RAU researchers welcome UK dairy industry's new welfare strategy

10 July 2023

Animal welfare lecturers and researchers at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) have welcomed a new welfare strategy which has been adopted by the UK dairy industry – a move that they recommended in a paper written last year.

The new UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy – produced by Ruminant Health & Welfare and supported by a host of industry leaders and organisations across the whole farm to fork supply chain - is designed to help the UK dairy sector demonstrate progress in six key areas of cow welfare over the next five years.

Hedgehog Friendly Campus

Hedgehog Friendly Campus

In 2022, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) signed up to become a Hedgehog Friendly Campus (HFC). This is a project funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and started in 2018 in response to the rapidly declining hedgehog population. Hedgehogs are listed as vulnerable to extinction on Britain’s Red List due to habitat loss, developing land and other anthropogenic hazards (e.g. garden maintenance).

Responsible investment policy

Policy Ref: RI1

Version: 1.0

Consultation: Finance & Estates Governance Committee

Approving Body: Governing Council

Executive Lead (Risk Owner): University Treasurer

Policy Owner (Risk Updater): University Treasurer

Date Approved: January 2023

 

Policies, strategies and plans

RAU new strategy

A new 2028 University Strategy has been approved providing a clear direction to become the Global University for Sustainable Farming and Land Management. Three strategic goals: Reach, Quality and Sustainability drive our Corporate Aims and Aspiration for Excellence.

The University will continue to build a global reputation for excellence and leadership across our teaching, research and engagement. The University will further grow a diverse inclusive community of students and partners in the UK and internationally.

Sustainability through our curriculum and research

Sustainability

When we design and validate our courses, we aim to ensure that everyone who studies here will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to work and live in a world where balancing economic, social, and environmental factors is vital.

Wanted: farmers to help identify the winners and losers of cultured meat

26 June 2023

A team led by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), which is looking to understand how cultured meat could impact UK agriculture, is appealing to farmers who might be able to help build a clearer picture of the risks and opportunities of the controversial technology.

Cultured meat, also known as cultivated, cell-based, or lab-grown meat, is a type of meat substitute which has attracted interest from investors because of its potential to have the same taste and texture as conventional meat, and thereby appeal to committed carnivores. 

Royal Agricultural University invites local residents to learn more about its £100m Innovation Village plans

16 June 2023

The RAU is inviting local people to come and find out more about its plans to develop a sustainable, carbon neutral, Innovation Village on a 29-acre site at the University's Cirencester campus.

The University initially unveiled its plans for the proposed £100m development, which will be home to a community of entrepreneurs, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers committed to addressing major global challenges, in January and it is now inviting the public to come and see the plans for themselves.

Royal Agricultural University leaps up 22 places in prestigious university rankings list

9 June 2023

Staff and students at Cirencester’s Royal Agricultural University (RAU) are celebrating after the University moved up a massive 22 places in the Complete University Guide 2024.

 

Of the 130 universities listed, the RAU was joint third in achieving the highest change in rank position coming in at number 73.

Innovative business supporting wild swimming scoops this year’s Grand Idea award for RAU student

26 May 2023

An innovative and sustainable project which will help wild swimmers and cold-water dippers to access cold water safely has been named as this year’s Grand Idea at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) annual awards.

Set up by 25-year-old RAU student Chris Baker, Water Mate™ will offer a range of durable, effective and sustainably produced products, built from organic materials and recycled ocean plastic, to enable wild swimmers to know exactly how cold the water they are entering is, and how long they have been in for, thus keeping them safely within their

Farmers Weekly Question Time at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU)

22 May 2023

Tree planting, trade deals, imports, and farming policy were among the topics debated when Farmers Weekly brought its popular Question Time event to the University earlier this month.

Chaired by Farmers Weekly’s podcast and projects editor Johann Tasker, the event was held in the RAU’s Parkinson Lecture Theatre and was attended by more than 100 guests including many students and staff from the University.

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