Future Agri Systems

Feeding a growing global population in a way that is both healthy and sustainable is one of the defining challenges of our time. It’s not just about producing more food we need to do it in a way that protects biodiversity, supports resilient ecosystems, and contributes to net zero goals.

Within the School of Biology, we see this challenge as an opportunity to drive positive change. Our expertise spans multiple disciplines, allowing us to take an integrated approach to agricultural and environmental research. From understanding the biology of crops, animals and ecosystems to developing nature-based solutions, we are committed to shaping a future where food systems are productive, sustainable, and part of the solution to global climate and biodiversity goals.

Our research spans a wide range of topics across plant, animal, and ecosystem biology. We combine fundamental biological understanding with applied strategies to support sustainable agriculture and future agrisystems.

Agroecology and Insect Science

Our approach in sustainable ecosystems and adaptation integrates ecological principles with agricultural practices to develop more sustainable and productive farming systems that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health. We use our expertise in insect pests and crop pathogens to develop and assess new methods of control, aiming to minimise our reliance on chemical control agents and preserving pollinator health and ecosystem services.

Crop and Plant Science

Our investigations delve into plant sciences, including their physiology, genetics, and interactions with environmental factors to boost crop resilience and yield. We also explore agricultural methods and crop varieties that are resilient to climatic stresses like droughts, floods, and increased temperatures.

Insect Biotechnology for Circular Agriculture

Our insect bioreactor enables large-scale research into insect development, welfare and bioconversion. Focussing on the black soldier fly we study how insects can transform organic waste into high-value products such as proteins, lipids (e.g. Omega-3 fatty acids), bio-actives (antimicrobial peptides), essential nutrients (vitamin B12), and bio-fertiliser, supporting the development of sustainable, circular food systems.

Livestock Production

Through our work in organismal health and development, we explore nutrition, and welfare practices to improve productivity and sustainability in livestock systems, specifically focussing on pigs. We research bioremediation of waste streams to minimise the impact of farming on the environment.

Net Zero and Regenerative Agriculture

We are committed to pioneering farming practices that restore rather than deplete resources, aiming for net zero carbon emissions and a positive environmental impact.

Our researchers have strong international and interdisciplinary networks. We maintain strong links to University of Leeds initiatives including the Global Food and Environment Institute and the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures.

Our researchers are embedded in our other key research areas Sustainable Ecosystems and Adaptation, Organismal Health and Development and the Centre for Plant Sciences to deepen fundamental knowledge and overcome common goals, such as food security and biodiversity loss.

Our research includes multiple plant and animal species, including crops and model systems, which we grow in our extensive transgenic facility, a collection of climate-controlled chambers and on our experimental farm. Many of our researchers work on insect pests which utilises our collection of climate-controlled chambers, and the University of Leeds farm is home to the insect bioreactor to facilitate advances in insect farming in the UK.  We are closely associated with the National Pig Centre for research at the University farm.

We share our knowledge and understanding to inspire future generations through our undergraduate and postgraduate degree portfolios. We are also dedicated to nurturing the academic and professional growth of our Master of Research (MRes) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students.