Science uncovered at the Ulster Museum

Date published: 27 October 2016

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

AFBI researchers participated in “Science Uncovered” at the Ulster Museum at the end of September. The event took place to mark European Researchers night in partnership with the Natural History Museum.

AFBI researchers at the Science Uncovered event

Our aquatic scientists provided a display of Freshwater fisheries, through coastal science to Marine research being undertaken at AFBI, including an aquarium of live eels as well as a short lecture by Dr Dennis Ensing entitled “The sex life of male Atlantic salmon”.

Dr Colin Fleming set up a plant health station demonstrating issues facing grounds and green keepers trying to keep grass pest free, and how pests (nematodes) are starting to affect cereal crops.

Dr Adrian Allen and Dr Andrew Byrne made a short presentation on the story of the European badger in Ireland, beginning in its establishment in Ireland and concluding with the potential impact of bovine tuberculosis, and how research is helping develop strategies to mitigate the risk to farmers while maintaining a viable badger population.