Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS)
Addressing the challenge of sustainably feeding an expanding global population
The Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) brings together a vibrant community of transdisciplinary researchers, working towards addressing the challenge of sustainably feeding a global population of 9 billion. Founded upon research excellence in aquaculture, agricultural technology and soil health, and underpinned by investment in cutting-edge facilities, the Centre will create the critical mass required to ensure impactful research and real-world deployment in the UK and beyond.
CRISPS will take a distinctive whole-systems approach to global challenges, using the unique microcosm of the South West region as a living laboratory for wider societal benefit. Nationally, our distinctive research approach will make a significant contribution to UK Government objectives around sustainable food production, environmental land management, and net zero policy, as well as aligning with DEFRA’s focus on food security. Our work to improve future farm resilience, efficiency and productivity is critical to addressing the local, national and global challenges of sustainable food production in the 21st century.
“Providing sufficient food to feed an expanding human population is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. At the same time, we need to establish ways to reduce carbon emissions and reverse the dramatic decline in biodiversity… Through the new CRISPS centre, the University now has the capacity to work with existing and new partners to meet those challenges head-on and deliver real and lasting benefits, both in the South West region and for the planet as a whole."
Professor and Head of School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Overarching research themes
We have made major advances in aquaculture, focusing on fish health and feed, and are developing systems to remotely monitor the environmental impacts of productive systems, such as open-land grazing animals and offshore shellfish farms.
Our sustainable agri-tech research makes major contributions to the wider economy. We work with regional farmers to prototype low-cost robotics solutions and are driving innovation in controlled environment research with industrial partners.
Working with the Sustainable Soil Alliance and DEFRA policy, we have developed a unique interdisciplinary basis for soil health analysis for future farming – from microbial biodiversity and soil carbon to erosion and the viability of manufactured soils.
Research England awards £5.7million to the University of Plymouth to significantly expand the University’s expertise and collaborations across fields including agriculture, aquaculture and sustainable food production and address critical challenges facing our planet.
Comments