Novel Crops

Dr Madalina Neacsu is a research fellow at the Rowett Institute who trained as a biochemical engineer and did her PhD on Natural Products Chemistry. She now specialises in natural products food formulation and bioactivity and, in a previous role, worked commercially overseeing the development of several plant-based bioactive formulations for use in food ingredients that subsequently received EFSA approval.

Adrian Newton is a cereal pathologist by training but his current research spans broader aspects of arable crops in the context of integrated crop management. Adrian’s research interests in cereal pathogens continue, including Ramularia collo-cygni (Ramularia Leaf Spot). The crop diversity interest has taken more of an ecological focus working with Hutton colleagues and others, and has encompassed intercropping, especially cereal-legume combinations for both biomass (wholecrop) and grain.

Animal nutritionist with an interest in nutritional sensitivity of animal production, health, disease and environmental footprint. Research areas include:

• plant based parasite control strategies
• nutritional sensitivity of periparturient immunity to parasites
• animal health and climate change
• feedstuff evaluation for pigs and sheep
• environmental change impacts on ovine parasitism
• gut microbiota and enteric health in weaned pigs

My interests range between all aspects of grass and grassland agronomy; from agricultural production of grass for livestock production; through grasses for soil stabilisation on engineered sites; to the provision of grass playing surfaces for sports and leisure activities.

I am also interested in the potential future role of grassland for the provision of harvestable material that can be used for renewable energy production and bioprocessing.

Wendy is the Gut Health theme lead and Professor of Molecular Nutrition at the Rowett Institute. Her research focuses on developing healthy foods as part of a resilient food supply chain. This includes identifying the potential of plant-based crops, particularly in protein provision for the future and the exploitation of underutilised species to improve both nutrition and agrobiodiversity. Wendy works closely with both Scottish and Global Food Producers, as well as the wider Food and Drink Industry to identify new opportunities and was awarded FDF ‘Scientist of the Year’ for this work.

Robin is a Research in Agronomic Systems. His research interests include:

Derek is the Business Sector Lead: AgriFood at the James Hutton Institute and is responsible for developing the research opportunities on agriculture, food and drink supply and value chains, production systems, biomass, waste valorisation and the (bio)circular economy. 

The fruit industry relies on a small number of varieties and a decreasing number of chemicals, presenting serious challenges for future sustainable growth. No suitable high-quality varieties with resistant to pests and diseases are available. This is coupled with climate change where unpredictability in phenotypic expression is resulting at both small and large spatial scales.