of food products. Read on...
- Breeding of high sugar grasses. Read on...
- Miscanthus breeding programme for sustainable energy. Read on...
- Novel applications for fractionation of plant biomass in the food ingredients industry. Read on...
- Improvements in biomass measurement affecting practice and profitability in brewing and biotechnology. Read on...
- Improving the environmental and economic sustainability of upland grazing systems. Read on...
- Conservation and protection of grassland fungi. Read on...
- Conservation and restoration of peatland and improved drinking water quality resulting from peatland carbon sequestration research. Read on...
Earth system science and climate change
- Turbulence research improves ocean forecasting and marine energy infrastructure. Read on...
Genome diversity and environmental and evolutionary biology
- Oat breeding improves food quality for humans and livestock. Read on...
- New rice varieties improve livelihoods of millions of households in India and Nepal. Read on...
- Pearl millet hybrid for food security in drought-prone areas of India. Read on...
- New maize variety benefits over 300,000 farmers in Western India. Read on...