Annual Business and Food conference showcases student research

An annual conference has brought together Food and Business students at Harper Adams University to discuss their diverse final year research plans.

It was the fourth successive year the Conference of Undergraduate Research in Business and Food has been held to allow students to share their Honours Research Projects – with both research posters and oral presentations throughout the conference.

Students discuss what they are researching, how, and why – and receive feedback both from their peers and from lecturers and other Harper Adams employees, with the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Lee and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Research Culture) Professor Dawn Arnold taking part in the day.

Opening the event, Professor Sloan told the participating students: “When I look back into the archives, I can see evidence that there has been research undertaken at this institution from its very early days.

“You are connected right back to the history of this institution when it first started in 1901.

“The thing that really blew my mind today was the range of topics you are covering.

“Everything from the role of banks in agriculture, the potential of AI in food processing, the use of electronic word of mouth in farm diversification, livestock assurance, the use of grass in bread, agriculture in the school curriculum, the attitude of Gen Z and luxury buying in China using AI and VR; to the role of mental health in agricultural curricula in further and higher education.

“Then we have posters: gluten and dairy free marketing, second hand trading, vegan purchasing, pink taxation in China, the tiering of meat in Aldi, work that has come as a result of lecturer Martin Anderson’s trip along the Appalachian Trail, work-life balance in modern farming – I am not sure there are many who would say they have much evidence of that, polycystic ovary syndrome, and novel enrichment in pigs.

“What a broad range of topics that have been picked and are being showcased!”

Students and staff voted throughout the day for their favourite Oral and Poster presentations, with an award given to the winning student in each category.

The Student Award for Best Poster went to BSc (Hons) Agri-business student Izzy Scott for her poster examining work-life balance and quality of life in modern rural communities, and the Student Award for Best Oral Presentation went to her coursemate Tom York, for his presentation on assessing the provision of mental health training in agricultural curricula in UK universities and colleges.

Meanwhile  the Staff Award for Best Poster went to BSc (Hons) Food Technology and Product Development student Maia Larks for her poster looking at the availability, range and cost of gluten-free products in UK retail, and the staff award for Best Oral Presentation was secured by BSc (Hons) Agri-food Marketing with Business student Darcy Johnson, who is researching how Key Stage 4 teachers would receive a stronger focus on UK agriculture and food production in the national curriculum.

The awards were presented by Professors Arnold and Lee.

Senior Lecturer in Economics Dr Hairong Mu, who organised the conference, said: “The day was a success, with students actively engaging in reflective discussions on their ongoing projects. They received valuable feedback from peers and academic staff, fostering an environment of growth and collaboration.

“Presenting at the conference offers students a platform to showcase their work, refine their ideas, and gain critical feedback.

“When asked, ‘what did you find most valuable about attending this conference?’, one presenter answered, ‘I found the written feedback the most valuable - and also speaking to other lecturers about my topic.’

“For their fellow students, it serves as an inspiring opportunity to learn from their peers’ experiences and gain insights into various approaches to research and problem-solving.

“One participant said: ‘I thought this event was really well organised and I think it’s very beneficial to anyone contributing - or even just listening.’

“Another added: ‘It was nice to see Beijing University of Agriculture students getting involved in the presentations, too!’

“For staff, the day is both rewarding and refreshing.

“They enjoy supporting student growth, offering guidance, and seeing the students’ progress. It provides an opportunity to engage in a more collaborative and reflective environment. The chance to interact with colleagues and participate in the students’ journey adds a meaningful and enjoyable dimension to their day.”