IN AN effort to drive research in the UK's red meat sector, the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has launched its first dissertation sponsorship award to engage with undergraduates and people entering the industry.

“This is an exciting opportunity for students studying agriculture and food related undergraduate courses,” said AACS marketing officer Emily Simpson. “We want to work with students to support them in undertaking valuable research to help farmers produce beef fit for the future.”

The society is looking to work with a student interested in pursuing research around meat eating quality, the environmental and sustainability benefits of beef production from native breeds, or the performance of Aberdeen-Angus genetics in farming systems and the supply chain.

The winning candidate will receive £1000 prize money sponsorship towards completing their dissertation. “We will provide them with networking opportunities during their studies and help facilitate the research by providing relevant industry contacts to contribute to its validity,” added Ms Simpson.

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“We want to be able to play a role in providing accurate and reliable data to the industry. We’ve reached out to a number of universities so we can connect with the relevant students on the right courses and have had a positive response from several agricultural institutions across the UK.”

The award is open to all undergraduate students interested in studying an aspect of one of the identified topic areas for their dissertation in 2022/23. There is a brief application process with a deadline of May 16, 2022, where the society will shortlist applicants for interviews and select a winner ahead of the students’ final year.

For more information on how to apply, contact emily@aberdeen-angus.co.uk or visit https://www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk/2022/13140/ to complete an application form