Session: Presidents 

Date: Wednesday, 15th April |10:45

Summary: David Wilde will share his views on the hurdles of applying research from an industry perspective as part of the President's Session at this year's Annual Conference. David will then join other session speakers to take  part in a panel discussion on the hurdles to applying research, including looking at the role of human perceptions and changing mindsets.

Profile: David is the National Ruminant Technical Manager with the Massey Harpers Feeds Group, a family owned and run business providing animal feeds across the country. His role involves providing training and technical support for the sales teams, feed formulation, forage analysis and coordinating trials as well as being out on farm with customers. David is also a Cow Signals® Master Trainer. He is involved with the AIC Forage Analysis Assurance Group, the Feed Advisor Register working group and actively involved in the UK Agritech Centre. David has extensive experience in the animal feed industry, having worked for premix companies, feed additive manufacturers and the compound feed sector, working closely with farmers, nutritionists, consultants, academics and veterinarians. He is an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, visiting lecturer at Harper Adams University, has over 40 published papers, abstracts and conference proceedings and has been a member of the Society for almost 30 years.

Session: Presidents 

Date: Wednesday, 15th April |10:45

Summary: Is meaningful engagement with human stakeholders an avenue to overcome barriers to change and enhance the application of research? This presentation will draw on insights from various research projects to explore how we can extend our focus beyond scientific evidence and technical know-how to consider the wider contextual and personal factors that affect human behaviour and decision-making, and consequently, our research impact.
From agricultural technology investors who stressed the importance of fully comprehending target users’ priorities and the challenges they face, to the significance of accidental counsellors, examples demonstrate the importance of considering both practical and personal factors in the process of change. I will argue that we, as researchers, should use reflexive practices throughout the research process, and better consider whose knowledge and experience matters when we consider what constitutes an ‘enabling environment’ for change. Thus, meaningful engagement is not only a means to disseminate research findings; it starts at (or before) the conception of research, to collaboratively shape the objectives, questions, and solutions to empower potential ‘change-makers’.

Profile: Dr Laura Palczynski is a postdoctoral researcher in the Engaging for Change group within the Centre for Social Science at Harper Adams University. Starting out with a degree in animal behaviour and welfare, completing a PhD exploring different human perspectives and priorities regarding dairy calf management and several years working in agricultural knowledge exchange have informed her thinking about barriers to change. Her research now focuses on how people can work together effectively, considering factors such as mental health and wellbeing, as well as communication and practicality of research recommendations for industry.