Latest Briefing
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How investment in fundamental scientific research leads to practical outcomes
The societal benefits of funding applied scientific research – research which addresses a question that is immediately and directly relevant to an end user such as a farmer or policy maker – are clear. It is nearly always relatively straightforward to identify practical outcomes that emerge from such projects, making them highly attractive to funding bodies and industrial collaborations, particularly at a time of financial constraint. However, these applied outcomes frequently rely upon and develop previous fundamental research programmes for which practical outcomes were not immediately or obviously apparent at the time. This article describes how Scottish Government (SG) investment in a number of fundamental scientific areas at Main Research Providers (MRP), through the Strategic Research Programme has underpinned research which is now yielding practical outcomes that are making a difference in Scotland and beyond.
Read morePublished on 8 March 2016 in Food, health and wellbeing
Recent Briefings
Barriers to the Uptake of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Genetic Selection & Improvement in the Scottish Sheep Sector
Scotland has a reputation for excellence in research into livestock genetics. Genetic improvement using Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) is a recognised method of enhancing productivity, profitability, and competitiveness. Read more
Published on 13 August 2013 in Sustainability and Communities , Food, health and wellbeing
Roots for Sustainability
An understanding of the interactions between roots and the soil is fundamental to food security, human nutrition and environmental sustainability. Read more
Published on 30 July 2013 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy , Food, health and wellbeing
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Our Farm Animal Genetic Resources
This briefing focuses on a recent report on the status of the UK . Read more
Published on 1 July 2013 in Ecosystems and biodiversity
Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma - A Major Animal Health Concern for Scottish Sheep Farming
Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (OPA) , an infectious lung cancer in sheep, has a major economic on farming. Read more
Published on 26 June 2013 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing
Climate Change and Animal Welfare: The Good and the Bad
In recent years, the impact of climate change on our environment has become the subject of much debate. Read more
Published on 2 May 2013 in Climate, water and energy
Does Food Structure Affect Satiety?
Today we are presented with an ever increasing choice of foods to satisfy our hunger. The choice is not only what we eat but also in the form it is presented for consumption; as a solid or as a liquid. Read more
Published on 26 March 2013 in Food, health and wellbeing
Assessing Consumer Responses to Sustainable Plant-based Proteins: Identifying Barriers to Change
In spite of the increasing attention being paid to issues of food security and sustainability we do not fully understand how consumers will respond to the challenges of incorporating more sustainable but less familiar protein sources into their diet. Read more
Published on 8 March 2013 in Food, health and wellbeing
Renewable Energy and Water Resource Inter-relations
Scotland is committed to achieving substantial increases in the proportion of energy from renewable sources. Read more
Published on 7 March 2013 in Climate, water and energy
Vibrant Rural Communities
Vibrant Rural Communities is a research programme that has been commissioned by the Scottish Government, as part of a larger programme of work. Read more
Published on 13 February 2013 in Sustainability and Communities
Developing Foods for Enhanced Satiety - Understanding Food-Gut-Brain Interactions
Currently, dietary rather than pharmacological approaches are being sought to prevent weight gain, aid weight loss and maintain a lower and healthy weight. Read more
Published on 11 February 2013 in Food, health and wellbeing
