Funded PhD opportunity to explore sustainable solutions to improve the UK’s food security and public health related to horticulture and fruits and vegetables, as part of the new Centre for Net Positive Health & Climate Solutions (Net+ Centre) at the University of Exeter.Funded by UK Research and Innovation, the Net+ Centre is a partnership of the University of Exeter with the UK Health Security Agency, the National Trust, Forest Research, the Met Office and several other organisations to deliver its research, which focuses on ‘net-positive’ approaches. Net-positive solutions aim to reduce the negative health impacts of climate mitigation and adaptation, whilst also contributing to positive outcomes – such as ecosystem recovery and improved human wellbeing. The Centre’s research is particularly seeking to ensure that any new measures do not worsen existing inequalities among those communities most impacted by climate change.For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.Project outline:How fruits and vegetables are produced, sold and consumed is essential for food security in the UK and transitioning to healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems. The UK produces 60% of total vegetable supply and 20% for fruits with the remaining largely imported. This makes the UK vulnerable to shocks in global food systems, such as climate-induced weather events interrupting supply and causing volatility in food prices, which in turn exacerbates access to healthy foods.Research is required to explore how to create feasible systems-wide solutions to increase the ubiquity of fruits and vegetables in our food environments, without exploiting people or the planet. This relates to growers in terms of growing practices, profitability, and diversity of routes to market, and how to compete with the marketing of less nutritious foods. It also relates to ensuring universal access, affordability, and a culture of consuming fruits and vegetables to encourage healthy dietary practices to reduce diet-related health inequalities.This PhD will aim to explore sustainable solutions to improve the UK’s food security and public health related to horticulture and fruits and vegetables. This PhD is expected to take a planetary health and systems approach, for example, the student would engage with how their research relates to the Food & Agricultural Organisation’s many different pillars of food security [availability, access, utilisation, stability, sustainability, agency].The thesis might choose to focus on local policies and partnerships to think through the social and political contexts that facilitate effective solutions to improve food security related to horticulture. The thesis could involve three main activities.1. An evidence synthesis to explore coherence in local-national policy to improve the UK’s food security in fruits and vegetables e.g., via a systematic literature review, policy document review, supplemented by semi-structured interviews where necessary.2. Explore practices, experiences, aspirations of local growers/retailers regarding the future of UK horticulture e.g., via semi-structured interviews and/or questionnaire surveys3. Explore the contribution of local innovation to improving food security of fruits and vegetables in the UK e.g., via engaging with economically disadvantaged communities and local innovators and/or evaluating existing programmes using routinely collected data setsThese pieces of work could be brought together using participatory group model building workshops to visualise dynamic causal relationships and consider the feasibility of scaling-up local innovations and what might work, for whom, in which contexts.We are looking for PhD candidates with social science backgrounds that are interested in interdisciplinary research with clear policy relevance.Entry requirementsApplicants should have at a minimum a good first degree (at least 2.1, or international equivalent) in a social or political science discipline, and have obtained, or are currently working towards a Master's degree at Merit level, or international equivalent, in relevant subject area.If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.Recipients are expected to commit to engagement beyond their doctoral studies through contributing to the research environment of their discipline and the Faculty by participating in research activities, accessing skills development training and opportunities and career development etc. Continued funding would be dependent on satisfactory evidence of this engagement having taken place.This award is only open to applicants whose fee status is classed as Home. Click here for further information about fee status.Please note that this studentship is only open to applicants who will start their study after September 2025, not those who have already started, and must be taken up in the 2025/26 academic year.Applications will only be supported for campus-based programmes as this studentship is not open to Distance-Learning programmes.

About the FSAThe FSA is a non-ministerial department of over 1600 people. We play a critical role in protecting public health and consumers’ wider interests in food across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our vision is an important one - to drive change, delivering “food you can trust” and working towards a healthier and more sustainable food system.Job descriptionThe FSA  is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA). Science is at the heart of everything we do, and this role is critical in ensuring that the evidence we gather is robust, relevant, and effectively used to inform our strategy and policymaking. As CSA, you will provide independent, expert advice to both the FSA Board and Executive Team, helping to shape our strategic direction and ensuring that our decisions are grounded in the best available scientific knowledge.You will play a vital assurance role, guiding our response to both long-term risks and urgent food safety incidents, and helping us maintain public trust in food. You will act as a key member of the Executive Management Team, reporting to the Board with a direct line to the Chair. The role is well supported by a dedicated team within our Science, Evidence and Research directorate, who help drive forward the CSA’s agenda and scientific engagement.We are looking for a highly credible scientist with a national or international reputation in a field relevant to the FSA’s work. You will have experience advising on the policy or applied implications of scientific research, and a strong understanding of how science and evidence inform decision-making. You will be a skilled communicator, able to explain complex scientific issues clearly and persuasively to senior decision-makers, the media, and the public. Your ability to influence at Board level, operate effectively in high-pressure situations, and collaborate across disciplines will be key to your success.This is a part-time (60%) position. While there are regular commitments in London, attending FSA  meetings and events, we offer flexibility in terms of location and working pattern. What matters most is your scientific capability, your credibility, and your commitment to making a meaningful impact on public health and food safety.If you are passionate about science and its role in protecting consumers, and you are ready to bring your leadership and expertise to one of the UK’s most trusted public bodies, we would love to hear from you.This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by.

About the Real Farming TrustThe Real Farming Trust (RFT) runs a number of programmes which bring people of all food and farming backgrounds and experiences together to advocate for a fairer food system based on agroecology. We are a small charity and value honesty, empathy, care and compassion in our interactions with each other in the organisation and with the partners we work with.About the Agroecology Comms Network (ACN)The Agroecology Comms Network (ACN) emerged from the 2020 Oxford Real Farming Conference and connects communications staff working to promote agroecology across a wide range of organisations, big and small, to foster collaboration and resource-sharing.The network helps to resource the movement from within by providing opportunities for upskilling, networking and building our collective voice. We do this through offering online skills sessions, in-person gatherings, and building and producing shared resources.The group has grown quickly and now has more than 150 members from more than 70 organisations who are in touch regularly about supporting each other’s campaigns, getting advice on communication tools, and sharing ideas and contacts.The network also produces a regular Agroecology New Digest to keep parliamentarians well informed on the latest research, updates and events happening across the movement.About the ACN Media Liaison Officer RoleThis is an exciting opportunity for an individual with media experience to support the UK’s food and farming movement in reaching a wider audience with its campaigns and messaging. The media liaison officer will help comms professionals across the agroecological food and farming sector shape and direct their campaigns to be considered for publication by journalists and media outlets in the UK and elsewhere.The right candidate will already have a wide number of media contacts and be responsible for further developing relationships between the ACN membership and the media. They will also help members develop their press materials, respond to media inquiries, and support strong and consistent messaging on agroecology on behalf of the network. The media liaison officer will also help facilitate training and further develop media pitching skills across the ACN.The Media Liaison officer will work closely with the Real Farming Trust Comms Manager and ACN Coordinator, as well as with network members from organisations across the real food and farming movement. They will also work with the Parliamentarians for Agroecology coordinator to maintain alignment across media and policy messaging. The role is remote, with some travel required across the UK, and a commitment to being at on-site events 3-4 times throughout the year.Key Responsibilities:Managing Media Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets.Creating and Distributing Content: Developing press releases, statements, and other media materials.Responding to Inquiries: Handling media requests for information and interviews, and linking these to relevant ACN members.Monitoring Media Coverage: Tracking media mentions of agroecology/regen/sustainable farming and reporting on how the food and farming movement is being portrayed.Developing Network Communication Strategies: Helping to plan and execute joint communications, including the Agroecology News Digest.Supporting Skills Development: Offering guidance and training to ACN members on media interactions and communication best practices.Staying Informed: Keeping up with current events and media trends.Essential Skills and Experience5+ years prior  journalistic experience or press relations at a national press level or agency/in-house/freelance capacityAn excellent communicator with a proven track record of pitching and landing stories with national press outletsAbility to multitask and work flexibly with a diverse network of stakeholders of differing backgrounds and experienceExemplary media knowledge with a good network of journalists and media contactsExperience in crafting material into an engaging story or press releaseUnderstanding of agroecology and food sovereignty, and enthusiasm for advocating for environmental and social justiceExcellent ability to work proactively and independently; the ability to take initiative and deliver without supervision is paramount.How to ApplyPlease email (a) your CV and (b) a covering letter (no more than 1 page) as a Word documentdetailing evidence (eg, examples of experience, qualifications) that you meet the criteria listed and why you are suited to the role to Brittany Oakes on brittany@realfarming.org by 12pm BST on Monday, September 29th 2025.If you have questions about the role, please contact Lucy Harding on lucy@realfarming.org.What will happen after you have sent in your applicationWe will let all applicants know if they have been shortlisted for an interview by Monday, October 6th 2025.Interviews will take place online on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th October 2025. If these dates or timings are difficult for you, please tell us in your application.We will share a summary of the interview questions in advance with you. The aim of the interview is to help you show us how you would do the role, not to catch you out.We will let you know in advance who will be on the interview panel and their role within the RFT.

Join the National Farmers’ Union, the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society and Culture Roots Collective as we continue our mission to create an ethnically diverse, thriving agriculture sector that represents the national population, fosters belonging and harnesses the power of diverse thought and experience.Through CPD, open discussion and action planning, we’ll learn from lived experience, cross-sector insights and academic expertise. Delegates will leave with practical, tailored actions to better engage racially marginalised young people and build an inclusive, representative agricultural sector that fosters belonging.The day will include a delicious lunch sponsored by Culture Roots Collective to celebrate the launch of their groundbreaking platform.

Farmers are under immense pressure and transitioning farming practices can feel daunting – and risky – in those first few years. For many farmers, this can be enough to stop them taking that leap. How could collective insurance and green financing in its many forms help de-risk and unlock that transition? How can mindset change and coaching also help support the transition?Our three speakers come from academia, banking, and farming: They will share their latest research and business experience, including the viability of collective landscape-scale insurance, banking products, and what they've learnt from coaching farmers towards more sustainable systems.Our speakers will be delving into all this for us.About Zainab:Zainab Oyetunde-Usman is AFN Year 3 Champion for Carbon Financing and a Research Social Scientist at Rothamsted Research Net Zero and Resilient Farming Department. She is a trained agricultural economist with experience in applying behavioural approaches to designing and fostering mechanisms to incentivise adoption of net zero innovations. She is involved in interdisciplinary research engagement co-developing pathways to achieving net-zero with stakeholders across the UK agri-food systems. Zainab has over time engaged with the AFN Network+ as an ECR member and a scoping study project lead.About Carolien:Carolien Samson is the Head of Sustainable Banking at Oxbury Bank which encompasses all elements of sustainability both internal and external for the Bank. Carolien has extensive experience in agricultural finance spending more than two decades in both commercial banking and development finance institutions in South Africa in roles ranging from policy and product development to commodity trading. At Oxbury, she was responsible for the the consolidated 2023 Natural Capital report which was the first combined TCFD and TNFD disclosure to be published by a UK head-quartered bank and was instrumental in the launch of the Oxbury Transition Facility in 2025 to provide working capital for farmers changing practices to improve resilience.About Doug:Doug Wanstall is Head of Projects at Beyond Zero and a mixed farmer based in Kent. He is an innovative farmer, passionate about the reversal of climate change and biodiversity collapse. Doug led the development of the UK Carbon Code of Conduct which has been established as a central set of standards taking a holistic approach to drive investment into nature-based solutions. Following his Nuffield Scholarship in 2016, and based upon data, science and experience on his own farm, Doug provides consultancy in transitioning businesses towards regenerative agriculture and giving the strategic advice, the skills, the tools and the implementation techniques to ensure success.About this webinar seriesThis webinar is part of a monthly series run by AFN Network+ which explores net zero in the UK agri-food system with leading movers and shakers. Expect deep and varied insight from across the sector, including farmers, scientists, policy analysts, community leaders, retailers, politicians, businesses and health professionals. The series is organised by Jez Fredenburgh, our Knowledge Exchange Fellow, with oversight from Prof Neil Ward, AFN Co-lead. Jez and Neil are based in the School of Environmental Sciences, and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, at the University of East Anglia.

About the roleThis is an excellent opportunity for a senior candidate to help drive leadership and awareness at the intersection of the global protein supply chain with public policy at the national and multilateral level.This is a great opportunity for an experienced policy manager to join an impact oriented policy team in a role that is varied, challenging and highly rewarding. A key focus will be raising awareness about the financially material risks and opportunities in the global protein supply chain. The successful candidate will be at the nexus of the capital markets, public policy and global food system transformation.Essential to a candidate’s success in this role will be demonstrating strong project and people management skills to motivate an ambitious policy team. The role will deliver varied policy initiatives both independently and alongside colleagues in other departments within FAIRR and the Coller Foundation.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Vision & Policy DirectionContributing to further development of the JCF/FAIRR global policy strategy alongside the Policy Director and driving its execution.Translates strategic vision and priorities into project workstreams and initiativesProject manages the delivery of policy workstreams by assigning team leads and contributors across workstreams and developing detailed task breakdowns with policy team membersStakeholder Engagement & CommunicationsJoins stakeholder meetings for specific policy areas, handles day-to-day communications and follow-ups.Building relationships with critical stakeholders, organisations and allies in national and global policy spaces.Organising and participating in policy events where required, providing advice and input on the core objectives of events.Serving as a panellists or spokesperson on specific topics e delegated from the Director.Quality Assurance, Risk Management & Policy InnovationReviews drafts of policy outputs, verifies compliance, refines outputs before final approvals, escalates matters as appropriate during the processIdentifies and manages risks proactively, escalates significant ones to Director in a timely manner.On policy innovation, leads pilot projects, researches feasibility, runs trials and regular initiatives.Oversees delivery of work, ensures quality outputs against agreed timelines, adapts plans as needed.Project & People ManagementConducts daily/weekly check-ins with direct reports, performance reviews, coaching, and supports HR or resourcing issues.Provides support with recruiting and onboarding staff as well as motivating, mentoring and developing a positive team culture.Tracks operational metrics & prepares internal reports.Sets deadlines, monitors progress, ensures teams meet commitments.Provides hands-on coaching in policy skills, writing, analysis.On budgeting, manages detailed day-to-day resource allocation and optimises task planningCross-Functional Influence and CollaborationDevelops strong working relationships with other FAIRR teams, including Investor Outreach, Research & Engagements, Marketing & Communication to share Policy priorities and deliver on FAIRR-wide priorities and outputs.Contributing to the Foundation’s broader policy interests, where relevant, and advocating and including Foundation policy colleagues as needed.Essential CriteriaCandidates are likely to have deep policy and people and project management experience which could be gained through approximately 8-10 years of professional experience required in a similar role, with policy experience in the UK, and EU desirable.Excellent knowledge of the policy landscape and some experience working with governments, multilaterals, regulatory bodies and additional relevant parties is required.Good understanding of how global food and agriculture policy is developed in different governments and departments, and an understanding of how policy priorities are shaped.A track record of contributing to policy change across sustainability, finance and/or related fields. Previous experience working with financial institutions or investors is advantageous.An understanding of sustainable finance, environmental issues, ESG, EU Taxonomy, TCFD, and other investor policy frameworks which require institutional investor engagement in policy-related issues is desirable. Knowledge of biodiversity, deforestation or nature risk is desirable including frameworks such as TNFD.An understanding/interest in sustainable proteins and/or agri-food innovation, and relevant networks amongst key stakeholders is desirable. Able to develop detailed policy positions, as well as playing a guiding role in developing our policy strategies where required, providing the thought leadership on the governance and leadership needed.Exemplary project management and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines, as well as ability to ensure project plans are updated and remain on track.Extensive leadership and line management experience - able to deputise for the Policy DirectorExperience of proactively creating an inspiring culture that is engaging and fosters strong team morale by developing people and supporting their performance and career aspirationsStrong analytical skills, able to think strategically and synthesise diverse information sources maintaining an overview of political trends.Quantitative and qualitative research skills are required.Strong facilitation and presentation skills including experience hosting or organising events or webinars (Note that the applicant will be required to represent FAIRR and JCF to key stakeholders both internally and externally).Excellent English written communication skills, with demonstrable experience of writing concisely and credibly. Must also be a strong verbal communicator able to respond confidently to questionsIs a ‘team-player’ and enjoys working in partnership with colleagues.Has an agile mindset committed to making impactShows persistence in problem solving to achieve personal and organisational goals"Owns" problems rather than blaming them on others.Encourages feedback from othersA demonstrable ability to adapt to changing circumstances, organise and prioritise deliverables, whilst maintaining meticulous attention to detail.A drive to achieve concrete results, prioritising and ensuring delivery while facing competing priorities in a complex working environment.A self-starter, able to work with minimal oversight and expand expertise to consider projects outside of the core remit.Desirable CriteriaThe ability and willingness to travel internationally (approx. 20% of time)Additional languages would be an advantage.Please note no closing date was included in this listing at the time of posting. Please check the original posting for updated vacancy information.

About the roleResearch post applying systems thinking to food system resilience and vertical farming as part of the “Vertical Farming to Improve UK Food System Resilience (VF-UKFSR)” project. The role will involve building causal systems maps of the UK leafy green supply chain in workshops with partner farmers (both conventional horticulture and vertical farming) and from interviews and literature. Exploring how different potential risks to the supply chain might impact on it and the broader system and then working with farmers to understand how they might respond and adapt.There is opportunity for work on novel ways to use systems maps to explore the impacts and interactions of risks and the resilience of complex food systems. Both with developing new network analysis tools and new participatory approaches to uncover and understand risks/vulnerabilities and to explore adaptation strategies. You will work closely with the interdisciplinary VF-Resilience team across multiple universities and with our farm partners, collaborating across the project to integrate systems approaches with socio-economic and land use modelling and work on social acceptance, and helping to form a roadmap to support policy and industry in understanding the future role of VF in the UK food system. About youYou must be ambitious and able to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a diverse and multidisciplinary team. Successful applicants should have, or will soon have, a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, or commensurate professional experience, with evidence of strong interdisciplinary working and qualitative and quantitative skills or demonstrable capacity to develop them where there are gaps. You should have skills and enthusiasm for using systems thinking approaches and tools in real world challenges. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in systems thinking or complexity, and in participatory approaches, ideally in systems mapping or other types of participatory modelling. You must be able to work with stakeholders and have the ability to organize and maintain an ongoing participatory process and stakeholder relationships as well as to adapt the process to on-the-ground constraints. A strong interest in, and ideally experience of food systems and horticulture/agriculture coupled with an interest in resilience and risk analysis is required. Quantitative skills in network analysis, causal analysis, risk and resilience or related analysis skills, alongside the ability to code in R or Python, or a demonstrable ability to develop these are highly desirable. As well as sufficient understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods to develop novel map analysis useful to system stakeholders.You must have sufficient cross-disciplinary understanding and experience to work collaboratively on bridging qualitative and quantitative models, methods and data with other researchers in order to support connections across the project team.You should have experience in producing academic publications alongside research work and be able to organize your workload and time to do so.

Addressing interlinked food-related challenges requires integrated approaches that work across food systems, as opposed to in sectoral silos. Food systems policy coherence (FSPC) strives for policies across sectors to be aligned, as opposed to working against one another. While FSPC is an appealing concept, in practice it is very difficult to assess. GAIN, working with the pan-African food policy thinktank Akademiya2063, have developed a new diagnostic tool that can: 1) identify areas of coherence and non-coherence between food system policies and key societal goals and 2) suggest ways to improve coherence. The tool has been applied in 10 countries across Africa and Asia. It has also commenced being applied in the UK and Switzerland. In this presentation Stella Nordhagen, a researcher at the Global Alliance for Applied Nutrition (GAIN), will introduce the tool and explain how it works. She will also highlight key results from the first country applications and outline where food policy is doing well and what could be done better to support holistic food systems transformation.The talk will be followed by an online Q&A session.Stella Nordhagen is a Research Lead with the GAIN. At GAIN, she oversees research related to food systems in Africa and Asia. Her areas of research interest include market-based approaches to improving diets and nutrition, food supply chains, food environments, food choice, and linkages between nutrition and environmental sustainability. Stella holds an MPhil and PhD from the University of Cambridge.