Hundreds of students attend annual AFBI Schools Open Day
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Students from across Northern Ireland attended the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)’s annual Schools Open Day in Hillsborough to learn about ground-breaking agricultural research.
The event, aimed at GCSE and A-Level students studying agriculture and science, offered a valuable opportunity to meet leading scientists working to address global and national challenges in the agri-food sector, and learn about potential careers in science.
Hundreds of pupils from more than a dozen schools took a tour of AFBI Hillsborough’s research farm and learned about AFBI’s wide-ranging scientific work spanning soil and plant health, livestock systems, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.
Students learned about the properties and functions of soil and the importance of soil health in optimising productivity, regulating our climate and enhancing biodiversity.
Scientists spoke about plant testing and shared how they are developing improved grass varieties which help to mitigate against the impacts of climate change, including drought as well as water logging, while pushing for maximum productivity and disease resistance.
The farm tour also included a visit to AFBI's anaerobic digestion facilities to see how grass and slurry can be used to generate renewable energy and recycle nutrients with added value.
On the dairy systems section of the tour, students learned about the life cycle of a dairy cow and how science and technology are helping to improve milk production while supporting animal health and environmental sustainability.
Pupils heard about important animal welfare research and how poultry and pig research is supporting industry and the environment.
Students were also able to view insect samples under microscopes and take part in some light-hearted quizzes.
In the Education Village, pupils met representatives from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) to explore future education and career pathways within the agri-food sector.
The event was supported by the Central Certification and Examination Authority (CCEA), which oversees the agriculture and land use curriculum at GCSE level.
Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of AFBI’s Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, said:
“AFBI was thrilled to welcome so many enthusiastic and engaged students to Hillsborough.
“This is the fourth time that AFBI has hosted an event for schools. We’re proud to showcase our internationally-recognised scientific research to the next generation of scientists and agri-food professionals.
“The event offered an excellent opportunity for pupils to learn about leading research and science happening on their doorstep, see the practical application of that research first-hand, and reflect on how the research applies to their studies.
“AFBI is committed to leading improvements in the agri-food industry; protecting animal, plant and human health, and enhancing the natural and marine environment.
“We hope that the event has opened students’ eyes to potential careers in scientific research and the agri-food industry and has inspired a new generation of scientists.”