AFBI Showcases its Science

Date published: 09 September 2015

Areas of Expertise: Animal Health and Welfare, Sustainable Livestock, Grassland and Plant Science, Environmental Protection, Food Quality and Safety, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems, Economics

The annual Open Day began with a short welcome and introduction by AFBI Chairman, Mr Colm McKenna.

(L-R) Ms Gill Gallagher (Sustainable Intensification Development Manager, Devenish Nutrition), Dr Elizabeth Magowan (AFBI) and Mr Patrick McLaughlin (CEO, Devenish Nutrition UK and Ireland) pictured at the AFBI Open Meeting.

(L-R) Mr Ivor Ferguson (Deputy President Ulster Farmers Union), Mr Terence Hagen (AFBI) and Professor Seamus Kennedy (AFBI CEO) taking part in the sensory evaluation of bacon test at the recent AFBI Open Meeting.

Professor Seamus Kennedy, AFBI Chief Executive outlined AFBI’s 2020 Strategy and how the Institute will refocus to address the reductions in government funding. He highlighted the necessity of maintaining a critical mass of highly skilled scientists so AFBI can retain its reputation for world-class scientific excellence. The importance of collaboration with other organisations to win competitive research funding and share resources and costs was also explored.

Following a question and answer session, senior AFBI scientists gave a series of short presentations on a variety of AFBI’s research programmes. Visitors then met AFBI staff and viewed presentations on a wide variety of AFBI work, including sensory evaluation of bacon!

Notes to editors:

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”. All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office