Joint Networks workshop held in Reading, UK

Research networks related to the reduction of methane emissions held a joint workshop at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, on 26th June 2015.
The objectives were to improve communication and collaboration amongst the networks and explore interdisciplinary approaches for tackling greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture. The workshop was attended by 47 participants from 21 countries representing several networks related to breeding, nutrition, animal health, microbial population, manure and grassland. Presentations on each of the Networks and scientific presentations made for a very informative morning session and the afternoon breakout discussions addressed the benefits and roadblocks to enhanced collaboration within and between networks and ideas for ways to increase joint activities. The workshop was live-streamed on YouTube and live-tweeted by @AHGHGN (https://twitter.com/AHGHGN), @RMG_network and @METHAGENE.

Through better collaboration, the networks will increase awareness of, and access to, databases and protocols, will be better placed to explore the whole farm system, and will avoid duplication of effort. Funding was raised as a barrier to progressing the networks but a number of potential funding routes were identified. Other issues discussed on the day included the need to build stronger links with industry, to create multi-disciplinary research proposals, encourage smaller active groups within the networks, and engage early-career scientists.

Participants agreed that this was a productive workshop and they would be keen to attend another which had greater involvement from PhD students and post-docs. In the meantime better communication between networks needs to be supported (e.g. webinars, sharing newsletters). A full workshop overview is currently being prepared and will be made available.

Please find a link to the agenda here.