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Archive
The latest news from the School of Biological Sciences
PhD Students impress with their presentations in the School’s 3 Minute Thesis Competition
13 May, 2025

On 13 May, 10 PhD students from across the School gathered to showcase their research in the School’s annual 3 Minute Thesis Competition.

PhD Expedition Maps Critical Habitats of Mobula Rays in the Galápagos Islands
9 May, 2025

Farah Hamdan’s latest fieldwork explores how mobula rays can be better protected through science, policy, and local collaboration.

Black tea and berries could contribute to healthier ageing, research shows
6 May, 2025

Higher intakes of black tea, berries, citrus fruits and apples could help to promote healthy ageing, new research has found.

Celebrating RSB Accreditation Success and Student Achievement at the House of Commons
11 April, 2025

The School of Biological Sciences is proud to announce that twenty one of our programmes have once again received accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). 

Mia Constantinescu Wins Big at 2025 National Student Media Awards
10 April, 2025

Zoology student Mia Constantinescu claimed two top awards at this year’s National Student Media Awards, which celebrate outstanding student journalism across Ireland.

Managing Nature Based Risks to the UK Economy and Opportunities for Green Finance
8 April, 2025

The event, which was supported by the Gibson Trust, is a cornerstone in the Northern Ireland agri-food calendar.

Packet of chewing gum
Stop chewing: New research reveals the shocking number of microplastics in a single piece of gum
4 April, 2025

A first-of-its-kind study, led by Queen’s University Belfast, exposes the potentially harmful materials found in gum that are going unnoticed.

Research reveals that Northern Ireland is feeling strain of climate change
3 April, 2025

Warm temperatures and erratic rainfall due to climate change are taking a toll on Northern Ireland’s health and farming industry, a new study reveals.

Emma Healey wins Staff Excellence Award for 'Making an Impact'
28 March, 2025

On Friday 28 March, Emma Healey, Senior Technician in the School of Biological Sciences Marine Lab, deservedly won in the 'Making an Impact' category at Queen's annual Staff Excellence Awards.

Animals in cities are adapting to climate change, research shows
24 February, 2025

A new study indicates animal populations living in urban areas show elevated resilience to stressful environmental conditions, with conservation implications.

Inspiring Future Scientists at Queen's Biology Showcase
15 February, 2025

On Saturday 15 February, Queen’s Biology Showcase, part of NI Science Festival 2025, once again wowed visitors with a day full of interactive exhibits, insightful talks, and hands-on activities that brought the fascinating world of biology to life.

Queen's Research Explores the Global Impact of Industrialisation

Research at Queen’s is at the forefront of research to understand and manage the impacts of human-induced global change. Dr Daniel Pincheira-Donoso explains more.

Latest research details the environmental risks of invasive species

Dr Ross Cuthbert explores the growing environmental problem that threatens ecosystems, human health, and the economy.

New Milestone for Methane Mitigation
10 February, 2025

Guidelines released for research and implementation of feed additives to reduce ruminant methane emissions.

Remembering Professor Simon Doherty - our colleague, friend and mentor
18 December, 2024

The School of Biological Sciences is deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague, friend and mentor to many, Professor Simon Doherty.

£14 Million in Funding Announced for Five Research Projects into Land Use and Net Zero
29 November, 2024

Five pioneering UK research projects have each received a share of £14.5 million funding under phase two of the transforming land use for net zero, nature and people programme.

QUB invited to represent at leading platform for ocean law and policy in Southeast Asia

Dr Kerstin Kröger, a Senior Research Fellow from QUB’s School of Biological Sciences, recently represented QUB as invited speaker at the 13th Ocean Dialogue in Can Tho, Vietnam.

Queen's-led project to drive better health outcomes and local economy with AI
21 November, 2024

Queen’s University and Ulster University have been successful in a major, UK government funding award to train a new generation of PhD students in the joint area of AI and bio-sciences.

Global Issues Poster Symposium 2024
20 November, 2024

The 3rd Annual Global Issues Poster Symposium, hosted by the School of Biological Sciences, sponsored by the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water proved to be an outstanding success.

SBS Professor Awarded World’s Most Prestigious Food Science Prize
20 November, 2024

At a recent ceremony hosted in Copenhagen, Professor Rudolf Krska from Queen’s University Belfast was honoured with this year’s Nils Foss Excellence Prize.

Celebrating International Men’s Day 2024
19 November, 2024

To celebrate International Men’s Day on Tuesday 19 November 2024, the SWAN committee in the School of Biological Sciences hosted an exciting week long series of events.

World-renowned County Down vet awarded prestigious title
6 November, 2024

Professor Simon Doherty, Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, has been awarded an Honorary Professor of Practice for his remarkable dedication to his field.

Study uses wastewater to track flu variants which could detect next pandemic at an early stage
6 November, 2024

Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have discovered a cutting-edge way to track both human and avian flu variants using wastewater.

Photo of Temple Grandin, courtesy of the Denver Business Journal
Queen’s hosts Dr Temple Grandin to celebrate 100 Years of Agriculture, Food and Biological Science
14 October, 2024

This week, Queen’s University Belfast excitingly welcomes renowned American academic and animal behaviour expert, Dr Temple Grandin to campus.

DEARA US-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme Award for QUB to Transform Pig Husbandry with AI
11 October, 2024

Queen’s University Belfast secures funding from DAERA as part of the US-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme to use AI for improving piglet survival rates by monitoring feeding patterns and enhancing husbandry practices.

Celebrating Black History Month 2024
9 October, 2024

This month the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS celebrated Black History Month with an exciting Talent Exhibition and International Coffee Morning

Consuming berries, tea and red wine may reduce the risk of dementia, new study shows
18 September, 2024

New research has found that those who consume more foods rich in flavonoids, such as berries, tea, red wine and dark chocolate, could lower their risk of dementia.

Queen's hosts the ESVCN 2024 Congress
17 September, 2024

Queen's University were delighted to host the European Society for Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ESVCN) Congress, and the associated activities of the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN), for 3 days last week.

UG Welcome Day 2024
12 September, 2024

A big welcome to all our new Undergraduate Students, including our American cohort from Northeastern University!

Making Waves at Queen’s Marine Lab Open Day
7 August, 2024

On Saturday 3 August, Queen’s Marine Lab in Portaferry once again welcomed the public to its annual Open Day as part of the Portaferry Sails and Sounds Festival which celebrates the rich maritime culture of the region.

Green algae on lake
Latest research details the public health risks of Lough Neagh harmful algal blooms
6 August, 2024

Much of the foul-smelling, so-called algal mats banked up around the shore of Lough Neagh consist of bacteria primarily associated with faeces from livestock or human-effluent.

Queen's research shows how healthy animals could combat the climate crisis
24 July, 2024

Across the world, farmers and governments are under growing pressure to address emissions from livestock, leading to calls to reduce livestock numbers.

New research networks will tackle antimicrobial resistance
24 July, 2024

Eight new networks, combining different research specialisms, will work together to tackle one of humanity’s biggest threats, antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Summer Graduation 2024
2 July, 2024

Our Graduation reception at the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security on Tuesday 2 July 2024 was a great success!

Award-winning student graduates having secured PhD funding to help further his research
2 July, 2024

Reece Mills is graduating today with a Master’s in Marine Biology with Professional Studies having secured funding for a PhD.

PhD students impress with their presentations at the School Postgraduate Research Symposium
1 July, 2024

From 17th to 21st June, PhD students from across the school and IGFS came together for our Postgraduate Research Symposium.

Biological Sciences teams win Silver and Bronze at LEAF Awards

Congratulations to our colleagues for their success at the recent LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) Awards Ceremony held in the Great Hall on the 19th June 2024.

Honorary Professorship acknowledges AFBI experts’ contribution to advancing sustainable agriculture

Dr Steven Morrison has been awarded an Honorary Professorship by the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast.

STEM Careers Event
STEM Teachers and Careers Advisers Are Hosted at School of Biological Sciences Showcase

The School of Biological Sciences hosted secondary STEM teachers, careers teachers and careers advisors to learn and engage with the subjects we offer, careers available, hear from students and alumni panel.

It was a pleasure to engage with secondary level science teachers, careers teachers, and careers advisors from across Northern Ireland today. We had the opportunity to showcase the extensive array of subjects and career paths available through the School of Biological Sciences. Here are some key takeaways from our session:

- Diverse Career Options: Our degree pathways offer a wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional lab and research roles. Many attendees found it enlightening to discover the breadth of careers accessible to our graduates.
- Integration of Math and Technology: The role of math and technology in both studies and careers within biological sciences. It's important to note that while these subjects may seem challenging in school, their application in higher education and professional settings is quite different, and students should not be deterred by their school experiences.
- Advice from Students and Alumni: Our panel shared valuable advice for their A Level selves: ask questions, seize opportunities, pursue your passions, and don't stress about having your career path figured out by age 16.

These interactions are vital for maintaining the strong connection between students, teachers, careers advisors, and universities. By working together, we can support students in making well-informed and significant decisions regarding their studies and future careers. These connections are essential for fostering a collaborative environment that benefits everyone involved.

Thanks to our wonderful panel for supporting!

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QUB students impress and secure second place at Ecotrophelia UK final
12 June, 2024

2024 is the 12th year of Ecotrophelia UK, the British heat of a Europe-wide Dragons Den style competition.

€35m Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems officially launched in Dublin
30 May, 2024

The new €35m research collaboration will aim to drive societal and political change in food systems to help the industry's transition to climate neutrality by 2050.

New Queen's study suggests potential long-term impact of global warming on sleep
29 May, 2024

The first of its kind study suggests that changing seasons and dramatic shifts in extreme weather conditions are likely to impact sleep patterns.

Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water officially launched

The new Co-Centre will deliver solutions to the most pressing challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity decline and water degradation across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Queen’s University Belfast Lecturer named ‘World Vet of the Year 2024’
23 April, 2024

Dr Simon Doherty ‘thrilled’ to take home the prestigious World Veterinary Association title.

Selection of fresh fruit on a platter
Queen's University and MOBILion announce collaboration to advance food safety
26 March, 2024

Queen's University and MOBILion Systems, Inc. have launched a new partnership to advance food safety by innovating test methods and tools that aim to quickly identify contaminants, enhancing current technologies for better detection.

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
8 March, 2024

To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March 2024, the SWAN committee in the School of Biological Sciences hosted an exciting week long series of celebration events from Monday 4 March 2024 to Friday 8 March 2024.

Dr Falloon speaking at the GSR2024 lecture
Keynote Lecture Highlights Urgency of Climate Action for UK Food System
28 February, 2024

In a thought-provoking lecture held at Riddel Hall recently, Dr. Pete Falloon, Met Office's lead on Climate Service for Defra on Food, Farming, and the Natural Environment, asked the question "What does climate change mean for the UK food system?"

Dr Simon Doherty winner of One Health category of of the WVA Global Veterinary Awards

Biological Sciences and IGFS colleague has been announced as the winner of the “One Health” category of the World Veterinary Association (WVA) Global Veterinary Awards.

Major research investment into national land land use transformation
6 February, 2024

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and Ulster University (UU) are members of a winning consortium of 34 organisations awarded a £6.5m government grant to establish a ‘Land Use for Net Zero’ (LUNZ) Hub.

Table with an array of harvested vegetables
IGFS research shows plant-based diet significantly reduces the risk of type two diabetes

A new population-based study led by Queen’s University Belfast has found that a substantial number of type two diabetes cases could be avoided through adopting a healthy plant-based diet.

Winter Graduation 2023
13 December, 2023

This year's Winter Graduation Celebration at the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security was an incredible success!

Cows standing in a field in Burgundy, France
Queen’s University Belfast leading global research project aimed at reducing methane emissions
4 December, 2023

A global research project led by Queen's University Belfast and involving 24 institutions and universities worldwide, will explore the microbial world within rumen, a complex and little-studied ecosystem in livestock.

Pharmaceutical lab stock image
Queen’s and Almac Discovery launch state-of-the-art Chemoproteomics facility in Belfast
29 November, 2023

Queen’s University Belfast and Almac Discovery have announced a five-year project to develop a new Chemoproteomics Centre of Excellence for drug discovery.

Person walking through a wheat field
Queen’s and partners awarded £27.4m to transform food system
28 November, 2023

The new Co-Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems will be managed jointly by Queen’s University Belfast and University College Dublin (UCD), working closely with the University of Sheffield.

QUB and partners receive €41.3million for new climate research centre
28 November, 2023

The Climate+ Co-Centre will be the home of research, innovation, and policy development across the interlinked challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and water degradation on the islands of Ireland and Britain.

Celebrating International Men's Day 2023
22 November, 2023

To celebrate the International Men’s Day in November 2023, Paul Caplat, SWAN champion for SoBS, formed and led an organisation committee composed by colleagues across the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences.

Queen’s University secures UKRI funding for Transformative Centre for Doctoral Training
31 October, 2023

Queen’s, in collaboration with University of Lincoln, University of Aberdeen and University of Strathclyde, has secured £10.6M in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to establish SUSTAIN, a transformative Centre for Doctoral Training.

Green algae bloom on a lake
QUB research at the cutting edge of tackling blue green algae in Lough Neagh
6 October, 2023

There has been significant public and media interest in the ‘perfect storm’ that has led to Lough Neagh experiencing one of its worst seasons ever for blue green algae blooms.

Queen’s and AFBI selected by UK Government to spearhead animal-health campaign
9 August, 2023

The Queen’s-AFBI Strategic Alliance is celebrating after two of its proposals secured prestigious funding from BBSRC as part of an £11.5M UK Government campaign to ‘revolutionise UK livestock' and improve animal health.

School technician takes part in UK-wide leadership programme
2 August, 2023

Emma Healey from the School of Biological Sciences joined women from around the UK on course designed to equip female technicians with leadership & management skills

Summer Graduation 2023
7 July, 2023

Our Graduation reception at the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security on Thursday 6 July 2023 was a great success!

A right Royal day out
Staff Honours | 7 July, 2023

Chris Preshaw, Technical Manager & Chief Technician at the School of Biological Sciences, was an invited guest at the recent Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey

IPSAM conference hosted in Belfast
Conferences & Meetings | 5 July, 2023

The Irish Plant Scientists’ Association Meeting (IPSAM) returned in style with a recent meeting co-hosted by Queen's University Belfast and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). Below, a delegate reflects on a successful gathering.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES - CHICKEN WORK PLACEMENT 800X533PX
Celebrating our education offer across food science & nutrition
23 June, 2023

Dr Susan Doherty, Director of Education in the School of Biological Sciences, put together this useful guide for prospective students as part of a careers-information campaign run by the NI Department for the Economy (DfE).

Queen’s and AFBI Strategic Alliance team recognised by national body
20 June, 2023

The Queen's-AFBI Alliance is celebrating ‘success squared’ after two of its leading members were honoured, separately, by the respected British Society for Animal Science (BSAS).

The secret life of animals
Animal Welfare | 13 June, 2023

Our colleague Dr Gareth Arnott reflects on his, and Prof Robert Elwood's, efforts to challenge conventional thinking on animal sentience, including what they're 'thinking' when they fight

New food-testing method from Queen's University scores top marks in study
Food Integrity | 8 June, 2023

A potentially game-changing method to ensure the authenticity of food has achieved 100% accuracy in a research project led by IGFS & SBS – with potential for application across the global, food-supply chain.

Queen's links up with RSPB NI and National Trust to host nature-friendly food and farming conference
24 May, 2023

IGFS and SBS are hosting a one-day conference, 'Save Our Wild Isles', in partnership with RSPB NI and The National Trust to look at the role of agriculture in the context of nature and the climate crisis.

Global loss of biodiversity is significantly more alarming than previously suspected
Biodiversity Loss | 23 May, 2023

A new study led by researchers from SBS has shown that the global loss of biodiversity caused by human industrialisation is significantly more alarming than previously thought.

The potential of natural fungi for psychedelic drug treatments
Interdisciplinary Research | 21 May, 2023

Fungi may not be as scarily powerful as portrayed in the TV zombie series The Last of Us - but they could herald a new era in the treatment of mental-health disorders. Our resident fungus expert, Dr Edel Hyland examines the latest research

SBS delegation attend prestigious, UK food-industry event
15 May, 2023

Four PhD students from the SBS and IGFS have been selected to attend the invitation-only City of London Food & Drink Lecture – where they will mix with royalty and thought leaders from the world of food and farming

New investment in PhD research via Queen's-AFBI Alliance
PGR Scholarships | 27 April, 2023

Two new PhD places at Queen's University and AFBI, with a third at Ulster Uni, are to be supported by a new scholarship from NI farmer-funded research body, AgriSearch.

International Net Zero workshop at IGFS
2 May, 2023

A high-level, international delegation of stakeholders from the worlds of farming and food production recently gathered at Queen’s University Belfast to discuss barriers, and potential solutions, to achieving Net Zero.

Queen’s scoops two awards at Balmoral Show
Outreach & Engagement | 10 May, 2023

SBS & IGFS played a leading role in the Queen's University stand at Balmoral Show this year - but the whole University enjoyed a successful outing, including a double award from event organisers RUAS, as detailed in the MRCI news release below ...

No 1 ranked UK university for agriculture, food and veterinary sciences hosts top team from UKRI
Research Impact | 13 March, 2023

The School of Biological Sciences and IGFS were delighted to host the leadership team from UKRI, the UK government agency that oversees all public investment in science research.

Memorial lecture emphasises ‘One Health’ approach to livestock science, farming and food systems
7 March, 2023

Scottish 'One Health' expert gives the 65th George Scott Robertson Memorial Lecture at Queen's

SBS expert appointed to international veterinary committee
Staff Appointment | 7 February, 2023

An academic at the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS has been appointed to a senior post at the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA).

Dr Gareth Arnott
Animal-welfare expert appointed to UK government committee
Research Impact | 23 January, 2023

An academic at the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS has been appointed to a high-level UK government committee in the area of animal welfare.  

Leading agrifood businesswoman appointed honorary professor
Business Alliance | 19 December, 2022

A leading, local businesswoman has been appointed honorary ‘Professor of Practice’ within the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS.

How sustainable is your Christmas tree?
Sustainability | 14 December, 2022

If you celebrate Christmas, chances are you decorate a tree in your home. But how do you make an informed and environment-friendly choice? Dr Paul Caplat, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, guides the way

Queen’s and AFBI win funding in race to decarbonise agriculture and promote sustainability
7 December, 2022

Researchers from our School and AFBI have together won a series of high-profile funding competitions in the area of agriculture and environmental sustainability.

SBS student lands top scholarship
23 November, 2022

One of our students has been successful in a prestigious, all-Ireland scholarship scheme to support careers in healthcare

Researchers form all-island project on bovine TB
10 November, 2022

Scientists from SBS, AFBI & UCD have joined forces in a concerted bid to understand the immunology of bovine TB (bTB), particularly the role that nutrition and Vitamin D might play, on an all-island basis for the first time.

SBS successful in major European funding competition aimed at tackling climate change
28 October, 2022

The new Horizon Europe project Re-Livestock - Facilitating Innovations for Resilient Livestock Farming Systems - is about to start and researchers from our School will lead one of the projects

Institute and School honorary professor appointed to high-level EU body
15 September, 2022

A Professor of Practice at SBS & IGFS has been appointed to a top EU panel of experts to help drive forward solutions to the climate crisis, in particular the key role that soil health can play.

Queen’s University Belfast and agrifood company announce generous, food-science scholarship
Bursary Opportunity | 17 August, 2022

Queen’s and Finnebrogue Artisan have launched a new post-graduate scholarship in memory of Denis Lynn, the founder of Finnebrogue.

Staff blog: Prof Ilias Kyriazakis reflects on winning the prestigious Blaxter Award
Staff Blog | 27 July, 2022

As well as being a great honour and recognition for my work, winning the 2021 Nutrition Society Blaxter Award for my contribution to the field of Whole Body Metabolism and Animal Nutrition also signifies the completion of a cycle in my career.

Crop with windmills and sunset
Queen’s University in major UK project to combat climate change
7 July, 2022

Queen’s University Belfast was today named part of a high-level, government-backed, £5 million research network designed to jumpstart the UK agrifood industry’s journey to carbon Net Zero.

dogs
Staff Blog
7 July, 2022

As the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 makes its way through UK parliament, our colleague Dr Gareth Arnott reflects on his role as Lead of the Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN).

Passionate Food Nutritionist graduates from Queen’s
GRADUATION | 6 July, 2022

 Peter Gracey (22) from Belfast, is delighted to today graduate with a Masters in Food Chemistry and Taste Analysis before embarking on his next adventure in the USA.  

Pets or threats? Goldfish might be harmful for biodiversity
Natural Environment | 25 May, 2022

A new study has highlighted the potential threat of pet fish to biodiversity.

Agrifood VIPs out in force for Professor John Gilliland lecture
18 May, 2022

A high-profile audience from the world of local, national and international agrifood attended the inaugural lecture of Professor John Gilliland, marking his honorary Professorship from Queen’s University Belfast.

School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security score UK No 1
12 May, 2022

Research at IGFS and the SBS (in which it sits) has been rated 1st in the UK in the latest Research Exercise Framework (REF) – an independent assessment of research quality, impact and environment at UK universities.

Honorary professorships galvanise sustainability agenda at Queen’s University
10 May, 2022

Two honorary professorships have recently been awarded by the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS (jointly) at Queen’s.

Dairy Cows on a farm
Rapid and widespread change needed to meet net zero targets for livestock
5 April, 2022

A report published by the consortium CIEL (Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock) has identified that greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if wide scale and highly effective mitigations are adopted across UK farms.

Sheep in Connemara National Park
UK government backs key BBSRC animal welfare programme led by Dr Gareth Arnott
31 March, 2022

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will co-fund research network, for the first time, underlining animal welfare as a high government priority.

Queen’s hosts international early-career researchers in animal health
ECR Outreach | 23 March, 2022

IGFS and the School of Biological Sciences hosted an international delegation of early-career researchers as part of the Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (SVEPM) annual conference, taking place in Belfast.

meat
Leading food-integrity researchers question influential data around red meat
Public Health | 21 March, 2022

An international team of scientists has challenged the latest data linking the consumption of unprocessed red meat to certain diseases.

Lanyon Building at Queen's University Belfast
Queen’s joins all-Ireland initiative to ensure food security and sustainability
22 March, 2022

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA, and his Republic of Ireland counterpart, Charlie McConalogue TD, today formally launched the All-Island Food Integrity Initiative (FOOD-I) – in which Queen’s University Belfast will play a leading role.

Lanyon Building at Queen's University Belfast
New Wastewater Surveillance Programme, led by SBS, monitors COVID-19 at community level
Public Health | 9 March, 2022

Health Minister Robin Swann and Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon today visited MHLS to launch a major initiative that will provide an early warning alert to any upsurge or new variants in relation to COVID-19.

plant in soil
Improving soils to halt climate change ‘costing the earth’
Climate Change | 23 February, 2022

Investing in the ground beneath our feet could have wide-ranging benefits for the environment, animal and human health – as well as moving closer to Net Zero, according to research led by Dr Ryan McGuire.

IGFS welcomes Sir Peter Kendall review of Northern Ireland agri-food
Policy Engagement | 22 February, 2022

IGFS has welcomed a review of the Northern Ireland agri-food system and its main recommendations.

SBS and UK Government Chemist dive into the sticky world of honey fraud
Food Authenticity | 8 February, 2022

The SBS teamed up with the UK Government Chemist team, hosted at LGC, to publish two significant scientific papers in Nature Portfolio Journal, npj-Science of Food, highlighting the increasing complexity of honey authentication.

Red wine and berries could improve life expectancy for those with Parkinson’s
Healthy Ageing | 3 February, 2022

Research from our School has found, for the first time, that people with Parkinson’s disease who eat more flavonoids — compounds found in foods like berries, cocoa, tea and red wine — may have improved life expectancy compared to those who don’t.

Cool runnings: unravelling the winter movements of basking sharks
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR | 2 February, 2022

New research has revealed that basking sharks overwintering in tropical waters off Africa experience cooler temperatures than those remaining in Ireland.

Red squirrel conservation strategies likely to undermine species survival in future
ENVIRONMENT | 31 January, 2022

New research has shown how current red squirrel conservation strategies in the UK and Ireland, that favour non-native conifer plantations, are likely to negatively impact red squirrels.

Researchers discover how amphibians differ in caring for their young
7 January, 2022

Research led by the School of Biological Sciences reveals the diverse ways that amphibians care for their young determine how many eggs they lay.

The global economic costs of invasive aquatic crustaceans amounted to at least US$ 271 million
BIODIVERSITY | 24 January, 2022

Queen's hosts Annual George Scott Robertson Lecture
EVENTS | 13 December, 2021

Professor Maggie Gill OBE, FRSE reflected on what the outcomes of COP26 mean for Northern Ireland’s agricultural and agrifood sector

Agrifood thought leader appointed ‘Professor of Practice’
ENTERPRISE | 17 November, 2021

Dr John Gilliland has been appointed honorary ‘Professor of Practice’ within IGFS and the School of Biological Sciences.

Seaweed supplements could significantly reduce livestock methane emissions
CLIMATE CHANGE | 10 November, 2021

As Cop26 continues to debate the role of methane in climate change, IGFS and School of Biological Sciences researchers are to feed seaweed to farm animals in a bid to slash methane emissions by at least 30%.

Queen's-AFBI Alliance hosts stakeholder event
STAKEHOLDERS | 1 November, 2021

Leading stakeholders from the worlds of agriculture, sustainability and food systems met at Queen’s University Belfast at a stakeholder evening hosted by the Queen's-AFBI Alliance.

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