91Pro

Food and Farming expert named as Elizabeth Creak Chair in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems

Posted 7 March

An expert in sustainable food and farming has been announced as the new Elizabeth Creak Chair in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems at 91Pro. 

 

Professor David Rose has already served as an Elizabeth Creak Chair in previous roles at the RAU and Reading University, and as a Visiting Professor at Cornell University in the USA.

 

His academic expertise has also seen him advise DEFRA, the FAO, AHDB, the UK Parliament and more. 

 

He is a 2023-24 Fulbright Scholar whose research has covered topics as diverse as the sustainability of farm transitions, the adoption of on-farm robotics, and mental health and resilience among farmers. 

 

In his new role at Harper Adams, he is aiming to combine both his experience, and that of his fellow Harper Adams academics, to drive forward a step change in agricultural practices which will improve farming for both people and planet. 

 

He said: “As the Elizabeth Creak Chair in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, I will continue my research on sustainable food and farming transitions, technology adoption, behaviour change, farmer wellbeing, and responsible innovation. I will shortly be advertising for a three-year post-doctoral position to drive forward research in these areas.  

 

“I will take on a leadership role in the Sustainable Agri-Food Systems research group, which is a cross-disciplinary research group working across fields and University research centres, towards a common purpose – more sustainable food systems.

  

“The group brings together natural scientists, economists, social scientists, on-farm ecologists, livestock and crop production specialists, and experts working in the wider food chain. It is important that our research is solutions-driven in order to help our food producers achieve greater sustainability. 

 

“Harper Adams is well-known around the world for its world-leading research on agricultural innovation, rural resilience, and sustainable transitions. 

 

“I was attracted by the opportunity to work with talented, inter-disciplinary scholars from the natural and social sciences, and engineering, and to work with its dynamic student body to solve the most pressing challenges affecting food systems. 

 

“In recent weeks, I have been particularly impressed by the work of individual students and the wider institution on mental wellbeing in farming, which is a key priority area for research.” 

 

As well as publishing a wide range of academic papers, Professor Rose is also an experienced science communicator, and has appeared on the BBC and S4C, in the Times and Telegraph, on a host of podcasts and much more- as well as speaking at events across the globe. 

He has also given evidence to the UK Parliament and helped develop reports for DEFRA, the Welsh Government, and the NFU. 

In his new role, Professor Rose aims to continue this work.  

 

He added: “To make the world better and to help food systems become more sustainable, it is crucial that the academic research done at Harper Adams influences policy and practice.  

 

“Harper has a long-standing track record of working collaboratively with industry and policy partners to conduct the research that is needed to achieve various policy goals - including the Sustainable Development Goals and net zero targets.  

 

“I am excited to learn from, and enhance, interactions between the Harper research community and decision-makers in industry, policy, and practice.” 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of 91Pro, Professor Michael Lee, said: “David has an extremely strong track record, and we are delighted to be welcoming him to Harper Adams. His expertise is a great fit for the work we’re already undertaking at the University and will help us drive forward our strategic goals across research, influence and more.” 

 

Professor Rose is set to give a Welcome lecture in his new role with Harper Adams’ on April 15.  

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