The cluster’s research focuses on the relationship between equine behavioural neuroscience, gastric health and dietary manipulation of stabled performance horses, and makes a significant contribution to horse welfare.
The holistic approach involves behavioural and physical health profiling to reveal the triggers of gut dysbiosis and aberrant behaviours. The team has developed several innovative testing methods that are effective, non-invasive and low cost, but with high animal welfare impact.
Food policy, quality and security
This research cluster considers food supply as a subset of wider food systems.
The collective research activity is considering food supply as a socio-economic and a socio-technical system which inform food safety, food supply and the moral framing and behaviours in supply chains.
The focus of our research into livestock is to provide scientific support for welfare and animal health improvement and to provide robust welfare outcome methodologies that can be used in a commercial context.
Recently the work has been extended to consider the economic and policy value of positive welfare/good life opportunities in livestock species and calf welfare assessment measures. We also have expertise in epidemiology which enables us to extend quantitative approaches to animal health and welfare.
Sustainability, regeneration and biodiversity in agriculture
This research cluster is developing improved methods of cultivation, with nutrient recovery, low carbon agriculture, soil conservation and planting regimes, to enable long-term sustainability, achieving net zero-carbon, and healthier food.
Underpinning this has been a long-term systematic experiment (LTE) at Harnhill Farm - ongoing for 11 years - in which three regimes (plough, minimum till, and direct drill) and three crops have been monitored across 18 plots.
With the current UK agricultural and food policy context about to change with the decision to leave the EU, there is a need for the incorporation of novel ‘participatory’ approaches to knowledge production and innovation.
Rural collaborative policy
Our knowledge exchange activity is driven by societal needs both now and in the future. Our global community must address the challenges of climate change and ecological restoration while still being able to provide nutritious, safe food for all and meet the complexity of an ever-growing urban population.
Globally, nationally and locally, the rise of non-communicable diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes are a concern.
Enterprise & entrepreneurship
We place a strong emphasis on entrepreneurialism, creating opportunities for our students to develop their own business ideas and receive tailored support.
From practical workshops, mentoring and awards, budding entrepreneurs can benefit from the knowledge and experience of their lecturers and the strong industry links the University has carefully cultivated over the years.
“Winner of Enterprise Learning Provider of the Year, Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs Awards 2019"
Equality and diversity
At the Royal Agricultural University, we are committed to valuing and celebrating diversity and to advancing inclusive practices in all that we do.
We are striving to challenge ourselves to think and act differently in order that everyone at the RAU feels like they belong, can be their authentic selves, and are empowered to reach their full potential.
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