Essex researchers discuss their experience at New Scientist Live

Academics at Essex are committed to getting their top research out to the widest audience.

Here, Professor Tracy Lawson and Dr Kareemah Chopra talk about their recent experience taking part in a New Scientist Live event in London focusing on the Future of Food and Agriculture.

What was your exhibit about and what did it show visitors?

Dr Chopra: The Farmer’s Weekly exhibit at New Scientist Live 2023 demonstrated how we use wireless tracking technology to monitor dairy cows. My research aims to help farmers detect behavioural changes that might be indicative of health and welfare concerns.

For example, previous research suggests that lame cows tend return to areas they have previously occupied. Visitors had the opportunity to handle the sensors the cows are equipped with and observe their 2D position and activity on a big screen in real-time.

Professor Lawson: Our exhibit highlighted research and work undertaken as part of EPIC, as well as our research expertise within the Plant Productivity Group. This included a “dark room tent” allowing visitors to see chlorophyll fluorescence, a thermal camera station to image temperature, robotics and stomata/ leaf impressions.

Is this part of a bigger research project?

Professor Lawson: This was part of EPIC – Essex Plant Innovation Centre, that aims to bring together expertise from across the faculty to interact with industry to address some of the current challenges facing the agricultural and horticultural sector. It also highlighted research activities across the Plant Productivity group and in particular the role of stomata in plant water loss and the implications for leaf temperature, and the impact this can have on the main photosynthetic enzyme Rubisco.

We also highlighted a key technique that the University of Essex has been involved in developing over the last 50 years known as chlorophyll fluorescence.

Dr Chopra: My work is a part of ‘The Cow Tracking Project’. My team and I are currently working on research funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) that focuses on using bespoke animal tracking and environmental sensor technology to understand how housed dairy cows respond to heat stress, to help inform housing and management.

This involves me collaborating with various researchers from the Universities of Reading, Cardiff and Writtle University College, as well as industry partners Omnisense and Smartbell, policy makers and farmers themselves.

What interest did you get during the event and what were people’s overall impressions?

Professor Lawson: We spoke and interacted with a range of diverse individuals from a range of backgrounds, disciplines and ages. The overall impression from nearly everyone we spoke with was that they were really impressed with the range of tools we use, and there was a large consensus that they learnt something new.

Dr Chopra: Notably, I received substantial interest from school and university students who had not previously considered such research as a potential career path. Hopefully, I was able to covey that the field of agriculture is multifaceted and is developing at a phenomenal pace using some of the most advanced technologies.

Was it an enjoyable experience?

Dr Chopra: Absolutely, the event offered me a unique experience to share my research with a diverse audience, spanning various ages and levels of familiarity with the subject matter. It was particularly interesting seeing how people from a wide array of backgrounds, including mathematicians, biologists, engineers, and farmers connected with my interdisciplinary work.

Professor Lawson: It gave us the opportunity to interact with the public and school children to highlight the importance of plants to our everyday lives and the impact of climate change on plant physiology.

What advice would you give to other academics thinking about taking part in an event like this?

Dr Chopra: Go for it. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your research to the general public and inspire people to get involved.

Professor Lawson: It is a great event – we had a continuous supply of visitors the entire time the event was open, and this was very rewarding, albeit a lot of work. The event took a great deal to prepare and set up so start early with prep.