Teagasc and UCD Forge Closer Linkage
11 March, 2004
A new strategic alliance has been formed between University College Dublin (UCD) and Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority with the aim of increasing the flow of new technology to the agriculture and food industry.
Under the new alliance, Teagasc and the UCD Faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine will work hand in hand in the development and implementation of a range of joint programmes in research and teaching.
It will lead to joint staff appointments and the interchange of Teagasc and UCD specialists in the delivery of courses to undergraduate and students and in conducting research on vital areas affecting the industry.
The recruitment of a join UCD/Teagasc teaching and research position in animal breeding, based both at UCD and the Teagasc Beef Research Centre at Grange, is already underway. The opportunity for further joint appointments in agri-food and rural development is being actively pursued by both sides.
Speaking at the announcement of the new agreement, the President of UCD, Dr Hugh Brady, said it will strengthen the already close relationship between both organisations and will maximise the return on investment in the agri-food area.
“Collaboration between the two organisations in a range of areas including teaching, but in particular putting together joint complementary programmes of research rather than individual programmes addressing the same issues, will lead to an innovation-led industry rather than a follower-type industry”, he said.
Teagasc Chairman, Dr Tom O’Dwyer said the more formal linkage of expertise and facilities within Teagasc and UCD will enhance the transfer of knowledge and new technologies to the agri-food and rural sectors.
“Teagasc has invested over €20m in recent years in new crops, animal and food biotechnology centres and in upgrading its environmental and economic analysis expertise. These resources combined with the world class facilities and expertise at UCD, can make a real difference in under-pinning an internationally competitive and innovative farm production and food processing industry”, he said.
The alliance will see further collaboration between Teagasc and UCD in post-graduate training. Under the Walsh Fellowships Scheme, more than 120 post-graduates research students are being financed by Teagasc. Many of these are jointly supervised by Teagasc and UCD scientists. A further 40 post-graduates are now being recruited.
This major post-graduate research programme has already resulted in significant discoveries in areas including animal reproduction, animal breeding strategies for parasite and disease resistance, as well as food product enhancement.
