UK Food Safety Research Network
Lead Research Organisation:
Quadram Institute
Department Name: Microbes in the Food Chain
Abstract
The UK has a strong commitment to food safety, with food manufacturers being entirely focused on making foods that are healthy and safe for their customers. With the assistance of government departments, there are many programmes in place to regulate how food is produced and to monitor for hazards that might contaminate foods. However, we also know from studies in the UK that it is common for people to visit their GP with food-associated illness and that about a quarter of the UK population have diarrhoea each year. The causes of these cases are rarely determined, and of the estimated £9B annual cost to the UK from these illnesses, £6B are from unknown causes. In studies that were able to look much closer at some cases, the cause of illness was often a microbial pathogen that carried over into food from the environment or from livestock or even from people. Therefore, some hazards such as bacteria are both a challenge to detect and are a challenge to control from entering the food chain. These challenges are only becoming more complex as the food chain evolves in response to new ways of producing foods, new food preferences by consumers, and climate changes that impact the ecology of food. In association with UKRI-BBSRC and the Food Standards Agency, Quadram Institute Bioscience in Norwich is proposing to establish over a 2-year period a new 'UK Food Safety Research Network'. Acting as a hub for scientific innovation and collaborative research to address these complex challenges, the Network will create a community between food industry, government departments, and scientists to create a shared vision and plan for research that can improve the safety of foods now and in the future.
To establish this functional community, the Network will progress through steps of:
Taking a broad view on the leaders who can impact food safety: the Network will identify the landscape of existing food networks and food safety stakeholders from industry, academia, and government sectors, and from therein, activate a critical mass of experts spanning multiple disciplines to form a Network for collaborative innovation and knowledge exchange activities. We will be inclusive of the 'One Health' disciplines that consider the sciences of the environment, animals, and human health.
Identifying areas of opportunity and need for food safety research: the members of the Network will bring their experience and perspectives to identify food safety challenges that can be translated to research and training priorities. We believe that members will be motivated to participate in this problem definition phase of the Network because research priorities will be set against routes to impact by virtue of participation from food system stakeholders at all stages.
Harnessing interdisciplinary talents to drive collaborative projects: the Network will pursue our research priorities with programmes that fund proof-of-concept and other similar projects that act under a 'culture of innovation' to draw upon the insights, data, and technologies from across the Network members' organisations, disciplines, and levels of seniority.
Enhancing the food safety community by implementing and developing skills from Network discoveries: the Network will extend the methods and knowledge developed in our collaborative research by hosting a series of different training events and by sponsoring the exchange of scientists and food industry employees between Network member sites. These programmes will actively support skill development on food safety and interoperability between Network partners.
Bringing forward the Network discoveries to shift the food safety field: the Network will be highly visible and have an active voice through web, audio, and video platforms to support Network engagement with policy makers and other funders. Network research and training outcomes will also be shared more broadly and publicly to further support food safety skill development.
To establish this functional community, the Network will progress through steps of:
Taking a broad view on the leaders who can impact food safety: the Network will identify the landscape of existing food networks and food safety stakeholders from industry, academia, and government sectors, and from therein, activate a critical mass of experts spanning multiple disciplines to form a Network for collaborative innovation and knowledge exchange activities. We will be inclusive of the 'One Health' disciplines that consider the sciences of the environment, animals, and human health.
Identifying areas of opportunity and need for food safety research: the members of the Network will bring their experience and perspectives to identify food safety challenges that can be translated to research and training priorities. We believe that members will be motivated to participate in this problem definition phase of the Network because research priorities will be set against routes to impact by virtue of participation from food system stakeholders at all stages.
Harnessing interdisciplinary talents to drive collaborative projects: the Network will pursue our research priorities with programmes that fund proof-of-concept and other similar projects that act under a 'culture of innovation' to draw upon the insights, data, and technologies from across the Network members' organisations, disciplines, and levels of seniority.
Enhancing the food safety community by implementing and developing skills from Network discoveries: the Network will extend the methods and knowledge developed in our collaborative research by hosting a series of different training events and by sponsoring the exchange of scientists and food industry employees between Network member sites. These programmes will actively support skill development on food safety and interoperability between Network partners.
Bringing forward the Network discoveries to shift the food safety field: the Network will be highly visible and have an active voice through web, audio, and video platforms to support Network engagement with policy makers and other funders. Network research and training outcomes will also be shared more broadly and publicly to further support food safety skill development.
Technical Summary
The food system comprises many social, environmental, and political factors that together affect the foods that are produced and the foods that are sought by consumers. Amongst these overlapping domains of a massive and complex system, there are multiple points where challenges to food safety emerge and endure. As examples, climatic changes can have both immediate and longer-term impacts to food composition when carbon and temperature cycles change and new toxins appear in both aqua- and agriculture. Or, consumer preferences for non-meat protein alternatives that create a large market shift to new classes of foods made through new processes could impart unbeknownst toxin, chemical or microbial hazards. Another example is the use of antibiotics, which might lead to resistant pathogens persisting in food animals, their feedstock, and food production facilities which can each lead to our exposure to foodborne pathogens. All of these challenges - and many others - represent an opportunity of study and for the identification of new interventions or policies that could improve the safety of food. And all of these challenges represent a view on emerging food safety risks that, to be appropriately considered and studied, require participation from a multitude of stakeholders and scientific disciplines.
It is the goal of the Network to establish a multi-stakeholder approach to apply science to the food safety challenges prioritised within this community as areas where collaborative research could make a positive impact to food safety. Within the Network, policy and industry sectors will come together with academic research through problem definition exercises, funded collaborative research projects, and food safety training fora. The Network will collect and act on old and new data regarding food safety risks and then mobilise the developed information and knowledge within their community and target it towards action by food and health policy makers.
It is the goal of the Network to establish a multi-stakeholder approach to apply science to the food safety challenges prioritised within this community as areas where collaborative research could make a positive impact to food safety. Within the Network, policy and industry sectors will come together with academic research through problem definition exercises, funded collaborative research projects, and food safety training fora. The Network will collect and act on old and new data regarding food safety risks and then mobilise the developed information and knowledge within their community and target it towards action by food and health policy makers.
Organisations
- Quadram Institute (Lead Research Organisation)
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Collaboration)
- Food Standards Agency (FSA) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF READING (Collaboration)
- University of Hertfordshire (Collaboration)
- GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Fresh Produce Consortium (Collaboration)
- University of Lincoln (Collaboration)
- LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- British Standards Institute (BSI Group) (Collaboration)
- CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Birmingham City Council (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS (Collaboration)
- INNOVATE UK (Collaboration)
- Wageningen University & Research (Collaboration)
- University of Stirling (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON (Collaboration)
- Cardiff Metropolitan University (Collaboration)
- Quadram Institute Bioscience (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER (Collaboration)
- Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board (Collaboration)
- Newcastle University (Collaboration)
- UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY (Collaboration)
- Scotland's Rural College (Collaboration)
- NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- University of East Anglia (Collaboration)
- Fera Science Limited (Collaboration)
- Meteorological Office UK (Collaboration)
- Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (Collaboration)
- ULSTER UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) (Collaboration)
- Unilever (Collaboration)
Description | In the first two years since inception of the UK Food Safety Research Network (FSRN) we have successfully coordinated a transdisciplinary community and are establishing a focal niche ensuring microbial food safety remains relevant and at the forefront of UK research and policy. In Y2, FSRN membership has grown to 290 individuals spanning 35 cross-sector projects (from 81 members and 15 projects at end of Y1). Member feedback from stakeholder interviews indicated that the key enablers of this success are: (i) listening to stakeholder perspectives when identifying food safety challenges and opportunities; (ii) prioritising risks that must be solved to ensure critical problems are addressed first; (iii) connecting interdisciplinary teams in a way that accesses and uses the widest possible skillset and builds community capacity; (iv) simplifying access to research funding by using a streamlined application and review process; (v) driving to impact by exploiting multiple pathways and working with frontline communities; (vi) promoting success through visibility and awareness to attract new partners and tackle additional challenges. More specifically, from interviews and FSRN systems for project reporting, all collaborative project holders stated that the FSRN funding helped them start and/ or deepen relationships with partners which they intend to take further. In many cases, the funding also allowed project holders to engage with industry and build relationships with important stakeholders, an invaluable resource to gain insight into the real-world problems of the food industry and enable project holders to drive impact through their research. In two projects, findings have led to potential intellectual property which is currently being pursued. One relating to the development of biocontrol agents to be used in controlled environment agriculture. The other project relates to the development of a bacteriophage cocktail to be used in feed processing facilities to control for Salmonella contamination of the product. This project has been awarded an ICURe Explore to support setting up a spin out company. Three projects have a focus on using bacteriophage as targeted antibiotics. One of these reported that the funding and subsequent partner relationships helped them understand the market opportunities and regulatory barriers of bacteriophage production as a feed additive. Another project holder described that the funding has supported the development of regulatory clarity and support for phage innovators while building a relationship and trust between the regulators and innovators. They also stated that this project has enabled a wholistic approach to phage regulation in the UK and better relationships between UK government departments as well as building a positive reputation for the MHRA. One collaborative project holder described that through this project they have helped their industry partner to understand pathogen presence in their factory environment and improve their cleaning regime. One collaborative project has set up a biobank of samples for analysis and future reference by government departments. |
First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Government, Democracy and Justice,Retail |
Impact Types | Economic Policy & public services |
Description | BBSRC Seeding Award for Food Safety Research Network |
Amount | £500,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | SA-2023-QUADRAM |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2023 |
End | 02/2024 |
Description | CATALYSE: Catalysing scientific innovation into food safety action |
Amount | € 1,886,655 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 101136754 |
Organisation | Catholic University of the Sacred Heart |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | Italy |
Start | 01/2024 |
End | 01/2027 |
Description | FTMA4 - Food Safety Research Network Flexible Talent Mobility Account 2023 |
Amount | £69,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/X01794X/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 03/2023 |
Description | ICURe |
Amount | £35,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2024 |
End | 06/2024 |
Description | Supported an international exchange: Using Biostimulants to combat human pathogens in plants: from living labs in Crete to the Quadram Institute |
Organisation | Quadram Institute Bioscience |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Through the further funding Flexible Talent Mobility Award, we were able to support a member of the FSRN to organise and participate in an international exchange between the Quadram Institute, UK; and The Hellenic Mediterranean University, Greece. The purpose of this exchange is to initiate a new collaboration with the scope to further explore how safe environmental bacteria can be used to promote food security while also contributing towards plant improvement. |
Collaborator Contribution | The FSRN funded the activity. The award holder (FSRN member based at Quadram Institute) organised the activity and hosted the collaborator at Quadram Institute. During their visit, the collaborator helped to expand on the use of a lab-based plant model. They also analysed samples collected during the exchange. Quadram provided sequencing and bioinformatic support and training. The Hellenic Mediterranean University hosted the award holder. During the visit, the award holder learnt about the "living lab" initiative and attended demonstrations of biostimulant applications in open field trials and in greenhouses to explore how a similar setup can be used to test more sustainable agricultural practices. They also delivered a seminar to the local university staff and students, which was also attended by a team from the ministry of Agricultural Development and Food. |
Impact | This FTMA-supported international exchange empowered the applicant with invaluable opportunities to build skills, strengthen relationships, expand their professional network, and advance their research through knowledge sharing, collaboration exploration, active pursuit of funding, and promising experiments with novel agents to enhance food security. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A12 |
Organisation | Quadram Institute Bioscience |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding a research project between the Quadram Institute Bioscience and a pet food company to develop bacteriophage cocktails to decrease Salmonella contamination in raw pet food. |
Collaborator Contribution | Quadram and the pet food company are going to complete the research project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | Two companies (one pet food company, one commercial bacteriophage producer) have contacted the academic lead to discuss potential collaborations. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A13 |
Organisation | Fera Science Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The FSRN are funding a research project by the University of Lincoln and Fera Science on developing a rapid test for the point-of-care detection of foodborne microbes. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Lincoln and Fera Science are going to complete this research project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A13 |
Organisation | University of Lincoln |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN are funding a research project by the University of Lincoln and Fera Science on developing a rapid test for the point-of-care detection of foodborne microbes. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Lincoln and Fera Science are going to complete this research project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A18 |
Organisation | University of Nottingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN are funding a research project by the University of Nottingham, the University of Stirlin and a seafood processor, testing bacteriophage as a biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes in the UK aquaculture. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Nottingham, the University of Stirling and the seafood processor are going to complete this research project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A18 |
Organisation | University of Stirling |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN are funding a research project by the University of Nottingham, the University of Stirlin and a seafood processor, testing bacteriophage as a biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes in the UK aquaculture. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Nottingham, the University of Stirling and the seafood processor are going to complete this research project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A19 |
Organisation | Northumbria University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN are funding a research project by Northumbria University and the UK Edible Insects Association on profiling microbial communities in Acheta domesticus (cricket) production systems for risk assessment and evaluation, and development of best practice approaches. |
Collaborator Contribution | Northumbria University and the UK Edible Insects Association are going to complete this project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A22 |
Organisation | Northumbria University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN are funding a research project by the Northumbria University and Prima Cheese on developing fibre optic biosensors to transform environmental monitoring programs and enable real-time monitoring of pathogens in food processing systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Northumbria University and Prima Cheese are going to complete this research project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-A24 |
Organisation | University of Reading |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN are funding a research project by the University of Reading and AgriCoat Natureseal to investigate the antimicrobial activity of a newly-developed formula of a commercial disinfectant and its potential use in combination with ozone treatment. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Reading and AgriCoat Natureseal are going to complete this research project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: FSRN-B11 |
Organisation | Fresh Produce Consortium |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | FSRN are funding a project by the Fresh Produce Consortium to develop and implement microbial safety training and certification for growing fresh produce. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Fresh Produce Consortium is going to complete this project which FSRN are funding. |
Impact | No known outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S01 |
Organisation | Quadram Institute Bioscience |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "De-risking and enhancing upscale prototyping studies of a colour-change contamination detection wipe" led by Fresh Check. |
Collaborator Contribution | The relationship between FreshCheck and the Quadram Institute will allow rapid studies to test colour change sensitivity and specificity to food and microbial contaminants and provides the best opportunity to realise the project's full potential. The Quadram Institute's extensive suite of food and microbial testing techniques (including a multitude of samples) will be a critical contribution to the project, conversations on how testing can run in tandem with current Quadram projects has already been discussed. Furthermore, the Quadram Institute has an extensive range of expertise in the field of microbiology which will be incredibly beneficial to this project to ensure it reaches the development milestones. FreshCheck also has key partnerships within the food industry in the form of current customers, through to interested parties waiting to be onboarded. These clients range from small restaurant chains through to some of the top 10 food manufacturers in the UK. FreshCheck will work with these clients to obtain real world data on the wipe sensitivity. Working with industry connections will also ensure that the prototype wipes are developed with market-relevant feedback to de-risk adoption after the project is completed." |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S04 |
Organisation | Quadram Institute Bioscience |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Exploring genomics and metagenomics to uncover the secrets of RTE ham spoilage" led by the Quadram Institute Bioscience. |
Collaborator Contribution | Two key partners will engage in this project: "Company H", a major UK producer of Ready to Eat (RTE) cooked meats and other meat products, and Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), a renowned research institute with extensive expertise in studying microbial threats in the food industry. Company H will bring valuable insights into RTE ham production, actively contributing to the sampling plan, providing access to their facilities, assisting in sample collection and delivery, and actively engaging in result interpretation. QIB's in-kind contributions encompass access to their cutting-edge laboratories for sample processing and bacteria isolation, freezer storage for preserving bacterial isolates, core services like sequencing facilities and bioinformatic resources, and the dedicated time of a QIB Research Scientist who will lead project coordination and results analysis. QIB will also facilitate access to subcontracted Project Scientists who will assist in sample processing. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S05 |
Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Phages in Food Safety" led by the University of Hertfordshire. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Hertfordshire is leading the project to make connections and gain insight into phage use in other countries. The wide range of experts included from the outset provide expertise in academia, lab facilities, including those at the recently established Phage research centre at the university of Leics, veterinary public health and food safety experts. These will be supported by experts in research and spin- outs to identify promising areas of collaboration. AHDB will identify priority food safety areas for the UK. Circagene and Avaxzipen will identify the most promising areas for innovation with University of Hertfordshire and University of Leicester leading the academic research area. BSI will bring a wealth of understanding of how to establish standards of production/monitoring from the outset. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S05 |
Organisation | British Standards Institute (BSI Group) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Phages in Food Safety" led by the University of Hertfordshire. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Hertfordshire is leading the project to make connections and gain insight into phage use in other countries. The wide range of experts included from the outset provide expertise in academia, lab facilities, including those at the recently established Phage research centre at the university of Leics, veterinary public health and food safety experts. These will be supported by experts in research and spin- outs to identify promising areas of collaboration. AHDB will identify priority food safety areas for the UK. Circagene and Avaxzipen will identify the most promising areas for innovation with University of Hertfordshire and University of Leicester leading the academic research area. BSI will bring a wealth of understanding of how to establish standards of production/monitoring from the outset. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S05 |
Organisation | University of Hertfordshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Phages in Food Safety" led by the University of Hertfordshire. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Hertfordshire is leading the project to make connections and gain insight into phage use in other countries. The wide range of experts included from the outset provide expertise in academia, lab facilities, including those at the recently established Phage research centre at the university of Leics, veterinary public health and food safety experts. These will be supported by experts in research and spin- outs to identify promising areas of collaboration. AHDB will identify priority food safety areas for the UK. Circagene and Avaxzipen will identify the most promising areas for innovation with University of Hertfordshire and University of Leicester leading the academic research area. BSI will bring a wealth of understanding of how to establish standards of production/monitoring from the outset. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S05 |
Organisation | University of Leicester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Phages in Food Safety" led by the University of Hertfordshire. |
Collaborator Contribution | The University of Hertfordshire is leading the project to make connections and gain insight into phage use in other countries. The wide range of experts included from the outset provide expertise in academia, lab facilities, including those at the recently established Phage research centre at the university of Leics, veterinary public health and food safety experts. These will be supported by experts in research and spin- outs to identify promising areas of collaboration. AHDB will identify priority food safety areas for the UK. Circagene and Avaxzipen will identify the most promising areas for innovation with University of Hertfordshire and University of Leicester leading the academic research area. BSI will bring a wealth of understanding of how to establish standards of production/monitoring from the outset. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S06 |
Organisation | Queen's University Belfast |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | FSRN are funding the project "HeTaCoat: A Next-Generation Edible Coatings for Sustainable Fresh Produce Protection" lead by the University of Birmingham. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Birmingham are leading the project with key partners Ermen systems Ltd and Queen's University Belfast who will contribute by providing access to their expertise in materials science, microbiome, and food safety. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S06 |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | FSRN are funding the project "HeTaCoat: A Next-Generation Edible Coatings for Sustainable Fresh Produce Protection" lead by the University of Birmingham. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Birmingham are leading the project with key partners Ermen systems Ltd and Queen's University Belfast who will contribute by providing access to their expertise in materials science, microbiome, and food safety. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S07 |
Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Broadening Collaborative Action for Pork Safety (B-CAPS)" led by the University of Hertfordshire. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Hertfordshire will be leading the project. Their key partners are PHWC, PVS, NPA, FSA, abattoirs, pork producers/farmers, and universities (e.g. Royal Veterinary College, University of Leeds, Harper Adams University). For objective 1, we intend to invite representatives from all partners to attend both the networking event and the workshop. We anticipate that input from all categories will be key to development of a business case for a project that represents the needs of the industry. For objective 2, abattoirs, producers and other FBOs and NPA will help identify key concerns about participating in microbial detection studies. PHWC and FSA will help propose/identify solutions. For objective 3, abattoirs, pork producers, farmers (including university farms) will provide access to sites, samples, and participate in surveys, and universities will provide expertise and contribute new or rare sequence types of C. difficile of animal/environmental origins to the project to expand the spectra database. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S07 |
Organisation | University of Hertfordshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Broadening Collaborative Action for Pork Safety (B-CAPS)" led by the University of Hertfordshire. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Hertfordshire will be leading the project. Their key partners are PHWC, PVS, NPA, FSA, abattoirs, pork producers/farmers, and universities (e.g. Royal Veterinary College, University of Leeds, Harper Adams University). For objective 1, we intend to invite representatives from all partners to attend both the networking event and the workshop. We anticipate that input from all categories will be key to development of a business case for a project that represents the needs of the industry. For objective 2, abattoirs, producers and other FBOs and NPA will help identify key concerns about participating in microbial detection studies. PHWC and FSA will help propose/identify solutions. For objective 3, abattoirs, pork producers, farmers (including university farms) will provide access to sites, samples, and participate in surveys, and universities will provide expertise and contribute new or rare sequence types of C. difficile of animal/environmental origins to the project to expand the spectra database. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S08 |
Organisation | Glasgow Caledonian University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Foodborne viruses in UK Produce: Catalysing connectivity" led by Glasgow Caledonian University. |
Collaborator Contribution | The project leads wish to encourage the development of plans for promoting structured and transparent communication across different projects, and with the wider community who aren't being funded directly and this would help the FSRN to build a more networked community, sparking new collaborations and opportunities, and develop the network beyond a series of funded projects. The intended workshop audience and participants will be: Regulators (e.g. UK Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland, Environment Agency, etc.). Industry bodies will be included (e.g. the Food and Drink Federation/Institute of Food Science and Technology/Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland/The Chilled Food Association/the British Frozen Food Federation/the British Retail Consortium/Farmers /Producers/UK Water Industry Research etc). Retailers e.g. representatives from the big 5 supermarkets, Public Health representatives. Funding Bodies e.g. NERC. We will aim to capture key stakeholder attitudes towards foodborne viruses with a view to understanding the current situation in the UK. Draft SWOT analyses will be prepared in advance of the workshops and will be completed as an exercise during the workshops. After the workshops, the SWOT analyses results will be compiled and incorporated within the final report sent to the funding bodies of the workshops (BBSRC and UKFSRN). |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S10 |
Organisation | Ulster University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Ultrafast detection of foodborne bacteria using acoustics" led by Ulster University. |
Collaborator Contribution | Ulster University will be leading the project. Primarily, the conventional development cost for Synthetic Imprinted Polymers (SIPs) targeting a specific bacterium is typically in excess of £20,000. However, through a collaborative arrangement with Sensip-DX, we have secured a significantly discounted rate of £8,000 for SIPs development. This financial advantage grants us access to cutting-edge industry facilities dedicated to manufacturing synthetic polymers tailored to microorganisms (as a first example we will detect E. Coli). Upon successful sensor development, we gain entry to Sensip-DX's clientele, presenting a unique opportunity to field-test our sensors in authentic food chain environments where bacterial detection is of paramount importance. Beyond the direct academic beneficiaries (which is Nikhil Bhalla and Saikat Jana), our project extends its impact to various stakeholders, including farmers, specific local council departments overseeing hygiene, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Food Standards Agency. This collaborative effort not only drives technological innovation but also contributes to addressing practical challenges in safeguarding food safety and agricultural practices. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S12 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Using deep learning in protein interactions to detect an emerging group of bacterial pathogens" led by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC). |
Collaborator Contribution | SRUC will lead the project. Primerdesign Ltd. is a commercial partner who generate PCR-based detection kits for a range of microbes, including human pathogens, for food or veterinary / agriculture settings (Products : genesig). They will be able to inform on potential application towards the next generation of diagnostic tools that use sequence-based differences to identify pathogens. In the wider context, the work is relevant to public health agencies, including FSA / FSS and the reference laboratories since STEC is a notifiable disease. It is also relevant to primary and food producers for surveillance of pathogens in the farm, food and wider environment. Finally, it is relevant to policy for biosurveillance in the detection of emerging pathogens. The Seeding fund provides the opportunity to carry out the computational work and to discuss the potential application with Primerdesign Ltd., and opportunities for developing the partnership towards research projects. Currently, they retail a kit for detection of STEC, but this is limited to the O157 serotype. They also have kits for any E. coli (uidA positive). Therefore, there are opportunities for expansion to non-O157 STEC, and for detection of those that are potentially pathogenic and classed as high risk to human health. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S12 |
Organisation | Scotland's Rural College |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Using deep learning in protein interactions to detect an emerging group of bacterial pathogens" led by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC). |
Collaborator Contribution | SRUC will lead the project. Primerdesign Ltd. is a commercial partner who generate PCR-based detection kits for a range of microbes, including human pathogens, for food or veterinary / agriculture settings (Products : genesig). They will be able to inform on potential application towards the next generation of diagnostic tools that use sequence-based differences to identify pathogens. In the wider context, the work is relevant to public health agencies, including FSA / FSS and the reference laboratories since STEC is a notifiable disease. It is also relevant to primary and food producers for surveillance of pathogens in the farm, food and wider environment. Finally, it is relevant to policy for biosurveillance in the detection of emerging pathogens. The Seeding fund provides the opportunity to carry out the computational work and to discuss the potential application with Primerdesign Ltd., and opportunities for developing the partnership towards research projects. Currently, they retail a kit for detection of STEC, but this is limited to the O157 serotype. They also have kits for any E. coli (uidA positive). Therefore, there are opportunities for expansion to non-O157 STEC, and for detection of those that are potentially pathogenic and classed as high risk to human health. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S13 |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Capability building for consumer behaviour changes as food safety interventions in the home" led by the University of Leeds. |
Collaborator Contribution | The PI works as an Associate Professor in Behavioural Decision Making at the Leeds University Business School in the University of Leeds. Because of the PI involvement in the recent Kitchen Life-2 project and their ongoing research collaboration with the FSA due to a PhD student co-funded by the FSA and supervised by the PI, the PI will disseminate the results of the project to the FSA and seek input from their Risk Assessment team to make recommendations for future interventions. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S14 |
Organisation | London Metropolitan University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Developing strategy for reduction of cases of foodborne diseases by Campylobacter: Study of potential contribution of meats other than chicken in campylobacteriosis with focus on cross contamination (prevalence of Campylobacter in meats; a cross-contamination study)" led by the London Metropolitan University. |
Collaborator Contribution | The research will be carried out by a team comprising academics, a PhD student and MSc graduate at London Metropolitan University, who are all members of the Microbiology Research Unit (MRU) which was founded in 1999. Our research revolves around 4 themes including food and environmental pathogens and their survival. We use cultural and biomolecular (culture independent) approaches to explore bacterial pathogens in food, applying phenotypic and genotypic means and procedures. Local authorities (Redbridge council, Islington council): they are and will be involved in the project to share their data as well as facilitating access to the local butcheries along with the sampling and swap tests. Food Standards Agency (food safety inspections and enforcement team): similarly, they will be able to facilitate sampling and access to local butcheries and supermarkets. Slaughtering house: arrange visit to the site to assess the slaughtering regime in practice and food safety measures in place. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S15 |
Organisation | Northumbria University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Insect Farming Workshop: Opportunities and Challenges to Support Industry Growth and Underpin Food Safety" led by Northumbria University. |
Collaborator Contribution | The project partners in Northumbria University and the UK Edible Insects Association have been networking with other UK Stakeholders working in this research space (e.g. University of Leeds, University of Shefield), as well as regulator Stakeholders (Food Standards Agency). The UKEIA membership includes diverse industry Stakeholders working in the insect sector to produce food and feed. We will use these connections and Networks to bring together key Stakeholders in industry, in research, and in regulation, to build a roadmap for future efforts to address knowledge gaps and best practice to ensure the production of safe foods/feeds. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S16 |
Organisation | Cardiff Metropolitan University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project " Efficacy of Gaseous Ozone Aerosol Disinfection and Biocide Products Regulation conformity for Applications within Food Manufacturing Facilities" led by Cardiff Metropolitan University. |
Collaborator Contribution | Cardiff Met: will provide microbiological expertise, access to the bioaerosol and laboratory facilities and will design and provide data for BPR dossier approval. They will also undertake sampling and analysis of isolated microorganisms. Food Centre Wales: Is a developmental food production facility which already has an ozone system in place for ice machine disinfection. They will provide access to the site under different production environments, the taking of microbiological samples and allow the installation of ozone devices in key areas within the site. Ozone Industries (OI): Is a UK manufacturer of ozone systems supplied to the food industry. With access to an ozone dossier (requirement for compliance to the BPR) OI seeks to collate the necessary data to make a submission to the HSE. OI will supply the ozone system (free of charge) for the proposed field trials. Acceptance by the HSE will create a market demand for the product by approving the application in both efficacy and health and safety. Ozone Industries will submit the necessary detailing the equipment specification in collaboration with a specialist consultancy (exponent), test protocols and field data to support the application. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S17 |
Organisation | Birmingham City Council |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | FSRN are funding the project "Ensuring Safe Transitions: Guidelines to Support Food Industry and Food Aid Collaborations " lead by the University of Birmingham with the partners The Food Justice Network, The Active Wellbeing Society, Birmingham City Council, and Nationwide Caterers Association. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Birmingham is leading this project with roles split as: - School of Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham - academic experts bringing expertise in food safety, leading engagement and resource development. - Environmental Health Team and Health Protection Team at Birmingham City Council (BCC) - expert guidance on environmental health standards and regulatory compliance to ensure resources are theoretically and practically sound. - Food Justice Network - network of over 300 people from food banks, community cafes, food pantries and other food aid projects across Birmingham. The coordinator of the network will provide expertise and support with engagement with food aid projects and disseminate resources. - Birmingham Food Revolution Partnership - city-wide partnership delivering the Birmingham Food System Strategy and coordinated by the Food System Team at BCC. Stakeholder engagement across the city including food businesses and restaurants through the Food Economy and Employment Action Group and food aid projects through the Food Insecurity and Resilience Action Group. The partnership will provide expertise, ensure project is rooted in practical realities and support with dissemination - Nationwide Caterers Association - will provide insight and disseminate findings with their members |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S17 |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | FSRN are funding the project "Ensuring Safe Transitions: Guidelines to Support Food Industry and Food Aid Collaborations " lead by the University of Birmingham with the partners The Food Justice Network, The Active Wellbeing Society, Birmingham City Council, and Nationwide Caterers Association. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Birmingham is leading this project with roles split as: - School of Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham - academic experts bringing expertise in food safety, leading engagement and resource development. - Environmental Health Team and Health Protection Team at Birmingham City Council (BCC) - expert guidance on environmental health standards and regulatory compliance to ensure resources are theoretically and practically sound. - Food Justice Network - network of over 300 people from food banks, community cafes, food pantries and other food aid projects across Birmingham. The coordinator of the network will provide expertise and support with engagement with food aid projects and disseminate resources. - Birmingham Food Revolution Partnership - city-wide partnership delivering the Birmingham Food System Strategy and coordinated by the Food System Team at BCC. Stakeholder engagement across the city including food businesses and restaurants through the Food Economy and Employment Action Group and food aid projects through the Food Insecurity and Resilience Action Group. The partnership will provide expertise, ensure project is rooted in practical realities and support with dissemination - Nationwide Caterers Association - will provide insight and disseminate findings with their members |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S18 |
Organisation | Unilever |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Low Moisture ingredients in Ready To Eat food products: Global sourcing and supply challenges and knowledge gaps" led by the University of Southampton. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Southampton will lead the project. They have a strong network of food industry retailers and manufacturers and their teams of technical managers, quality assurance managers, production managers, and food safety compliance teams that we have built during the initial project. We plan to develop this network further by paying for travel/accommodation for some of the global manufacturing brands and Low Moisture ingredient trading bodies with experience of operating in the North American food regulatory environment, as well as South-East Asia, China, South America and Africa to attend the workshop. The focus of the workshop discussion will be to develop research questions that are meaningful to those industry employees. Unilever will engage and contribute their experiences as a global food manufacturer operating across the world, putting us in contact with staff with expertise in supply chain quality assurance challenges in different regions of the world. We will continue to draw from FSRN's contacts and expertise to make the visit and the workshop as impactful as possible. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S18 |
Organisation | University of Southampton |
Department | PublicPolicy@Southampton |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Low Moisture ingredients in Ready To Eat food products: Global sourcing and supply challenges and knowledge gaps" led by the University of Southampton. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Southampton will lead the project. They have a strong network of food industry retailers and manufacturers and their teams of technical managers, quality assurance managers, production managers, and food safety compliance teams that we have built during the initial project. We plan to develop this network further by paying for travel/accommodation for some of the global manufacturing brands and Low Moisture ingredient trading bodies with experience of operating in the North American food regulatory environment, as well as South-East Asia, China, South America and Africa to attend the workshop. The focus of the workshop discussion will be to develop research questions that are meaningful to those industry employees. Unilever will engage and contribute their experiences as a global food manufacturer operating across the world, putting us in contact with staff with expertise in supply chain quality assurance challenges in different regions of the world. We will continue to draw from FSRN's contacts and expertise to make the visit and the workshop as impactful as possible. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S20 |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Cambridge Neuroscience |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "New tools to tackle Streptococcus suis, a leading zoonotic pathogen of pigs and driver of antibiotics usage" led by the University of Cambridge. |
Collaborator Contribution | Academic partners: University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Wageningen University and Research. Engagement with direct academic partners through regular project meetings. Wider academic engagement though conference presentations and publications. Industry partner: White Rose Farms Ltd, participant farm, and associated veterinarians. Engagement through regular project meetings. Wider stakeholders: UK and global pig producers. Organisations concerned with pig health (UK Pig Veterinary Society, National Pig Association, UK Animal and Plant Health Agency), pig veterinary medicines and usage (Veterinary Medicines Directorate), pig disease surveillance (APHA, SRUC, private veterinary diagnostic laboratories) and pig meat safety (Food Standards Agency). Engagement with stakeholders will be through our ongoing activities including these groups (PI is Junior Vice President of UK Pig Vet Society, a member of APHA's Pig Expert Group, and Deputy Chair of FSA's Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food). Also, we will present findings at national and, where possible, international conferences, and in industry publications. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S20 |
Organisation | Wageningen University & Research |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "New tools to tackle Streptococcus suis, a leading zoonotic pathogen of pigs and driver of antibiotics usage" led by the University of Cambridge. |
Collaborator Contribution | Academic partners: University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Wageningen University and Research. Engagement with direct academic partners through regular project meetings. Wider academic engagement though conference presentations and publications. Industry partner: White Rose Farms Ltd, participant farm, and associated veterinarians. Engagement through regular project meetings. Wider stakeholders: UK and global pig producers. Organisations concerned with pig health (UK Pig Veterinary Society, National Pig Association, UK Animal and Plant Health Agency), pig veterinary medicines and usage (Veterinary Medicines Directorate), pig disease surveillance (APHA, SRUC, private veterinary diagnostic laboratories) and pig meat safety (Food Standards Agency). Engagement with stakeholders will be through our ongoing activities including these groups (PI is Junior Vice President of UK Pig Vet Society, a member of APHA's Pig Expert Group, and Deputy Chair of FSA's Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food). Also, we will present findings at national and, where possible, international conferences, and in industry publications. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S22 |
Organisation | Food Standards Agency (FSA) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Food safety and climate change: a monitoring tool to understand impacts and evaluate interventions to foodborne disease" led by the University of East Anglia. |
Collaborator Contribution | UEA will be leading the project. UKHSA and FSA are listed as key project partners and will fully take part in sandpit events and discussions on project direction. The UEA PI and Newcastle CoI have long term proven links with both these organisations and the senior researcher on the project, has just changed role after working as Principal Epidemiologist and Head of Incidents and Response within the Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division of UKHSA. At project outset we will also discuss with FSRN other network members, especially from the food industry, who may wish to become involved as stakeholders in our sandpit events. In addition, we have a wealth of national and international contacts who may wish to take part. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S22 |
Organisation | Newcastle University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Food safety and climate change: a monitoring tool to understand impacts and evaluate interventions to foodborne disease" led by the University of East Anglia. |
Collaborator Contribution | UEA will be leading the project. UKHSA and FSA are listed as key project partners and will fully take part in sandpit events and discussions on project direction. The UEA PI and Newcastle CoI have long term proven links with both these organisations and the senior researcher on the project, has just changed role after working as Principal Epidemiologist and Head of Incidents and Response within the Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division of UKHSA. At project outset we will also discuss with FSRN other network members, especially from the food industry, who may wish to become involved as stakeholders in our sandpit events. In addition, we have a wealth of national and international contacts who may wish to take part. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S22 |
Organisation | UK Health Security Agency |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Food safety and climate change: a monitoring tool to understand impacts and evaluate interventions to foodborne disease" led by the University of East Anglia. |
Collaborator Contribution | UEA will be leading the project. UKHSA and FSA are listed as key project partners and will fully take part in sandpit events and discussions on project direction. The UEA PI and Newcastle CoI have long term proven links with both these organisations and the senior researcher on the project, has just changed role after working as Principal Epidemiologist and Head of Incidents and Response within the Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division of UKHSA. At project outset we will also discuss with FSRN other network members, especially from the food industry, who may wish to become involved as stakeholders in our sandpit events. In addition, we have a wealth of national and international contacts who may wish to take part. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S22 |
Organisation | University of East Anglia |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Food safety and climate change: a monitoring tool to understand impacts and evaluate interventions to foodborne disease" led by the University of East Anglia. |
Collaborator Contribution | UEA will be leading the project. UKHSA and FSA are listed as key project partners and will fully take part in sandpit events and discussions on project direction. The UEA PI and Newcastle CoI have long term proven links with both these organisations and the senior researcher on the project, has just changed role after working as Principal Epidemiologist and Head of Incidents and Response within the Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division of UKHSA. At project outset we will also discuss with FSRN other network members, especially from the food industry, who may wish to become involved as stakeholders in our sandpit events. In addition, we have a wealth of national and international contacts who may wish to take part. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S23 |
Organisation | Fera Science Limited |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Viable But Non Culturable (VBNC) Microbial Cells in Novel Alternative Proteins and Plant-Based Foods." led by the University of Lincoln. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Lincoln (UoL) will lead this project and will be attending the 2-day Plant Based World Expo Europe 2023 in London scheduled for the 15th and 16th of November 2023 to connect with industry and collect samples as part of this project. In addition UoL will prepare samples for metatranscriptomic analysis, send the samples to molecular biology lab for analysis, analyse and interpret data, write the draft and final project report and prepare scientific manuscript for publication. The UoL researchers (food scientists, microbiologist, molecular biologist and bioinformatician) have experience in this research space and in engaging with industry and collaborating with other research organisations and stakeholders in the food sector. FERA science Ltd has facilities for molecular biology analysis and extensive expertise in bioinformatics data analysis and interpretation. We currently also work with 4 industrial partners on the FSRN project, we intend to engage with these partners and also analyse their food products using the metatranscriptomic molecular technique. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S23 |
Organisation | University of Lincoln |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Viable But Non Culturable (VBNC) Microbial Cells in Novel Alternative Proteins and Plant-Based Foods." led by the University of Lincoln. |
Collaborator Contribution | University of Lincoln (UoL) will lead this project and will be attending the 2-day Plant Based World Expo Europe 2023 in London scheduled for the 15th and 16th of November 2023 to connect with industry and collect samples as part of this project. In addition UoL will prepare samples for metatranscriptomic analysis, send the samples to molecular biology lab for analysis, analyse and interpret data, write the draft and final project report and prepare scientific manuscript for publication. The UoL researchers (food scientists, microbiologist, molecular biologist and bioinformatician) have experience in this research space and in engaging with industry and collaborating with other research organisations and stakeholders in the food sector. FERA science Ltd has facilities for molecular biology analysis and extensive expertise in bioinformatics data analysis and interpretation. We currently also work with 4 industrial partners on the FSRN project, we intend to engage with these partners and also analyse their food products using the metatranscriptomic molecular technique. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are funding a research project: S26 |
Organisation | Cranfield University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The FSRN is funding the project "Supply chain mapping for food security and safety" led by Cranfield University. |
Collaborator Contribution | Cranfield University will lead the project while other stakeholders will be drawn from across one cold-chain, with a key contact at Bidfood and Oliver Kay who will act as advisor and introduce the researcher to supply chain partners, participate in a workshop and check-in on progress, plus a final session to share and discuss the results. Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland act as strategic partners on the project as sponsors of the lead researcher's PhD, have highlighted the importance of supply chain mapping in contributing to resilience, and are interested in the outcomes. All supply chain partners will be invited to take part in a survey and semi-structured interview, online project briefing, face-to-face workshop and round-up meeting. Before research commences participants will be asked to give their full consent to take part in the process. They will be asked for their perspective and input as sector experts in identifying key dependencies and potential risks in the supply chain. Participants will be asked to give access to data for analysis and identification of vulnerabilities across the supply chain and to provide further contacts to expand the project knowledge through tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers. Where required, stakeholders' expenses will be reimbursed to enable participation. |
Impact | Outputs will be reported in April 2024 |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | We are organising a workshop: 2 |
Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | FSRN are organising a workshop together with the AHDB, PHWC, APHA and the University of Hertfordshire to study pathogen transmission in pig farming and pork production. The aim of the workshop will be to develop a research project and get buy-in from farmers and abattoirs. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners are part of planning the workshop and will be involved in delivering the research project. |
Impact | No outputs yet. The workshop is planned for May 2023. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | We are organising a workshop: 2 |
Organisation | Animal and Plant Health Agency |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | FSRN are organising a workshop together with the AHDB, PHWC, APHA and the University of Hertfordshire to study pathogen transmission in pig farming and pork production. The aim of the workshop will be to develop a research project and get buy-in from farmers and abattoirs. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners are part of planning the workshop and will be involved in delivering the research project. |
Impact | No outputs yet. The workshop is planned for May 2023. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | We are organising a workshop: 2 |
Organisation | University of Hertfordshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | FSRN are organising a workshop together with the AHDB, PHWC, APHA and the University of Hertfordshire to study pathogen transmission in pig farming and pork production. The aim of the workshop will be to develop a research project and get buy-in from farmers and abattoirs. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners are part of planning the workshop and will be involved in delivering the research project. |
Impact | No outputs yet. The workshop is planned for May 2023. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | We are organising a workshop: 5 |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | FSRN together with the Met Office and Defra are organising a workshop on climate change impacts on food safety. The aim of the workshop is to publish a knowledge synthesis and potentially to develop a research project that will tackle some of the challenges identified in the workshop. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Met Office and Defra have been involved in planning the workshop and will be active participants. |
Impact | No outputs yet. The workshop is planned for summer 2023. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | We are organising a workshop: 5 |
Organisation | Meteorological Office UK |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | FSRN together with the Met Office and Defra are organising a workshop on climate change impacts on food safety. The aim of the workshop is to publish a knowledge synthesis and potentially to develop a research project that will tackle some of the challenges identified in the workshop. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Met Office and Defra have been involved in planning the workshop and will be active participants. |
Impact | No outputs yet. The workshop is planned for summer 2023. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | We are organising a workshop: 6 |
Organisation | Knowledge Transfer Network |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | FSRN together with the Innovate UK KTN Phage Innovation Network are planning an expert workshop entitled 'Developing and delivering phage-based technologies in the UK'. The expert workshop will be followed by an open invitation dissemination event. |
Collaborator Contribution | Innovate UK KTN Phage Innovation Network have played a major part in organising the workshop, taking place on 16th March 2023. They are also involved in organising the dissemination event planned for May 2023. |
Impact | No outputs yet. The workshop is planned for 16th March 2023 and the dissemination event for 16th May 2023. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Attend INFAWM quarterly meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The FSRN were invited to take part in the quarterly meeting of INFAWM, the food testing laboratory community's working group. MAK attended and made connections with this new group of stakeholders to the FSRN. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | Attended UK agri-food system adaptation workshop. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | The FSRN director attended this workshop in Bristol, part of the Met Office's programme on climate change and food security. This activity was partly supported through the FTMA4 award. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Booth at the Food Safety Europe conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | A member of the business development team and the Network Manager attended the conference and had a booth. We had a lot of engagement with industry and have had follow up conversations about potential collaborations. This activity was partly supported by the FTMA4 award. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | British Retail Consortium - Microbiology Working Group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Joined the meeting to introduce the Food Safety Reserach Network and present opportunities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Campden BRI - Microbiology Member Interest Group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Invited presentation to introduce the Food Safety Reserach Network and present opportunities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Collaborative research planning under the Food Safety Research Network - Food Industry - Hethel Innovation / Broadland Food Innovation Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | We met with the ERDF Food Business Advisor and introduced the UK Food Safety Research Network and opportunities for the constituent food producers that work with Hethel Innovation / Broadland Food Innovation Centre |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
Description | FSRN co-sponsored workshop: Climate change impacts on food safety |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | The FSRN, together with Met Office and Defra, organised an online meeting followed by and in-person workshop to understand the impact of climate change on food safety. The outputs of these workshops will be a knowledge synthesis report outlining the discussion from the event and some recommendations; and a project to address one of the issues identified during the workshop. Both the report and the project proposal are currently under development. This workshop was facilitated by the professional consultancy Zuas which was supported in part by the FTMA award. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | FSRN flagship workshop: Collaborative Action for Pork Safety |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | We run a workshop as part of the FSRN-funded project: Collaborative Action for Pork Safety. We brought together the University of Herfordshire, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to discuss and develop the project. There were also in attendance a small number of industry stakeholders to advise in the direction of the project. This workshop was facilitated by the professional consultancy Zuas which was supported in part by the FTMA award. The project is now underway as a result of this workshop. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | FSRN flagship workshop: Understanding microbial risks in ready-to-eat foods |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The FSRN hosted an online meeting followed by an in-person workshop to define and develop a project with the University of Southampton, Newcastle University and Unilever. The project intends to take a deep dive into low-moisture ready-to-eat food ingredients and the microbiology risks associated with them, aiming to identify knowledge and practice gaps along the supply chain. The workshops brought together the project leads and a wide group of stakeholders from across the supply chain. This aided the project leads to understand the field and prioritise the commodities and questions to address. This workshop was facilitated by the professional consultancy Zuas which was supported in part by the FTMA award. The project is now underway, guided by the discussions at the workshops. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Hosted Food Safety Lead and Technical Manager from major UK meat/food producer |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Full day session in Norwich to generate awareness of Quadram food safety microbiology research programmes and identify collaborative interests. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Introduction to the UK Food Safety Research Network to the Pig Health and Welfare Council. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation and discussion regarding UK Food Safety Research Network and opportunities for the pig producer community. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Invited guest lecture "Listeria is a rugged foodborne pathogen that acts as a Persister and an Evictor" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Dr Gilmour provided an invited lecture to the Institute of Food Science and Technology Eastern branch. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Invited presentation to Farmed Insect Protein Workshop, Sheffield |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Workshop to discuss industry needs to transition and scale up the production of nutritious and safe edible insects. Present update on Food Safety Research Network prgrammes and strategic intiatives. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ukeia_so-the-farmed-insect-protein-research-workshop-activity-7166700... |
Description | Monthly meetings with FSA-PATH-SAFE |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Monthly meetings with representative from FSA-PATH-SAFE to ensure our teams and activities are aligned. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
Description | Opening and Keynote presentation - Why should the food industry care about genomics? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Dr Gilmour gave the opening and keynote presentation at the Food Genomics Summit to introduce the potential food industry benefits of incorporating genomics and scientific approaches into their business operations through collaboration with science partners. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://newfood.events/the-food-genomics-summit/ |
Description | Organised a Community Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | We organised the FSRN Community Event which attracted 61 participants from 42 organisation (19 academic, 16 industry, 7 government departments or agencies). It consisted of showcasing current FSRN-funded projects and networking activities. The aim of the event was to build FSRN membership into an interactive community. We received overwelmingly positive feedback from participants on the overall content and takeaway messages from the day. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | Panel Discussion - The Death of Plastics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | M. Gilmour took part in a panel discussion on "the death of plastics", discussing the effect that the push for low plastic in packaging will have on food safety. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://newfood.events/the-food-safety-conference-2022/ |
Description | Presentation at the Baltic Cadet Force visit to the Norwich Research Park |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | MAK gave a presentation of Food Safety and the FSRN to a group of school pupils that were visiting the Quadram Institute as part of the Baltic Cadet Force visit. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Project planning with global food producer |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Site visit to Quadram and project planning regarding investigation of food spoilage using microbiology, genomics and metagenomics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | Support running the 9th Microbes and Food Safety Bioinformatics Hackathon |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Through the further funding Flexible Talent Mobility Award, we were able to support a member of the FSRN to organise a Bioinformatics Hackathon by the Quadram Institute Informatics team in Cambridge. The hackathon fostered global collaboration, generating innovative ideas and establishing lasting positive influence in food safety bioinformatics. The hackathon attracted a diverse group of 28 participants from nine different countries, namely Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, UK, USA, Gambia, New Zealand, and Turkey. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Supported a member to attend the Expert Workshop: "Analysis of climatic and ecological factors affecting foodborne pathogen outbreaks" organised by the UKHSA in London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Through the further funding Flexible Talent Mobility Award, we were able to support a member of the FSRN to attend this expert workshop and contribute to the below areas: - Improved understanding: better understanding of how climatic and ecological factors can influence the transmission and amplification of foodborne pathogens. - Informed recommendations: the workshop's summary report would provide evidence-based recommendations to UKHSA, FSA, and other relevant government departments and agencies for risk analysis and public health response to foodborne disease outbreaks. - Public dissemination of findings: linked to the above one, the summary report shared publicly via gov.uk, would contribute to broader knowledge dissemination. - Collaboration and coordination: foster collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders. - Identifying research gaps: identify gaps in current knowledge and research needs. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Supported running the "Developing and delivering phage-based technologies in the UK" workshop and the "UK Phage Innovation Showcase" symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The Innovate UK KTN Phage Innovation Network, together with the FSRN, co-organised an expert workshop and a wide-audience dissemination event on the potential applications of bacteriophage in the UK. These events were in part supported through the FTMA award. This funding enabled a pioneering event which brought together existing expertise and facilitated the transfer of knowledge across multiple sectors and specialties. The event has been crucial to planning key actions for the development and translation of discoveries of phage-based technologies in the UK. Participants included representatives from academia (multiple UK Universities and research institutes); charities (such as Antibiotic Research UK and Cystic Fibrosis Trust); government departments and agencies (such as UKHSA, MHRA, VMD, FSS, and also the Agriculture and Agrifood Canada); industry (such as Fixed Phage, Campden BRI, AHDB, PBD Biotech, Constructive Bio, CFA, Carus Animal Health, Merck, AB Agri, Vets4u); networks and knowledge exchange hubs (such as NBIC, FSRN, Phage UK); NHS clinicians; not-for-profit initiatives (such as the Medicines Discovery Catapult); and social enterprises (such as CPI). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Talk and booth at the FPC Future conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The Network Manager will give a talk to introduce the Network and future opportunities. The network co-director and a member of the business development team will attend the conference and have a booth. This activity was partly supported by the FTMA4 award. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | UK agri-food system adaptation workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Professional, multidisciplinary workshop (in-person; Bristol) to collaboratively identify research gaps and priorities related to climate change impacts on the food system. Co-hosted by the Met Office and DEFRA; invited participation as a food safety expert. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |