Stackable Qualifications

I'm delighted to have completed a PGCert in BioInnovation. The modules I have taken (Meat Processing, Precision Livestock, Waste Resource Management) have all been really relevant to industry, really relevant to my role and very current and topical

I am Markus Ritter, on the Research Masters (MRes) in Agriculture course, working on a project to evaluate the adoption of biocontrol in large row crop agriculture in Brazil. I am taking the course while working for Andermatt Biocontrol a Swiss company dedicated to the development and commercialisation of biocontrol products. These modules have helped me to update myself and to get a more in-depth understanding of the sustainability concept. The MRes project, a qualitative research study, applying the "Grounded Theory" methodology, is bringing interesting insights into the understanding of the farmer behaviour and the farmer 's consciousness of what sustainable farming is. When talking to other leaders in the bio industry, I notice a learning progress, I gained through studying IBERS distance learning modules and the research project. ,

For his MRes research project, Seke is using high tech methods to dissect the genetics and morphological characteristics of some of Malawi’s local maize landraces. His aim is to reduce the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi in the crop. Aflatoxins are particularly harmful to children causing stunted growth, delayed development, liver damage, and liver cancer. Seke says: This research is important as it will inform maize breeders and researchers what to consider in breeding maize varieties to enhance the future health of the population.