The focus of some of our recent dietary research has been in the area of gut microbiology and the influence that the bacteria in the gut have on human health. These gut bacteria, also known as the microbiota, can be affected positively or negatively by what we eat.
In the last year, we have been able to flexibly adapt our research in order to react to the evolving COVID-19 situation. We collected data in both the early (first) ‘lockdown’ (May 2020) and then as the local restrictions in Aberdeen City began to be eased and schools went back after the summer break (‘post-lockdown’; August 2020).
Before we discuss our new projects we must express our delight that in November one of the first projects we funded, namely ‘Conserving Genetic Diversity’, won the Innovation category at the Nature of Scotland Awards. This multi collaborative project established a world-first method to help understand and conserve genetic diversity in some of Scotland's most iconic wild species. Congratulations to all.
Professor Lee Innes (Director of Communication at Moredun Research Institute) discussing "What do Scots want for the future of food and farming".
Professor Rowland Kao (Chair of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh) discussing One Health approaches to emergent infections under climate change and threats to biodiversity.
Professor Liz Grant (Director, Global Health Academy at the University of Edinburgh) Generation Alpha: what skills, training and technology will they need to equip them for One Health.
Professor Lisa Boden (Chair of Population Medicine and Veterinary Health Policy, Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security at the University of Edinburgh) Introducing the concept of One Health: how the health of people, animals and the environment interconnect.