Champions' work - AFN Network+

Champions are at the heart of our Network and play a key role in supporting our mission of identifying key research gaps that may be holding the UK food system back from transitioning towards a net zero UK by 2050.

How do our Champions support our mission?

Drawing on their expertise and specialist knowledge of the agri-food sector our Champions:

  • Build their own network centred around one of six themes.
  • Run engagement activities with the aim of seeking and synthesising ideas and thinking around the drive towards achieving net zero by 2050.
  • Map the research and innovation landscape, within their theme as well as across others, identifying critical knowledge and activity gaps that need addressing.We also review the Champion themes each year, to make sure that they’re evolving in line with our work and priorities.

Each year we appoint a new cohort of Champions, who bring with them fresh energy and expertise. We also review the Champion themes each year, to make sure that they’re evolving in line with our work and priorities.

Meet our 2024 Champions Research themes for 2024
Saher Hasnain stands in front of a flip chart
Georgie Barber sits at a table
Jude Irons writes on a flip chart
Amy Jackson stands in front of a room of afn network members

Read reports from our AFN Network+ Champions:

Image of a watercourse running through peatland
Reports library

AFN Network+: State of knowledge on UK agricultural peatlands for food production and the net zero transition

Agricultural peatlands are the most productive soils in the UK for the cultivation of many food crops, but their use has resulted in a significant emission of greenhouse gases. This multi-author paper looks at the current state of knowledge on UK agricultural peatlands.

Published:
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Beans as a vehicle for transforming food system outcomes
Reports library

AFN Network+: Beans as a vehicle for transforming food system outcomes

This report brings together a vision for achieving the shift towards bean-rich diets. It outlines case studies, key themes and next steps as discussed at the ‘Beans as a Vehicle for Transforming Food System Outcomes’ summit, co-convened by John Ingram (AFN Network+ Champion for Systems Interactions in Supply Chains), BeanMeals and Beans Is How.

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AFN Network+: ​Agroforestry as a tool for Net Zero in the UK
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AFN Network+: ​Agroforestry as a tool for net zero in the UK

A prominent policy option for carbon sequestration is large-scale tree planting, but the UK is falling far behind on its tree-planting commitments. This report provides an introduction into agroforestry, its benefits for climate and food production, and its role and context in potential futures of the UK agricultural sector.​

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UK Research and Innovation has funded this network with support of these four councils:

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

UK Research and Innovation