The impact of AFBI science highlighted in new publication

Date published: 02 January 2023

The fifth in the series of annual AFBI Science Impacts publications has been published highlighting the key outcomes and impact of AFBI’s science programmes.

AFBI Science Impacts 2022

Launching the publication, Chief Executive, Dr Stanley McDowell outlined the importance of AFBI science to the agri-food industry, the environment and wider society.

"AFBI science plays a crucial role in providing the underpinning research and development, statutory and analytical testing, monitoring and surveillance science, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice required to support the important work programmes of DAERA and the wider agri-food industry.

AFBI Executive Management Team, pictured L-R, Mr Pieter-Jan Schön (AFBI Director), Dr Stanley McDowell (AFBI CEO), Professor Elizabeth Magowan (AFBI Director) and Dr Alastair Douglas (AFBI Director).
AFBI Executive Management Team, pictured L-R, Mr Pieter-Jan Schön (AFBI Director), Dr Stanley McDowell (AFBI CEO), Professor Elizabeth Magowan (AFBI Director) and Dr Alastair Douglas (AFBI Director).
The AFBI Science Impacts publication reflects the excellent calibre of AFBI scientists through their ability to conduct highly relevant applied science, addressing local needs while making a global scientific impact.”

The publication includes a number of highlights including the outcomes of 30 years of energy metabolism research in livestock, AFBI’s work on the detection and control of chemical contaminants and other residues, and the organisation’s world leading work on soil and marine sciences.  

Dr McDowell continued “Against the backdrop of significant local and global challenges, including the challenge of climate change, the need for science and scientific solutions has never been greater. AFBI is very well placed to contribute to meeting these challenges through our multidisciplinary and applied work programmes which centres on our three key themes of leading improvements in the agri-food industry to drive sustainability, protecting animal, plant and human health and enhancing the natural and marine environments. The achievements noted in this booklet provide testament to advancing science aligned with these themes."

Dr McDowell gratefully acknowledged DAERA and the various funding bodies who have supported AFBI's scientific achievements and outcomes over the past year.

AFBI Science Impacts 2022

Notes to editors: 

AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.

AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.

AFBI’s Purpose is “To deliver trusted, independent research, statutory and surveillance science and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments".

AFBI’s core areas:

  • Leading improvements in the agri-food industry;
  • Protecting animal, plant and human health;
  • Enhancing the natural and marine environment.

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