BSAS Operations Executive - Catherine Lowe
M - 1747999580
Meet Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee: Championing Equine Science and Early Career Excellence
Remembering James France
IUKBC: Knowledge Transfer Manager – AgriFood – Livestock and Aquaculture
BSAS Membership
Remembering Professor James France
Sustainable Food Trust: Grazing Livestock Report 2025
AFBI - Higher Scientific Officer in Sustainable Beef and Sheep Systems
M - Zoe Lloyd
M - Mr zhijie luo
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BSAS Operations Executive - Catherine Lowe
Hello! I’m sure you have all heard of me by now, from my many, many emails! But in case you haven’t, I started as the new Operations Executive here at BSAS back in March this year. Although new to the role, I am no stranger to animal science, having come from a zoo background. I worked as a keeper at a small animal park on the edge of the beautiful Peak District for many years before BSAS. As well as some years in veterinary practice, specifically in emergency and critical care. I still also volunteer for the UK Wild Otter Trust as a fundraising and communications officer because, well, I LOVE OTTERS. My academic journey was also very “zoo” focused, having attended Nottingham Trent University for my BSc in Zoo Biology, before doing my MSc in Zoo Management & Conservation at Askham Bryan in York. My love of all thing's “zoo” follows me to my home in Sheffield, with my own menagerie consisting of a cat, parrot, frog and axolotls!
Starting at BSAS it is no exaggeration to say I was thrown in at the deep-end, having to attend the 2025 conference in Galway little over a month after starting! As daunting as this was, I had an amazing time and was lucky enough to meet in person some of our lovely members. The big thing I noticed at BSAS, which I felt was lacking in other conferences I have attended, was a real community feel. I had heard people referring to BSAS as a “family” and after Galway, I couldn’t agree more. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and made for a great atmosphere!! As anxious and as “out-of-place" I felt, I can honestly say, I cannot wait for the next one!
Now going forward, one of my main roles is managing membership now it has been transferred to back in-house. One of the key aims is that I want to ensure that we are offering something for everyone and that all members feel the value in their BSAS membership. I have had the chance to review your feedback from the membership survey that was sent out earlier this year, and one thing was clear—you want more training and CPD opportunities. So that is something I am hoping to deliver. It will also come as no surprise given my background, that I hope to expand our offering and make “animal science” more encompassing, with a bigger focus on different animal groups, including domestic, companion, and zoo animals. So, watch this space!!!
M - 1747999580
Meet Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee: Championing Equine Science and Early Career Excellence
Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee wears many hats—and each one reflects her passion for advancing animal science, education, and the next generation of researchers. As a member of the BSAS Early Career Council (ECC) and Publications Committee, she is actively shaping the future of animal science while supporting others on similar career paths.
Currently based at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Victoria coordinates the postgraduate Equine Science programme and teaches on the undergraduate veterinary medicine course. Her academic journey has always revolved around scientific curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equine health and education.
Victoria’s research interests lie in equine genetics and the genomics of complex traits such as polygenic diseases and performance. She also applies advanced statistical modelling to better understand equine health data. Alongside this, she explores how pedagogy can be improved across veterinary and animal science education—proving her dedication to both discovery and delivery.
A former PhD student at the Royal Veterinary College, Victoria was awarded the 2023 McKeever Prize for Best Original Research Paper by a graduating student, recognising her groundbreaking work on the genomic architecture of equine exertional rhabdomyolysis.
Her involvement in BSAS extends well beyond membership. As ECC representative on the Publications Committee, she plays an important role in shaping how scientific work is shared across the community. She also contributes to initiatives like the BSAS Undergraduate Thesis of the Year Award, helping spotlight emerging talent in animal science.
Through BSAS, Victoria has found a platform to contribute to the wider scientific community and connect with peers, mentors, and leaders in the field. “Being part of BSAS gives me opportunities to engage with other researchers, broaden my understanding of current issues in animal science, and have a real impact early in my career,” she says.
Outside the lab and lecture hall, Victoria is equally energetic—riding horses, cycling, and even refereeing rugby matches in her spare time.
Whether in the classroom, field, or peer-review meeting, Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee exemplifies the spirit of BSAS: passionate, collaborative, and committed to the progress of animal science.
Remembering James France
James France, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph (Canada), passed away in December 2024. James was a distinguished scholar, dedicated educator and cherished colleague whose contributions to mathematical modelling in agricultural sciences left an indelible mark on the academic community – Jim to all of us who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him.
Born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, UK, Jim obtained his BSc (honours) in Mathematics at Cardiff University in 1972. He excelled in mathematics and graduated with a PhD at the University of Hull.
After working as a research officer at the Research and Intelligence Unit of South Yorkshire County Council and Commission of the European Communities, he accepted a position with the Agriculture Research Council at the Grassland Research Institute at Hurley, near Maidenhead (UK), in 1979. There, he began his career as a specialist in mathematical modelling of all aspects of animal physiology, with a focus on rumen function, digesta passage and dairy cow nutrition, areas of research that he pursued throughout his career. At Hurley, Jim worked with John H.M. Thornley (1936–2023), his long-time scientific colleague and co-author of many scientific publications. Together, they published the first edition of their classic book Mathematical Models in Agriculture in 1984, followed by a second edition in 2007. Their work has been foundational in understanding and predicting the behaviour of agricultural and ecological systems through quantitative methods. They led the way in showing the value of interdisciplinary research. Following the closure of the Hurley site in 1992, Jim transferred to North Wyke, Okehampton (UK), as part of the newly formed Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, where he completed work on a dynamic simulation model of rumen function with colleagues from Wageningen University. During his time at Hurley and North Wyke, Jim served as Head of Biomathematics and Deputy Head of Animal and Microbial Sciences. Jim had a prolific and impactful academic career. In 1997, Jim was appointed Research Professor of Biomathematics at the University of Reading, where he established a biomathematics research group and developed compartmental models of protein turnover. In 2003, he received the Senior Canada Research Chair in Biomathematics in Animal Nutrition at the University of Guelph and moved with his family to Canada, where he founded and led the Centre for Nutrition Modelling. In 2011, Jim undertook a sabbatical in Spain to continue his long-standing collaboration on growth functions and feed evaluation systems with scientists at the University of Leon. Jim became Professor Emeritus at the Department of Animal Biosciences of the University of Guelph on his retirement in 2017 and continued to work as a scientist, ‘emptying the bottom desk drawer’ of in-progress work and contributing further articles to scientific journals up until the time of his death, with further articles to be published posthumously. From 1986 until his retirement, Jim was a visiting professor at the University of California – Davis, Wageningen University, University of León and Newcastle University. Throughout his career, Jim published 10 books and more than 865 journal articles. As of November 2024, his works have been cited more than 31,900 times.
Jim was one of the leading organisers of the workshops on modelling nutrient digestion and utilisation in farm animals (MODNUT). The international meeting is held every 3–5 years to discuss the application of modelling across multiple disciplines of animal nutrition and feeding of farm animals. He was also the coordinator for the Agricultural Research Modellers’ Group in the UK from the mid-1980s until 2003 and subsequently established an Animal Science Modellers’ Group following his move to Guelph. Jim’s ethos was that animal modelling should be based on scientific pluralism and data mining, with an emphasis on solving biological problems rather than applying mathematical techniques and collaborated with many scientists globally to progress this vision.
During the course of his career, he was known not only for his pioneering research in the mathematical modelling of animal nutrition but also for his unwavering commitment to mentoring students, globally, and fostering a passion for discovery in the next generation of scientists.
Jim was a very valuable member of the Editorial Board of The Journal of Agricultural Science, published by Cambridge University Press, and published several papers in the journal either as a senior or co-author.
Beyond academia, Jim was a devoted family member, a loyal friend and an active member of the scientific community. Jim met his wife, Judith, while they were studying at the University of Hull (UK), and they were married in 1976. He found joy in hiking, chatting over a coffee, travelling and reading books about history, philosophy and science. He was an avid football fan and enjoyed woodwork as well as gardening.
Jim left a mark that impacted the lives of many people. He is survived by Judith, their three sons and four grandchildren, as well as countless friends, former students and colleagues who will forever remember his warmth and brilliance. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered
Shared from - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-agricultural-science/article/obituary-james-france-phd-dsc-fima-cmath-csci/8915CFEFB46E6D263E3C8A92072322A7
IUKBC: Knowledge Transfer Manager – AgriFood – Livestock and Aquaculture
Purpose of the role
Livestock and aquaculture are a key part of the £120 billion AgriFood sector in the UK. Livestock represents a significant proportion of the agricultural sector both by value and land use area, and aquaculture is an important industry sector producing high-value exports, and with strong growth potential around the world. Innovation is crucial to ensure success in the sector, and also to deliver targets related to Net Zero and key UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are looking to recruit a new team member that can enhance our deep expertise and powerful connections, and drive positive change in this important industry sector.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join us in driving innovation within the AgriFood sector, with a particular emphasis on supporting those companies working in livestock and aquaculture. The role will facilitate business growth and help promote and drive knowledge transfer between the science and technology base and industry, promoting networking and accelerating innovation relevant to AgriFood businesses. You will help catalyse the development of new technology enabled products and processes that will benefit businesses, the economy, the environment and society.
The post will be varied, working with businesses across the AgriFood sector but with a focus on opportunities driven by industrial challenges of the livestock and aquaculture industries. An appreciation of, or experience in the use of science and innovation within these industries is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
- To lead innovation and business growth in Livestock and Aquaculture, as well as other areas of AgriFood including farmer engagement, displaying significant technical expertise and experience in these key areas.
- Leading/supporting delivery of large and complex projects and programmes of activity, particularly the ongoing delivery of the Farming Innovation Programme in partnership with Innovate UK and Defra.
- Managing and motivating delivery teams, to ensure effective operational management, and cohesive delivery.
- Build and influence a strong and engaged community of UK innovators/innovation stakeholders within the AgriFood sector, with a particular focus on business. This includes leadership and delivery of the high-profile Advisory Groups, as well as management of relationships with key stakeholders such as Innovate UK and Defra.
- Directly engage with businesses providing support through access to investment and making new connections and collaborations.
- To engage businesses with UK research and innovation assets (including the UK AgriTech Centre/Catapults) and engage with business communities through our networks and sector development growth projects.
- Develop, maintain and monitor relationships with Innovate UK Business Connect members and key stakeholders including regular company visits.
- Develop a broad network of strategically aligned contacts and build senior level external partnerships.
- Identify and Champion defined areas of importance to the UK economy such as AgriTech in Livestock and Aquaculture, or areas of emerging potential.
- Deliver key business metrics, and track progress, capturing outcomes and success stories.
- Lead/manage a series of key programmes and/or events of relevance to a key UK industry sector or strategic technology.
- Act as a network facilitator within and across key, strategic communities.
- Engage across Innovate UK Business Connect to stimulate cross-sector collaboration and support/mentor colleagues.
- Undertake reporting obligations in line with Innovate UK Business Connect goals for impact measurement.
- Lead on workshops/programme delivery, with high levels of company seniority or complexity.
- Take responsibility for complex and new areas, scoping out the challenge and defining knowledge transfer activities to meet a defined outcome.
- Identify new opportunities that can support the specific project and subsequent projects.
Experience & Skills
Essential Experience
- A background in a relevant science, agriculture or related discipline is required to degree level, or equivalent experience.
- Experience at a technical, academic or business level with the agriculture sector (and preferably experience in livestock or aquaculture), with knowledge and experience in a business-relevant field in the private sector desirable.
- Experience of delivering projects for external customers or working with industrial collaborators would be advantageous.
- An awareness of innovation facilitation, knowledge transfer or business development processes would be beneficial.
Desirable Experience
- Familiarity with the UK innovation ecosystem and a strong network across government, industry, research.
Skills
- Highly motivated, self-starting and results oriented individual with leadership qualities and experience.
- Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open and diverse environment.
- Strong communicator with well-developed written and verbal skills, able to translate complex topics for a broad audience.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with and understand the needs and capabilities with stakeholders across a range of technical and/or industrial disciplines.
- Knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities in Livestock and Aquaculture, wider agricultural innovation needs, and farmer-led innovation support.
- High level of IT literacy and organisational skills.
Benefits & how to apply
- Salary £48,685 pa
- 28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Enhanced Pension Plan
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme
- Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme.
This is a maternity cover until August 2026.
This advert will close on Sunday 8th June.
First stage interviews will be held w/c 16th June
Second stage interviews will be held w/c 23rd and 30th June.
Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.
Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided. Unfortunately, owing to the high number of applications received, we can only provide feedback to applicants selected for interview.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email to recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.
Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.
If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iukbc.org.uk
About Innovate UK Business Connect
We connect ideas, people, and communities to drive innovation that changes lives.
Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research. Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.
The future holds both challenges and opportunities. We are passionate about working with innovative businesses to overcome these challenges and shape the opportunities and solutions that follow.
Our vision is to create a network of innovators so powerful its ideas will change the world.
While business is at the heart of our work, our diverse connections span government, funders, research and the third sector. This unrivalled overview and connectivity enable us to be a trusted guide through a complex global landscape of research, development, and innovation.
BSAS Membership
Remembering Professor James France
James France, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph (Canada), passed away in December 2024. James was a distinguished scholar, dedicated educator and cherished colleague whose contributions to mathematical modelling in agricultural sciences left an indelible mark on the academic community – Jim to all of us who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him.
Born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, UK, Jim obtained his BSc (honours) in Mathematics at Cardiff University in 1972. He excelled in mathematics and graduated with a PhD at the University of Hull.
After working as a research officer at the Research and Intelligence Unit of South Yorkshire County Council and Commission of the European Communities, he accepted a position with the Agriculture Research Council at the Grassland Research Institute at Hurley, near Maidenhead (UK), in 1979. There, he began his career as a specialist in mathematical modelling of all aspects of animal physiology, with a focus on rumen function, digesta passage and dairy cow nutrition, areas of research that he pursued throughout his career. At Hurley, Jim worked with John H.M. Thornley (1936–2023), his long-time scientific colleague and co-author of many scientific publications. Together, they published the first edition of their classic book Mathematical Models in Agriculture in 1984, followed by a second edition in 2007. Their work has been foundational in understanding and predicting the behaviour of agricultural and ecological systems through quantitative methods. They led the way in showing the value of interdisciplinary research. Following the closure of the Hurley site in 1992, Jim transferred to North Wyke, Okehampton (UK), as part of the newly formed Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, where he completed work on a dynamic simulation model of rumen function with colleagues from Wageningen University. During his time at Hurley and North Wyke, Jim served as Head of Biomathematics and Deputy Head of Animal and Microbial Sciences. Jim had a prolific and impactful academic career. In 1997, Jim was appointed Research Professor of Biomathematics at the University of Reading, where he established a biomathematics research group and developed compartmental models of protein turnover. In 2003, he received the Senior Canada Research Chair in Biomathematics in Animal Nutrition at the University of Guelph and moved with his family to Canada, where he founded and led the Centre for Nutrition Modelling. In 2011, Jim undertook a sabbatical in Spain to continue his long-standing collaboration on growth functions and feed evaluation systems with scientists at the University of Leon. Jim became Professor Emeritus at the Department of Animal Biosciences of the University of Guelph on his retirement in 2017 and continued to work as a scientist, ‘emptying the bottom desk drawer’ of in-progress work and contributing further articles to scientific journals up until the time of his death, with further articles to be published posthumously. From 1986 until his retirement, Jim was a visiting professor at the University of California – Davis, Wageningen University, University of León and Newcastle University. Throughout his career, Jim published 10 books and more than 865 journal articles. As of November 2024, his works have been cited more than 31,900 times.
Jim was one of the leading organisers of the workshops on modelling nutrient digestion and utilisation in farm animals (MODNUT). The international meeting is held every 3–5 years to discuss the application of modelling across multiple disciplines of animal nutrition and feeding of farm animals. He was also the coordinator for the Agricultural Research Modellers’ Group in the UK from the mid-1980s until 2003 and subsequently established an Animal Science Modellers’ Group following his move to Guelph. Jim’s ethos was that animal modelling should be based on scientific pluralism and data mining, with an emphasis on solving biological problems rather than applying mathematical techniques and collaborated with many scientists globally to progress this vision.
During the course of his career, he was known not only for his pioneering research in the mathematical modelling of animal nutrition but also for his unwavering commitment to mentoring students, globally, and fostering a passion for discovery in the next generation of scientists.
Jim was a very valuable member of the Editorial Board of The Journal of Agricultural Science, published by Cambridge University Press, and published several papers in the journal either as a senior or co-author.
Beyond academia, Jim was a devoted family member, a loyal friend and an active member of the scientific community. Jim met his wife, Judith, while they were studying at the University of Hull (UK), and they were married in 1976. He found joy in hiking, chatting over a coffee, travelling and reading books about history, philosophy and science. He was an avid football fan and enjoyed woodwork as well as gardening.
Jim left a mark that impacted the lives of many people. He is survived by Judith, their three sons and four grandchildren, as well as countless friends, former students and colleagues who will forever remember his warmth and brilliance. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered
Shared from - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-agricultural-science/article/obituary-james-france-phd-dsc-fima-cmath-csci/8915CFEFB46E6D263E3C8A92072322A7
Sustainable Food Trust: Grazing Livestock Report 2025
AFBI - Higher Scientific Officer in Sustainable Beef and Sheep Systems
DEPARTMENT: AFBI - Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute
SALARY: £35,560 - £36,783 (£37,694 - £38,990 with effect from 1 August 2025)
LOCATION: AFBI Sustainable Livestock Systems Branch, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR.
In order to apply for this position, please click on the “Apply for this job online” link below to register to this vacancy and to submit an online application.