UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science Awards Night 2024

The annual School Prizes and Awards Ceremony took place in the Moore Auditorium, O’Brien Centre for Science on 20th November 2024.

This year’s event saw a total of 53 awards were presented to students and graduates including medals, certificates and monetary awards totally over €64,000 in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

Following the awards our distinguished UCD alumnus, Christopher Cahill who was recently announced as FBD Farmer of the Year addressed the audience on his experiences of studying Agricultural Science at UCD and this career journey since graduating. 

UCD Horticulture launches new Plant Health Programme

UCD Horticulture in Environment and Sustainable Resource Management (ESRM) in the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science launched their Executive Education Program on Plant Health for Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Inspectors.
The programme is a collaborative new course for DAFM inspectors and is tailored to meet day to day demands of DAFM staff working in Plant Health. It focuses on practical, theoretical and academic aspects of implementation of Irelands National Strategy for Plant Health and the suite of EU Plant Health Regulations in force in Ireland.

“Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.”

Franco van Heerden is a recent Animal Science graduate and by his own admission "Ready to Make a Difference!". During his 4 years at UCD, he used the opportunity to volunteer with animal welfare and get involved with a wonderful initiative through his mum with Down Syndrome Ireland. Franco tells us here about his time in college and his advice to anyone thinking of applying to UCD. 

Agricultural knowledge exchange in a changing world

The importance of training and advisory skillsets in order to support innovation and practice adoption in the agri-food sector was highlighted at the Agricultural Knowledge Exchange in a Changing World – Knowledge Transfer Conference 2024.
The event was co-hosted by Teagasc and the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, and took place in Teagasc, Ashtown, on Wednesday, 23 October 2024.

Ireland’s Future Food Systems Research Symposium

The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science is delighted to host their sixth Biennial Symposium entitled
“Ireland’s Future Food Systems” on Wednesday 4th of December 2024. This free event will feature ongoing research and insights from distinguished external speakers from academia and industry, including UCD Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact Prof. Kate Robson Brown, AgTech Ireland COO Catherine Lascurettes and distinguished researchers from within the School of Agriculture and Food Science.

UCD agri graduate Stephen Robb named latest member of RTE’s Ear to the Ground

An active tillage farmer and renewables editor for the Irish Farmers Journal, Stephen holds a degree in Agribusiness Management from UCD and a MSc in Agriculture Innovation.
For the last seven years, he has worked as a journalist with the Irish Farmers Journal, where he primarily writes on renewable energy. In addition to his print work, Robb is a frequent expert contributor to radio and television.
He will now partner on the popular TV show with returning presenters Darragh McCullough and Ella McSweeney.

Donal O'Neill from UCD Food & Agribusiness Management to Managing Sales at Camida

Hailing from a farming background, Donal O'Neill went to study Food and AgriBusiness Management in UCD. From there he joined Ornua where he worked in Ireland and the UK holding various roles. After that, he moved to Tirlan to work as a business development manager until recently moving to Camida and taking up the food and feed ingredients position. We spoke to Donal and asked him about his journey to his current role; his fondest memories of UCD and advice for students currently considering studying Agriculture and Food Science or indeed a career in the Agrifood industry. 

ASA Travel Bursary student Shane O'Brien tells his PWE tales from abroad

Shane O’Brien, a 4th year Animal and Crop Production student from Co.Leitrim was one of the 4 UCD students awarded the ASA travel bursary for their 3rd year Professional Work Experience. Here, Shane chats with Farmer’s Journals Sarah McIntosh about his time on dairy farms in Saskatchewan, Canada and Sansaw Dairy, Shrewsbury.

Two UCD Alumni are awarded Nuffield Scholarships for 2025

Dr. Zoe McKay, Assistant Professor of Grass and Forage Science in the School of Agriculture and Food Science along with Marina Conway, a UCD forestry graduate and former CEO of Western Forestry Co-op has been announced as two of this year's four Irish professionals to receive the prestigious Nuffield Scholarship for 2025.

UCD Goes Ploughing 2024

The School of Agriculture and Food Science were delighted to be back in Ratheniska, Co Laois for the 93rd National Ploughing Championships. 
The School had a large stand at the event and with just under 250,000 attending this years event over three days, it was a fantastic, busy week with everyone in great spirits helped by the incredible weather throughout. 

Christopher Cahill wins FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Christopher Cahill from County Cavan has been named the 2024 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.
Christopher is a 30-year-old dairy farmer and a graduate of both the BAgrSc in Dairy Business and the Sustainable Agriculture Master’s degree from UCD.
Christopher Cahill recognised with the award for his dedication and passion to agriculture, having expanded a dairy enterprise in Meath from 110 cows to 250 crossbred cows in 2021 through a shared farming arrangement. 

EU Commissioner Mairéad McGuinness is awarded UCD Honorary Degree

In recognition of her outstanding achievements as a member of the EU Commission and her contributions to the Agri-Food sector in Ireland and the European Union, Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

Exciting UCD & Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship Opportunity

An important and exciting research opportunity "Shouldering the Burden: Understanding the economic and social impacts of sudden farm deaths and traumatic injuries on farm enterprises, families and communities" aims to understand the socio-economic impact of traumatic injuries and sudden death on farm
enterprises, assess the impacts on holders, households and the wider community, identify coping mechanisms
and supports, and develop guidance documents and recommendations for key stakeholders.

UCD & FBD announce new agricultural research & education centre at Lyons Farm

FBD and UCD have announced a combined investment of €14 million in new agricultural research and education facilities at UCD Lyons Farm.
The UCD FBD Agricultural Science Centre will aim to enhance the university’s ability to deliver teaching and research to the highest international standards with construction of the new centre is due to commence in 2025.

GDIC Conferring Ceremony 2024

On the 26th June 2024 we were delighted to celebrate the first conferring ceremony of the Guangzhou Dublin International College of Life Sciences & Technology (GDIC). Almost 180 students graduated across three degree programmes in Biological Sciences, Food Quality and Safety and Horticulture and were told "Be proud of your achievements, and never stop striving for excellence. Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see the amazing things you will accomplish.”

Exciting PhD Opportunity in adaptive predator management with UCD and ATU

Applications are invited for an exciting PhD to be carried out in University College Dublin (UCD) between the School of Agriculture and Food Science in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
Funding for this PhD Fellowship is part of the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP), funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and the European Union, under the EIP Funding programmes.   

Beef-Quest Research Project aims to Reduce Age of Cattle Finishing

Understanding the large variation in the lifetime animal performance on Irish beef cattle farms, is a key focus of the Teagasc lead Beef-Quest project, recently funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). In collaboration with ICBF

UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science Celebrates it's newest Class of 2024

This week we were very proud to join family and friends of our MSc and PhD students at their official conferring in the O'Reilly Hall.
We had 12 students receive their Masters degrees and 20 students awarded PhD’s a wonderful conferring.
Congratulations to all our new graduates and the very best in your future endeavours.

Aoife Feeney - DARE to Succeed

Whatever your disability, the support not just from the DARE office but also from the lecturers as a DARE student is phenomenal and made studying agriculture in UCD even more enjoyable as it took away some worries for me and meant I could focus on my studies without worrying about my health impacting things.

‘We need a one-cycle agri-food system,’ says FAO Director General

A circular agri-food system is needed to solve Europe’s challenge of emissions from livestock, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has said.
Speaking with academics at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science Dr Qu Dongyu – who is a scientist in plant breeding and genetics and previously served as China’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs – underlined the importance of technology, management, and investment.

PWE - Why it's one of the best thing about studying Ag & Food Science

Three of our Animal and Crop Production students; Donal Murphy, Jack Ryan and Shane O’Brien are currently on their professional work placement or PWE at Dustin Hawkins Farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. 
When asked about their time in College, Ag and Food Science students hands down say that the PWE is the best part of their 4 years. We hear from Donal, Jack and Shane about their time at the Dustin Hawkins Farm and what makes the PWE such a memorable and enjoyable experience for all students. 

New collaborative research centre to transform food system launches at UCD

Co-Centre run jointly by Queen’s University Belfast, University of Sheffield, and University College Dublin in first-of-a-kind collaboration across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
€35million Co-Centre to drive societal and political change in food system transformation and transition to climate neutrality by 2050

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys launches first ever bursary to support Masters Students in field of rural development

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today launched a new bursary to support a number of Masters Students in the area of rural development.
The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with our third level colleges and delivers upon a commitment in our five-year rural development policy, Our Rural Future.

UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science Graduate Taught Webinar Series

We are delighted to invite you to four days of excited webinars where we discuss the Schools world class Graduate Taught Programmes. 
The Graduate Taught Webinar Series will run from the 20th-23rd of May at 5pm each day and will be chaired by Sharleen O'Reilly, Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning. There are four webinars covering all our Graduate Programmes including Agriculture Programmes Food Programmes, Environmental Sciences programmes and Humanitarian Action and Rural Development programmes.

Exciting PhD Scholarship Opportunities

A number of PhD Research opportunities are available in partnership with Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. With funding and scholarships available as well as expert supervisors, students will achieve the best possible experience of graduate research and training.

UCD Summer Schools 2024

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science is delighted once again to take part in year's Summer School. 

This year we have two summer schools; the first on Day 2, Wednesday June 5th, 9.00am-4.00pm covering Agricultural Science and the second on Day 3, Thursday June 6th, 9.00am-4.00pm covering Food Nutrition and Health. 

Emerging Greentech Start-Up Wins UCD’s 2024 VentureLaunch Accelerator Programme

Professor James Lyng, Dr Ajay Menon and Bernie Fitzpatrick were named the overall winners of the 2024 UCD VentureLaunch Accelerator Programme with SusBioME, an emerging greentech start-up, which is a developing technology for use in the anaerobic digestion process to increase renewable gas yields from biomass.

Crillo Cattle - Could heat resistant cattle be the industry's answer to climate change?

As the threat of rising temperatures puts the world’s food supplies at risk new UCD research on a rare breed of ‘heat-resistant’ cattle that thrive in warmer climates could point towards a more sustainable beef industry.

UCD SAFS celebrates St.Patricks Day in China

This March, representatives from the School of Agriculture and Food Science were delighted to travel to China to meet with colleagues and friends to present to our partner colleges in China and look to build further and future relationships in both taught programmes and research areas.

UCD Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Funded Masters 2024

The MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation and MSc Agricultural Innovation Support are collaborative funded programmes delivered by UCD and Teagasc for graduates with an interest and ambition to work in advisory and education roles. These programmes involve placement within Teagasc advisory and educational services where the student gets the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors.

Both programmes start in September 2024 with limited funded places available.

AgriAware Farm Walk and Talk 2024

Over 600 students from all over Leinster and beyond descended on UCD Lyons Farm for the latest event in the Agri Aware Farm Walk & Talk series.

UCD celebrates Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Day 2024

The UCD Agriculture, Food Science & Human Nutrition Careers Day took place on Wednesday, 28th of February 2024. The annual event, organised by students for students, was lucky enough to welcome back Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. to open this year’s event.

UCD‘s new Centre for One Health to provide solutions for disease control and global health challenges

UCD has launched its new Centre for One Health. The Centre is dedicated to advancing research, education and collaboration on the One Health approach to solving global health challenges which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and planetary health.

Farming Minds Project

The Farming Minds proposal is a collaboration between Agricultural Science and Psychology at University College Dublin ‘UCD Agri Mental Health Group’ interdisciplinary team, South East Technical University and HSE funded ‘On Feirm Ground’ farmer health training programme in order to promote farmer health.

UCD researchers recruiting horses for Equine Headshaking Syndrome research.

Researchers at University College Dublin have announced a collaboration with veterinary
researchers in the United Kingdom for a new study on a potential treatment for headshaking
syndrome in horses.

My Uni Life returns to RTE featuring UCD students & UCD Lyons Farm

Featuring throughout, episode 6 sees RTE go onsite of the fabulous Lyons Farm with Stephen Lott, Chief Livestock Officer, Prof Tommy Boland Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Impact and UCD students Rachel Connolly, Emily Cassells and Kayla Taitz

Coillte Launches New Scholarship Programme To Promote Forestry As A Career And Help Tackle Projected Skills Shortage In The Sector

Coillte, the semi-state forestry company, launched its first ever scholarship programme which will give two students the unique opportunity to pursue a full-time, third level programme within the area of forestry at either University College Dublin (UCD) or South East Technological University (SETU). The scholarship will award two students up to €20,000 for the duration of the degree programme (€5,000 per year) to support with fees and living expenses.

The School of Agriculture and Food Science are very excited to launch the new BSc in Sustainable Food Systems in September 2024. 

Programme director Dr Zoe McKay has said the course will help tackle the industry's sustainability challenges and provide opportunities for Ireland to become a global leader in this area.

"Graduates will acquire the skills needed to navigate the sector's sustainability (environmental, economic and social) challenges and opportunities and for Ireland to become a global leader of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture systems."

Exciting PhD Scholarship Opportunity

An exciting scholarship opportunity is available to students run in partnership with UCD, Animal Health Ireland, Agri-Food Biosciences Institute and Teagasc and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 

The PhD is titled "Behavioural strategies to support development and implementation of salmonella control measures in pig farms". 

Seán Molloy who is the business's current chief ingredients and agribusiness officer and a graduate of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science has been announced as the CEO of Tirlán.

Dr Helen Sheridan appointed to the Teagasc Authority

Dr Helen Sheridan, Associate Professor in the School of Agriculture and Food Science at UCD, was appointed to the Teagasc Authority by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D.

Liam Herlihy, Chairman of Teagasc, welcomed Dr Sheridan to the Teagasc Authority at a meeting in Oak Park. He said; “I look forward to working with Helen. She brings important knowledge and expertise to the Authority, which will assist us in making wise decisions on the future direction of Teagasc and the role it plays in the Irish agriculture and food sector.”

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science graduate Richard Shakespeare has been appointed as the new Chief Executive, following a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

School of Agriculture & Food Science Awards

The annual School Prizes and Awards Ceremony took place in the Moore Auditorium, O’Brien Centre for Science on 22nd November. This year’s event was bigger and better than ever before with 53 awards to the value of €65,000 presented on the evening.

Congratulations to each of this year’s awards recipients and thank you to our long listing of sponsors without whom it would not be possible to host such a prestigious ceremony. This year’s alumna address was provided by Dr Ailish Byrne, Director of Agribusiness at Tirlán.

Leading UCD, Queens and Sheffield researchers awarded €31.5 million to transform food system

A transformative, new research programme has today (Tuesday 28 November) been announced in Dublin today by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD along with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan and Permanent Secretary at Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Katrina Godfrey.

School of Agriculture and Food Science Alumni Profile

From a tillage farming background, Eoin graduated from UCD with a BAgrSc in 2001. After completing a MAgrSc in 2003, he began his career with a French fertilizer company gaining international agribusiness experience. In 2008, he graduated with an MBA from UCD Smurfit School of Business.

BAgrSc class of 1983 reunion

On Saturday, 23 September 2023, the BAgrSc class of 1983 gathered for a day of celebrations and merriment at the Curragh Racecourse in Kildare.

In the build-up to the event, classmates started sharing old photos from their time at UCD in a WhatsApp group, which built some excitement and talking points for the day ahead.

The reunion consisted of a day at the races with a luncheon in a private suite. 47 attendees reconnected and reminisced on the day, with attendees travelling from Germany, the UK and all over Ireland.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science ‘trailblazing’ on gender equality

The School of Agriculture and Food Science in UCD is making great strides towards achieving gender equality for female academic staff and students, writes Claire McCormack

‘Sustainable Food Systems’ the theme at the Agri Aware and UCD stand at the National Ploughing Championships

Agri Aware alongside University College Dublin (UCD) School of Agriculture and Food Science are teaming up at this National Ploughing Championships at stand number 318, Row 19, Block 3.

The theme at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska Co. Laois at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and Agri Aware stand is ‘Sustainable Food Systems’.

The three-day events will run from Tuesday, September 19 to Thursday, September 21.

Ireland’s Claire Mc Cormack is first visiting global agricultural journalist

Irish agricultural journalist and media researcher Claire Mc Cormack has been named the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s first Visiting Global Agricultural Journalist.

The program, developed through the Dr. Jim Evans Agricultural Communications Initiative, is designed to introduce UIUC agricultural communications students and others to leading global agricultural journalists who are members of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. The program also offers prominent agricultural journalists from outside the US an opportunity to study at the UIUC and experience Illinois’ agri-food sector.

Her visit will take place October 16-27, 2023.

UCD leads ‘Ireland Day’ at Science Summit at UNGA78 in New York

Tom Arnold, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science alumnus, was Chair of Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s agri-food strategy, and Ireland’s Special Envoy for Food Systems, 2021-2022.

UCD Horticulture develops 'Top 10 Pollinator-friendly Plants' guide

A new guide to help boost Ireland's population of insect pollinators has been developed by UCD Horticulture.

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has released a new free resource, 'Top 10 Pollinator-friendly Plants for Different Situations', a booklet containing 24 lists of native and non-native pollinator-friendly plants that are suitable for different urban situations including gardens, hanging baskets, and ponds.

The guide was developed in collaboration with Dr Noeleen Smyth, from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.

School of Agriculture and Food Science Achieves First Silver Athena Swan Award in UCD

University College Dublin’s School of Agriculture and Food Science is the first school to achieve a Silver Athena Swan Award in UCD. The school achieved this award for demonstrating impact and leadership on gender equality amongst faculty, staff, and students.

The Athena SWAN charter is a framework that is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality in higher education and research.

UCD Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Funded Masters 2023

The MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation and MSc Agricultural Innovation Support are collaborative funded programmes delivered by UCD and Teagasc for graduates with an interest and ambition to work in advisory and education roles. These programmes involve placement within Teagasc advisory and educational services where the student gets the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors.
Both programmes start in September 2023 with limited funded places available.

22/23 School Awards Ceremony

The School annual awards ceremony was held on 24 November 2022 where a total of 53 awards were presented to students and graduates including medals, certificates and monetary awards totally over €73,000 in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

Graduate Research Scholarships in memory of Dr Roger McCarrick

The McCarrick Estate have generously donated funds to the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science to support postgraduate study within the School in memory of the late Dr. Roger McCarrick. The funding will enable three outstanding graduates of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science to pursue a PhD in the University.

Minister McConalogue addresses final year students at UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Fair

The UCD Agriculture, Food Science & Human Nutrition Careers Day took place on Wednesday, 22nd February 2023. The annual event, organised by students for students, was lucky enough to welcome Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. to open this year’s event, as he did last year.

McCarrick Graduate Research Scholarship - Call now open

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science is delighted to announce the launch of the Graduate Research Scholarship in memory of Dr Roger McCarrick. This funding is intended to enable three outstanding graduates of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science to pursue a PhD in the University.

New €4.8 million AgTech Innovation Centre and Dairy Herd Health Education and Research Hub Under Construction at UCD Lyons Farm

University College Dublin (UCD) today announced the commencement of a €4.8 million development project to construct a new state-of-the-art facility incorporating the AgTechUCD Innovation Centre (ca. 890 sq.m.) and the UCD Bimeda Herd Health Hub (ca. 120 sq.m.) at UCD Lyons Farm.

North-South partnership to investigate role of vitamin D in bovine TB

Collaboration to study vitamin D in host immune response to tackle persistent TB infection in cattle on the island of Ireland

Project to develop multidisciplinary ‘immunology hub’ plan for all-island approach

Gold Medal for genetic research on tuberculosis in cattle

PhD student, John O’Grady from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science has won the 2022 UCD Conway Festival Gold Medal for genetic research into how cattle respond to infection with Mycobacterium bovis

New UCD Teagasc Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development launched

University College Dublin (UCD) is delighted to announce the launch of a new Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development designed and developed in association with Teagasc specifically for Post-Doctoral Fellows employed by Teagasc.

Climate Targets - How We Get There, RTE Countrywide

Professor Tommy Boland and Professor Helen Sheridan speak to Damien O'Reilly on RTE Countrywide about some of the really important and relevant research taking place at UCD Lyons Farm.

Association of Applied Biologists: UCD Professor Olaf Schmidt given Honorary Membership for Life

Professor Olaf Schmidt, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science has been awarded Honorary Membership for Life by the Association of Applied Biologists (ABB), one of the first scientific societies founded in the UK to be devoted to the field of study. Professor Schmidt received the honour in recognition of his career “working in the area of applied biology".

Minister Heydon visits UCD Lyons Farm

Martin Heydon T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Research & Development, Farm Safety recently visited UCD Lyons Farm to meet with staff and students and hear about ongoing research.

Soap Box Science 2022 returns to streets of Dublin on 18th June

Twelve Female Scientists Set to Speak at Soapbox Science Dublin 2022 including Tara Diriligen and Alison O’Reilly from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science

UCD AgSoc gifts €60,000 to chosen charities

Charities have received €60,000 following fundraising efforts by UCD’s Agricultural Science Society (AgSoc).

The large sum was raised through a range fund-raising events organised by the committee and auditor of the society Shauna Jager.

Minister Heydon Launches Safe Farm EIP Project: Using drama to support farm safety

Safe Farm recently launched its farm health, safety, and wellbeing European Innovation Project in County Cork. The project was officially launched by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon. Acorn Agricultural Research in partnership with UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Dairygold Co-op, Cohort Recruitment and Training and farmer members are carrying out this project which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as part of a European Innovation Partnership (EIP).

Registration is now open for UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Summer School Programmes.

Interactive full-day information event on 7th June 2022 for 5th-year students considering their CAO options, with four summer schools on offer.

SAFS in the News: News The Hard Shoulder

Dr. Dara Stanley chats to Kieran Cuddihy on NewsTalk's, The Hard Shoulder.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine visits UCD Lyons Farm

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. visited UCD Lyons Farm recently to meet with staff and students to find out about the most up to date research taking place and the Universities ambitious development plans for Lyons Farm.

SAFS in the News: RTE Nationwide

Dr. Noeleen Smyth, Assoc Prof in Environmental Horticulture speaks to RTE Nationwide on a project involving saving one of Ireland’s rarest plant species.

SAFS in the News: Countrywide

Prof. Pat Lonergan speaks to Darragh McCullough for Countrywide from UCD Lyons Farm on ongoing research and trials in Animal Breeding and Bovine IVF.

UCD SAFS in the News: Morning Ireland Prof Michael Wallace

Prof Michael Wallace speaking to Morning Ireland Radio 1 on how the cost of food is not expected to drop anytime soon

UCD Agricultural Extension and Innovation opportunities

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science offer a number of masters programmes in the area of agricultural extension. These Master’s programmes equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to develop successful careers in advisory services, technical consultancy and education delivery. An information event will be hosted on 13th April which will include details on a number of funded opportunities now open for application.

UCD SAFS : RTE Brainstorm, Can you engineer the perfect racehorse?

Prof. Emmeline Hill and Dr. Barbara Murphy speak with Anna Joyce, RTE Brainstorm on the perfect racehorse and the role genetics, the environment and equine psychology play in the role for equine excellence

UCD SAFS : Mooney Goes Wild, Dr. Dara Stanley

Dr. Dara Stanley, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science speaks with Éanna Ní Lamhna, Nature RTE for Mooney Goes Wild recently on How Pollinators interact with Plants.

UCD SAFS in the News: RTE News with Prof. Michael Wallace

In advance of a New Fodder and Food security committee Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics at UCD, Michael Wallace speaks with RTE.

UCD SAFS in the News, Prof. Frank Monahan, Irish Farmers Monthly

Prof. Frank Monahan, newly appointed Dean of Agriculture at UCD speaks with the Irish Farmers Monthly. An excellent interview discussing the importance of education & research, the role of the School of Agriculture and Food Science in supporting farmers and industry, developing the next generation of leaders and much more.

SmartGrass project announced as runner up in UCD Research Impact Case Study 2021

Led by Associate Professor Helen Sheridan and Professor Tommy Boland the SmartGrass project was announced runner up in the UCD Research Impact Case Study 2021. SmartGrass was the first nationally funded research project to investigate the potential of Multi-Species Swards with the objective of developing a novel “Low Input – High Output” grassland system.

Almost 400 students from all over Leinster and beyond descended on UCD Lyons Farm for the latest event in the Agri Aware Farm Walk & Talk series.

The farm in Kildare welcomed students from Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Longford, Carlow, and Laois to give them a practical insight into many of the themes in the Leaving Certificate agricultural science syllabus.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science celebrate International Women's Day 2022

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science developed a series of short videos to celebrate some of the female members of the postdoctoral and research scientist community within the school.

Minister McConalogue addresses final year students at UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Fair

UCD sees the return of in-house Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Day 2022. After a brief absence in 2021 the UCD Agriculture, Food Science & Human Nutrition Careers Day took place on Wednesday 2nd March 2022. The annual event, organised by students, for students, welcomed Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. who opened this year’s event.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science in the News: RTE CountryWide

Prof. Frank Monahan, the newly appointed Dean of Agriculture at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science joins Damien O'Reilly, RTE Countrywide for a wide raging discussion on issues facing Irish Agriculture.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science in the News: RTE Ear to the Ground

Assoc. Prof Helen Sheridan speaks to Ear to the Ground on ongoing research around multi-species swards.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science in the News: RTE News

Inflation: What's happening in relation to food prices? Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics at UCD, Michael Wallace chats with RTE news to explain.

UCD Agricultural Society announces the return of in-person Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Fair on 2nd March.

After a Covid-enforced absence in 2021, University College Dublin’s Agricultural Society, AgSoc, are delighted to announce their annual Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Fair will return to an in-person event for 2022. The event will take place in the Ad Astra Hall in the UCD Student Centre on Wednesday 2nd March.

EXCITEMENT AS STUDENTS RETURN TO AGRI AWARE FARM WALK & TALK AT UCD LYONS FARM

Farm Walk and Talk is an interactive series of events for second-level, agricultural science students throughout early March on ten research farms and agricultural colleges across the country including UCD Lyons Farm on March 15th.

UCD and FDC Group launch exciting new €50,000 annual scholarship programme for MSc in Agricultural Extension and Innovation students

The scholarships valued at €50,000 euro per annum were awarded, following competition, to four students enrolled on the MSc in Agricultural Extension and Innovation programme.

Dr Dara Stanley announced as SFI Early Career Researcher of the Year 2021

Dr Dara Stanley, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science was named SFI Early Career Researcher of the Year at SFI Awards 2021 recognising both her work on pesticides and pollinators, and also her strong commitment to engaging members of the public.

Dr. Dara Stanley, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science awarded ‘Founders Prize’ by British Ecological Society.

Dr. Dara Stanley a Lecturer in Applied Entomology and agro-ecologist at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science has been awarded ‘Founders Prize’ by British Ecological Society. This Prize is awarded to an outstanding early career ecologist who is starting to make a significant contribution to the science of ecology.

Irish Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (ISMON) launched

A new Irish Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (ISMON) has been launched with the project being jointly led by UCD, Met Éireann and Teagasc . The UCD Long-term Grazing Platform at UCD Lyons Research Farm will be one of ten stations across Ireland where soil moisture conditions will be monitored.

Blue light may hold the key for improving coat condition in horses with PPID

Researchers at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science have announced a collaboration with colleagues at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Centre for a large-scale study to investigate the effects of blue light treatment in PPID horses over a 12-month period. The UCD team are recruiting interest from owners of horses and ponies with PPID.

Creating a university evolution garden: An integrated learning approach for teaching land plant evolution

A recent paper published by Dr. Caroline Elliott Kingston, Head of Horticulture, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science discussing turning the awarding winner UCD Bloom Garden "Evolution of Land Plants Garden" into a teaching & outreach resource.

New Dean of Agriculture and Head of School appointed at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science

Professor Frank Monahan has been appointed to the role of Dean of Agriculture and Head of School, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science from September 1st, 2021.

UCD AgSoc gifts €15,000 to charity despite COVID-19 restrictions hampering fundraising drive

Despite significant challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, which has kept most people off campus for much of the academic year, members of the society presented two cheques totalling €7,500 each to representatives from Strange Boat and Embrace Farm.

Soapbox Science Dublin returns on 3rd July organised by staff from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.

Twelve (12) female scientists are set to talk about their research in areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) at Soapbox Science Dublin 2021.

The event will involve speakers from University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, Department of Agriculture Food, and the Marine (DAFM) and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

UCD to host virtual Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Summer School

The UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Virtual Summer School 2020 will take place on Thursday, 10th June at 11.30am. This years’ programme has once again been tailored from an on-campus event to an exciting interactive virtual experience. The event is aimed at Transition Year, 5th year and 6th year secondary school students who are considering their CAO applications, and will provide an overview of some of the opportunities and expertise available at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.

The UCD & Macra Agricultural Skillnet Master's in Agricultural Extension & Innovation is now open for applications for 2021 entry.

The Master's in Agricultural Extension & Innovation is a two-year part-time distance learning programme aimed at individuals employed in roles working directly with farmers. This is the fourth year that UCD and Macra Agricultural Skillnet have collaborated on this partially funded programme.

Ground-nesting bird populations are more likely to be in decline than any other European bird species

A recent study conducted by Dr. Barry McMahon, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science found ground-nesting bird populations are more likely to be in decline than any other European bird species, with 74% showing evidence of a long-term drop in numbers.

The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science will host two online information events on 28th and 29th April to provide an overview of the 14 entry routes available to students entering in September 2021.

UCD staff members will provide information on entry requirements, career opportunities and subject choices along with study abroad opportunities and professional work experience which is consistently rated as a highlight of the programme by students. Current students will discuss their experience of studying at the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and the event will conclude with a live Q & A session.

Applications are now open for the Walsh Scholarships Knowledge Transfer Programmes 2021.

The MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation and MSc Agricultural Innovation Support are collaborative funded programmes delivered by UCD and Teagasc for graduates with an interest and ambition to work in advisory and education roles. Applications are now open for September 2021 entry.

Agri Aware and UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science launch Essential Experiments video series for Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science Students.

Agri Aware and UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science have come to the assistance of Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science students by developing a new curriculum-linked experiment video series to aid them in their studies. This is in response to the challenges of school closures and changes to the Agricultural Science curriculum. The Essential Experiments series contains at least 11 experiments that cover mandatory, Leaving Cert Agricultural Science experiment topics such as soils, milk quality and crop science and we developed by UCD academic staff.

Making Rural Ireland Resilient

A recent paper published by NESC (National Economic & Social Council) authored by Dr Edel Kelly, Dr Karen Keaveney and Dr Anne Markey from the UCD School of Agriculture explores "Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Ireland and the Agricultural Sector"

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science celebrate International Women's Day

To mark International Women’s Day 2021 the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science launched a series of short videos to celebrate the enormous contribution of their female graduates to the Agri-Food sector.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science launch new podcoast series "Agrifood Matters"

AgriFood Matters is an exciting new monthly podcast series developed by the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science featuring leading academic staff at UCD in the area of Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition.

UCD expands Agricultural Science DN250 offering for 2021 Entry

From September 2021, a reconfiguration of some existing programme codes and entry routes will provide students with more choice and time to select their preferred programme at UCD. Students selecting Agricultural Science DN250 (No Preference) will now have 11 exciting programme options to choose from including Dairy Business, Agri-Environmental Sciences, Forestry and Horticulture which were accessible via different CAO codes last year.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science Researcher awarded as Top Ranked Postgraduate of the Year in STEM

Dr Tara Dirilgen, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science received the ‘Thomas Mitchell Medal of Excellence’ at this year’s Irish Research Council (IRC) Research Awards.

The ‘Thomas Mitchell Medal of Excellence’ is awarded for being the top-ranked postdoctoral researcher in the STEM category and is one of four ‘Medals of Excellence’ present to early-career researchers at the annual Research of the Year Awards.

Fourteen UCD Research Projects Secure €10.2 million in Funding through the SFI Frontiers for the Future Programme

Professor Emmeline Hill, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and Professor Lisa Katz, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine awarded over €880,000 to investigate the dynamic interplay that exists between the inherited DNA sequence of a horse and the environment.

UCD Agricultural Sciences ranked 24th in the world and is top ranked subject at UCD

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science remains among the best in the world, ranked 24th in the world and is the top ranked subject at UCD according to the latest US News & World Report's Best Global University rankings. University College Dublin ranked as the number one university in Ireland.

AgSoc raises an incredible €60,000 for two charities

The Agricultural Science Society (AgSoc) at University College Dublin have raised an incredible €60,000 for their two nominated charities this year: St John’s Ward Crumlin Hospital and Teac Tom supported by The Thomas Hayes Trust.

UCD announces two new international colleges in China

University College Dublin and two of its partner universities have received official approval from the Chinese Ministry of Education for two new international colleges in China. The approval of these two new international colleges in China marks a major milestone for UCD and confirms its standing as Ireland’s Global University. Each is in a different academic discipline area, reflecting research expertise within UCD in ICT, transportation and agriculture and food.

Agri Aware and UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science come to the rescue of Ag Science students and teachers with virtual educational resources

Due to the threat of Covid-19, Agri Aware was forced to cancel its recent planned Farm Walk and Talk event at UCD Lyons Farm. However all was not lost! UCD staff stepped in to deliver a virtual event and record short educational video modules on a range of relevant topics for students.

Agriculture and Forestry at UCD ranked in the Top 50 in the world

Agriculture and Forestry at UCD is one of four subjects now ranked in the Top 50 in the World by the QS World University Rankings by Subject which were announced recently. Agriculture and Forestry is also one of 15 subjects at UCD ranked Number 1.

UCD Lyons Farm to welcome 350 secondary school agricultural science students as part of AgriAware Farm Walk and Talk

Farm Walk and Talk is an annual event organised by Agri Aware. Over a two week period 3000 Agricultural Science students from across Ireland will visit UCD Lyons Farm, Farmers Journal Farm and Teagasc farms across Ireland including Lyons Farm on 10th March.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science takes home Great Agri-food Debate trophy for fourth time.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science has won the Great Agri-food Debate 2020 after they were declared overall winners for the fourth time at this year’s contest in Belfast. Held for the first time in Northern Ireland, the two-day event saw a team from UCD match wits with last year’s winners Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) over farmer subsidies.

Record number of exhibitors attend UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Day 2020.

Attended by a record number of 50 exhibitors the UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Day, took place on Wednesday, 12th February 2020 in the UCD Ad Astra Hall.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science presented Athena SWAN award.

The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science were one of seven schools from University College Dublin to be presented with the award for their work towards gender equality at an event in Dublin.

Four UCD Agricultural Science students awarded with sought-after overseas professional development travel bursaries

The Agricultural Science Association (ASA) and the Irish Farmers Journal have announced details of the recipients of the much-coveted PWE (Professional Work Experience) travel bursaries. Four third-level Agricultural Science students from University College Dublin will be supported via the award while on work placements in New Zealand, Chile, and Europe this year.

NovaUCD Awarded €3 million for Collaborative Project to Develop an AgTech Connector Innovation Hub in Kildare

NovaUCD (UCD Nova DAC), the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin (UCD), has been awarded €3 million in funding to develop an AgTech Connector Innovation Hub at the UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare.

Professor Áine Ní Dhúbhain addresses Oireachtas committee on the Socio-Economic Impact of Forestry.

Professor Áine Ní Dhúbhain addressed the Oireachtas committee on the findings of a recent report "The Socio-Economic Impact of Forestry in Co. Leitrim". The report was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science awarded over €3.1 million for research.

The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science was recently awarded over €3.1 million euro in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine across 13 research projects. The awards were part of a government investment of €20 million.

Researchers identify genetic link which may explain why so many Thoroughbred horses never race

New research by scientists at University College Dublin and equine science company Plusvital has established that genes associated with behaviour may play as big a role as a horse’s physical attributes in whether a Thoroughbred horse races or not.

Professor Kevin McDonnell, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science awarded Fullbright Scholarship.

15 of 36 coveted Fulbright scholarships have been awarded to students and scholars at University College Dublin including Professor Kevin McDonnell from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.

UCD wins silver at Bloom 2019

The UCD Bloom Garden has been awarded a Silver Gilt Medal in the Large-Concept Garden Category at Bloom 2019.