News
What's happening at IGFS
Food forensic expert honoured by Queen’s University
honorary appointments | 25 June, 2020
A leading expert in food safety and authenticity, and a longtime partner of IGFS, has received an honorary professorship from Queen’s University Belfast.
Imagine a future where your phone tests for corona virus
comment & analysis | 17 June, 2020
It may seem far-fetched, but it’s possible to use your smartphone to detect diseases, write Professor Chris Elliott, Dr Gonçalo Rosas da Silva & Dr Joost Laurus Dinant Nelis
IGFS founder admitted to Royal Irish Academy
professional recognition | 26 May, 2020
The founder of IGFS, Professor Chris Elliott has been admitted to the eminent Royal Irish Academy along with two other, distinguished Queen's academics.
Queen's led consortium launches COVID-19 testing facility at Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute
Health | 22 May, 2020
Testing for COVID-19 is now underway at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), significantly increasing the Department of Health’s testing capacity in Northern Ireland for COVID-19.
Athena Swan renewal puts Biological Sciences in Top 1.5% of UK university depts. for gender equality
Gender equality | 19 May, 2020
The School of Biological Sciences, in which IGFS is anchored, has renewed its Athena Swan Gold Award - making it a third, consecutive Gold for the School.
IGFS scoops international funding prize to enhance chicken welfare
funding news | 15 May, 2020
A project led by IGFS and ECIT has been awarded $310,738 for research towards intelligent welfare monitoring of broiler chickens.
The wellbeing spinoffs from lockdown
Commentary & Analysis | 28 April, 2020
Eating and cooking more at home could be an opportunity to change food habits for the better, writes Dr Danielle McCarthy, Senior Lecturer at IGFS / School of Biological Sciences.
How is coronavirus affecting animals?
Comment & Analysis | 27 April, 2020
From wildlife roaming free in deserted urban areas to a captive tiger with coronavirus, the impact Covid 19 has had on animals is explored by Dr Neil Reid, Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology.
IGFS launches food-fraud spinout with over half a million pounds' seed funding
Research commercialisation | 9 April, 2020
Cibus Analytical will build on a decade of research at IGFS. As well as offering a lab testing service, it will offer innovative, portable testing tools to allow customers to raplidly test for food authenticity and safety across global supply chains.
IGFS collaborates with Government Chemist on coconut-water authenticity
Publications news | 30 March, 2020
The office of the UK Government Chemist and the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's have partnered on a review of methods and issues related to determining the authenticity of commercial coconut water.
IGFS academic appointed to European body
research impact | 24 March, 2020
A leading academic from IGFS and the School of Biological Sciences, Dr Simon Doherty, has been invited to chair a high-level European working group in the area of food integrity.
IGFS gets 'Entrepreneur in Residence'
industry partnerships | 18 March, 2020
Dr Jean Kennedy, Head of Research Resources with leading, international agri-technology company Devenish, has joined Queen’s University Belfast as Entrepreneur in Residence.
Top NI businessman and agri-food expert honoured by Queen’s University
Stakeholder News | 12 March, 2020
A leading member of the Northern Ireland business community has received an honorary professorship from Queen’s University Belfast.
Celebrating IGFS women
IWD showcase | 6 March, 2020
For International Women's Day 2020, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the female staff who help make IGFS the great research institution that it is today
Students from Ireland, north and south, converge in Belfast for key agri-food debate
Event News | 20 February, 2020
Queen’s University Belfast will engage with some of the most hotly contested topics of our time when students from all over Ireland converge on its campus for the annual Great Agri-Food Debate.
IGFS researchers help develop tool to tackle malnutrition in India
HEALTH news | 23 January, 2020
New research by an international team, including two nutritionists from IGFS, aims to better understand the link between diet and disease in India.
Strongest link yet between nitrites and cancer - but ‘not all processed meat has same risk’
Health News | 19 December, 2019
Researchers from Queen’s have questioned the World Health Organisation’s blanket classification of processed meat as carcinogenic after finding significant evidence gaps between processed meat treated with nitrites and nitrite-free processed meat
Researchers show noise pollution is threatening the survival of a number of species
ECOLOGY news | 20 November, 2019
Researchers from the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS have found noise pollution is threatening the survival of more than 100 different species
Cholesterol-lowering drugs may cut risk of lethal prostate cancer
HEALTH news | 21 November, 2019
New study led by an IGFS researcher has found that men whose diets include statins - medicine used to lower blood cholesterol - may have a reduced risk of developing a more lethal form of prostate cancer
Queen’s University researchers show transatlantic travel of endangered species
ENVIRONMENT | 15 November, 2019
Researchers at Queen's and Western University have recorded the second ever evidence of transatlantic movement for the endangered marine fish basking sharks
Can we learn from the endangered pine marten - nature's most opportunistic omnivore?
Research findings | 12 November, 2019
Researchers have discovered that pine martens (Martes martes) are more adaptable in terms of diet than previously thought
Farmers & food producers urged to "embrace change" at annual lecture
Flagship event | 7 November, 2019
Food retail around the British Isles is facing “severe headwinds” according to former Waitrose supermarket MD Lord Mark Price, who delivered the George Scott Robertson Memorial Lecture at Riddel Hall last night
Farming under the spotlight at business-creation workshop
Event news | 31 October, 2019
The EIT Food team at IGFS recently hosted its second, annual workshop for small and medium enterprise (SME) businesses with a focus on the challenges facing agriculture
QUB-AFBI strategic alliance: an update
stakeholder engagement | 29 October, 2019
Scientists from IGFS and other parts of Queen's and from AFBI converged recently to discuss the evolution of the formal partnership between the two organisations
Major food-allergy conference at Riddel Hall
recent events | 22 October, 2019
The recent Food Allergy, Human, Analytical & Regulatory Implications Conference brought together a wide group of stakeholders to discuss the risk management of food allergies in the supply chain and the regulation and enforcement of food safety
Farming holds key to food-secure future if governments invest wisely
Flagship event | 17 October, 2019
The concept of farmers as “custodians of the environment” may be new, but it is crucial for creating a food-secure future for a global population, a leading commentator has argued
Nutrition Scientists Selected for Major, International Research Projects
Research awards | 10 October, 2019
Two scientists from the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast have been selected to participate in pioneering, international research in the area of nutrition, preventive medicine and public health
Lord Price to outline the future of UK food-supply system to Belfast audience
expert address | 8 October, 2019
A leading British businessman and politician will consider the future of the UK food and agri-food industries at the George Scott Robertson (GSR) Memorial Lecture, on Wednesday 6 November
Table for 10 billion: How to Achieve a Food-Secure World
Event news | 30 September, 2019
IGFS and the Coalition of Aid Agencies in NI (CADA) announce the event, Table for 10 Billion: How to Achieve a Food-Secure World, as part of the inaugural One World Festival
Recognition of high standard of courses
Academic affairs | 25 September, 2019
A number of courses delivered through the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS have recently been awarded professional accreditation by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) as well as the Royal Society of Biology
Brown Trout genome sequencing a game-changer for wildlife conservation
Research breakthroughs | 24 September, 2019
The genome sequencing of the wild Brown Trout – a significant milestone in conservation biology – has been completed by an international team of scientists, including from the Institute for Global Food Security
Nutritional risks replace smoking as society’s "biggest killer"
key events | 19 September, 2019
Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s and coronary disease account for the single-largest burden on the public purse in the UK – an estimated £148bn per annum – according to a prominent nutritionist.
How Best to Feed the World? A public discourse at Queen's
flagship events | 6 September, 2019
Internationally leading figures from the worlds of nutrition, health and agriculture will gather at Queen’s to discuss the opportunity to join up food, farming and diet to improve public-health outcomes for a growing population.
Should I stay or should I go? New light shed on migratory behaviour of brown trout
Research publications | 4 September, 2019
A review paper recently published in the leading peer-reviewed Journal of Fish Biology has unearthed new evidence on how genes and the environment determine the movements of brown trout.
Tracking the genes of brown-trout populations
Research publications | 4 September, 2019
A paper just published in the leading peer-reviewed Journal of Fish Biology looks at the current numbers and genetic diversity of brown trout populations in Southwest Scotland.
Marine researchers discover first ever species endangered from deep sea mining
Marine Life | 22 July, 2019
Scientists from Queen's Marine Lab have discovered that the scaly-foot snail or as it’s otherwise known, the sea pangolin, is the first species at risk of extinction due to potential deep sea mining by humans.
Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow starts at IGFS
27 June, 2019
A big welcome to Dr Simon Cameron, who has been awarded a prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship – one of only nine awarded across the University in the latest round.
New evidence shows noise pollution is hampering birds communicating with each other
Research publications | 20 June, 2019
Noise pollution is making it difficult for birds to communicate with each other and it could lead to a severe decline in numbers, new research from IGFS has found.
‘Wonder technology’ to transform farming, food production and mitigate AMR pioneered by IGFS
Cutting-edge Science | 14 June, 2019
A cutting-edge laboratory investigating a new technology and its ability to reduce harmful chemicals and antibiotics in the food chain – and lessen the threat of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) – has been launched.
New research to tackle plastics, one of humankind’s 'greatest threats to existence'
Funding news | 13 June, 2019
IGFS researchers are investigating the damage that nano plastics and microplastics can have on the human body.
New Director of Interdisciplinary Research appointed
Staff appointments | 12 June, 2019
Queen's University Belfast is delighted to welcome Professor Aedin Cassidy as Director of Interdisciplinary Research at IGFS. She will take up the role on 1 September 2019.
New board comprising world-leading scientific expertise
Governance news | 12 June, 2019
IGFS is delighted to announced its new International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB) ahead of the group’s inaugural visit to Queen’s University this week.
Major funding award for school-food project won by Queen’s
research funding | 21 May, 2019
A leading academic from IGFS has been selected for one of only eight new major UK funding awards, and the only one in Northern Ireland.
North West Eden spinoff could be "ready within two years," IGFS Annual Lecture told
Annual Lecture | 10 May, 2019
The regeneration of Derry/Londonderry’s riverside area into a scientific research, agricultural, entertainment and tourism facility, along the lines of the Eden Project in Cornwall, would cost around £65million.
Surprising discoveries about the life of pigs
Animal behaviour | 16 April, 2019
Intriguing – and unpredicted – gender differences in the social-play behaviour of young pigs, with links to aggression later in life, have been uncovered by new research from IGFS.
Marks & Spencer announce placement programme for Queen’s students
Industry partnerships | 2 April, 2019
The M&S CEO, Steve Rowe, has delivered the annual KPMG Lecture at Queen's Management School where he announced a new student placement programme.
Sir Tim Smit confirmed for IGFS talk
Annual Lecture | 1 April, 2019
One of the most high-profile figures from the worlds of environmentalism, tourism and public engagement has been confirmed to deliver the 2019 IGFS Annual Lecture
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care visits Queen's University
Policy engagement | 22 March, 2019
Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock MP, has held discussions with IGFS academics and representatives from the NI food industry during a visit to Queen's.
IGFS Professor appointed to new plasma centre
Staff news | 21 March, 2019
Professor Brendan Gilmore has been announced as the Director of the Centre for Plasma in Agri-Food (AgriPlas), which has been established within the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s - watch our video to find out more about the centre.
IGFS researcher uncovers link between heart-healthy diets and brain function in middle age
Nutrition & health | 7 March, 2019
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, moderate in nuts, fish and alcohol and low in meat and full-fat dairy is associated with better cognitive performance in middle age, according to a new study led by an IGFS researcher.
View the IGFS Newsletter
Click here
Devenish Doctoral Training Programme
Industry links | 7 March, 2019
IGFS is to host a doctoral training programme in partnership with Belfast-based international agri-tech company Devenish, offering two PhD studentships in research areas at the cutting edge of agri-food innovation.
IGFS researcher lands top award
Staff recognition | 5 March, 2019
An IGFS researcher who investigates the link between nutrition and cancer has received a prestigious award from a leading cancer charity.
Queen’s researchers using non-edible food waste to make reduced-plastic packaging
Circular economy | 28 February, 2019
A ground-breaking project at Queen’s to turn non-edible food waste into new forms of packaging – in a bid to reduce plastic – has attracted substantial investment via IGFS in a highly competitive European funding competition.
New biomarker that could save time, money and lives
New technologies | 17 January, 2019
Researchers at IGFS have developed a highly innovative enzyme biomarker test that has the potential to indicate diseases and bacterial contamination.
IGFS researcher among team awarded 6.1 million euros to address fertility issues
Reproductive health | 15 January, 2019
IGFS has been awarded 6.1 million euros, in collaboration with 11 other global partner universities and institutions, to develop a test to identify harmful chemicals that affect female fertility.
Top names in UK agri-food get behind Institute of Global Food Security at Queen’s
Industry links | 4 December, 2018
Key figures from the UK agri-food industry have become official ‘Ambassadors’ for the Institute of Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast.
Queen's collaboration receives £5M to enable 100 doctoral students
Education advances | 22 November, 2018
Queen's University Belfast and The University of Aberdeen are bringing together their environmental research and teaching centres of excellence to deliver a unique PhD opportunity for 100 students.
Radical start-ups pitching to agri-food ‘giants’ in shared-innovation event
Industry event | 15 November, 2018
Some of the most imaginative and radical food start-ups from all over the world have been selected to attend the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast on Wednesday 21 November.
IGFS partners with Royal Society of Biology and ITN to produce film for UK campaign
Media news | 30 October, 2018
IGFS recently teamed up with the Royal Society of Biology and ITN Productions to produce one of a series of news and current affairs-style programmes from around the UK, exploring the breadth and depth of biosciences.
Basking sharks can jump as high and as fast as a great white shark
Natural world | 20 September, 2018
A team of scientists led by Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Roehampton have found basking sharks can jump as fast and as high out of the water as their cousin, the famously powerful and predatory great white shark.
Queen's to host AIMday Big Data, AI and the One Health Agenda
One health | 13 August, 2018
Queen’s University Belfast will hosting AIMday Big Data, AI and the One Health Agenda on Friday 19th October 2018 at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast.
Belfast Summit on Global Food Integrity
Flagship event | 27 June, 2018
IGFS recently hosted the inaugural Belfast Summit on Global Food Integrity which attracted over 600 delegates from 47 countries to the Waterfront Hall over four days.
New strategic alliance announced by Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and Queen’s
Forging partnerships | 18 May, 2018
AFBI and Queen’s University Belfast have announced a new strategic alliance to create a globally competitive research and education partnership, developing the next generation of leaders and experts in agri-food and bioscience.
World's First Blockchain Beer - Brewed in Northern Ireland
Industry links | 17 May, 2018
The world’s first ‘blockchain’ beer has been produced in Northern Ireland and will be launched at the Belfast Summit of Global Food Integrity later this month.
'Wonder technology' that could help fight AMR
New technologies | 1 May, 2018
IGFS is to establish a dedicated research facility to investigate a new and cutting-edge technology with huge and exciting potential to reduce harmful chemicals and antibiotics in the food chain.
Major award for IGFS academic
Staff recognition | 18 April, 2018
Professor Bob Elwood has won a major award for his pioneering research into the question of whether crustaceans can and do feel pain and the impact of that research.
Optimistic note struck at IGFS Annual Lecture
28 March, 2018
The IGFS Annual Lecture at Riddel Hall on Tuesday 27 March 2018 was a great success, with a capacity audience made up of representatives from the Northern Ireland agri-food industry, the public sector and academia.
EIT Food: Global Food Venture
29 March, 2018
EIT Food is excited to announce the opening of the Global Food Venture's (GFV) application phase!
IGFS URGES EU TO DO MORE TO LOWER ARSENIC LEVELS IN INFANT FOOD
22 March, 2018
Researchers at the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) have said that EU laws introduced in January 2016 regarding carcinogen inorganic arsenic should be revised to ensure a lowered concentration of arsenic in baby food.
Queen’s University Belfast report warns of cancer risk from chemicals used to cure processed meats
Health | 16 March, 2018
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have found that nitrates used in the curing process for processed meats can produce chemicals that cause an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR AMMONIA EMISSIONS
8 February, 2018
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have partnered with the local agri-food industry to develop a ‘green’ solution to the problem of agricultural ammonia emissions.
Queen’s University Scientist Helps Uncover Secret of Mass Mortality Event in Remote Steppe Grassland
10 January, 2018
The sudden death of 200,000 critically endangered saiga antelopes was caused by unusual environmental conditions, it has emerged.
IGFS-industry partnerships secure major investment
14 December, 2017
Projects that bring together the Northern Ireland agri-food industry and scientists from IGFS have received a significant investment, it has been announced.
New Postgraduate Research Studentships 2018/19
12 December, 2017
Applications are now open for six new PhD programmes, funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE). The deadline is Friday 26 January 2018 and details of each of the six studentships can be found below.
MAJOR AWARD AND A UK FIRST FOR QUEEN'S SCIENTIST
13 December, 2017
An academic from the Institute for Global Food Security has won a major award – and made a little history – for his contributions to peer-reviewing.
IGFS honoured to host UK-China Regional Leaders Summit
4 December, 2017
Top ranking politicians, business figures and other, strategic decision makers from seven key regions across China visited Northern Ireland over the weekend for the UK-China Regional Leaders Summit.
‘Meet the Agri-Food Employers’ event at Riddel Hall
28 November, 2017
Top UK farming and agri-food industry figure to speak at Queen's
10 November, 2017
Queen’s University Belfast Project to Boost NI Artisan Food Industry
Business | 30 October, 2017
Queen’s Research Shows Illegal Levels of Arsenic Found in Baby Foods
4 May, 2017
Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have found that almost half of baby rice food products contain illegal levels of inorganic arsenic despite new regulations set by the EU
Queen’s University Belfast to Lead EU-China Collaboration to Tackle Food Fraud
14 June, 2017
The Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast will lead one of the world’s largest food safety projects across Europe and China.
Queen’s Host Debate to Tackle the Global Challenges in the Food Industry
Food security | 20 September, 2017
Guilty or Not Guilty: The Fight against Food Fraud
1 February, 2017
Discover more about the launch of the Food Integrity, Fraud and Traceability Distance Learning module.
EXPERTS CALL FOR INCREASED ACTION ON PROTECTING THOSE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES
11 May, 2016
More action needs to be taken in order to better protect people with food allergies.
FOOD SAFETY EXPERT APPOINTED TO LEAD QUEEN’S INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
5 May, 2016
A world-leading expert in animal agriculture and associated supply chains has been appointed Director of Queen’s Institute for Global Food Security. Professor Nigel Scollan will take up the post on 1 September 2016.