Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science: Unit of Assessment 16
The majority of research in UoA 16 Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science is officially classified as world-leading, internationally excellent or recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour, having been placed in the three highest categories for quality in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
| Quality Level | 4* | 3* | 2* | 1* | Unclassified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of research activity | 5 | 40 | 45 | 10 | 0 |
Reorganisation and the creation of interdisciplinary Research Institutes and Centres, focuses our agricultural research in the Faculty of Science Agriculture and Engineering, via the School of Agriculture Food and Rural Development (AFRD) and the School of Biology (SBiol).
Both AFRD and SBiol are major stakeholders in the cross-Faculty, interdisciplinary Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability (IRES), the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE), and the Centre for Renewable Energy from the Land (CREEL).
Our Research Themes:
- Integrated Agricultural Production Systems
- Animal Health and Welfare
- Ecology of Managed Environments
- Food Quality and Nutrition
- Gene Environment Interactions
- Social Science of Food, Agriculture and Rural Development
Since 2001, our total research income for UOA16 has exceeded £19.6m, contributing to an active and vibrant research culture. Key movements out of the unit, include Gilbert (UOA14), Mathers (UOA4) and Lowe (UOA31). This has been done to build critical mass in related disciplines and excellent research links. Joint awards and publications are maintained between UOAs.
Agricultural research has significantly benefited from major University investments - over £22m has been invested in IRES. Co-locating researchers from different disciplines, it enhances collaborative research and provides outstanding analytical facilities and dedicated areas for discussions and planning of projects.
Our interdisciplinary research in the social science of food, agriculture and rural development is delivered via the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE). Established internationally as a leading centre for rural policy and sustainable rural development, CRE manages the £250m, cross-research council programme, Rural Economy and Land Use (RELU).
For research, development and promotion into crop-based renewable technologies, we established the Centre for Renewable Energy from Land (CREEL) in partnership with the Regional Development Agency, ONE NorthEast. CREEL provides a focus for interdisciplinary research in biodiesel and bioethanol production across the University and regional stakeholders.
Nafferton Farm, a provides a unique split-farm facility for contempory comparison of matched organic/conventional farming. Cockle Park Farm, a mixed enterprise, provides facilities for environmental studies, and livestock experimentation.
Close House Experimental Station provides field laboratories for evaluation and testing of ecological friendly pesticides and biocontrol agents. While Moorbank Gardens houses supports research in the ecophysiology of tropical and medicinal plants.