Scholar Focus - Dr Catherine Nakielny

In the countdown to the application deadline on 31 July, we have been asking Scholars about their Nuffield experience, and why they’d encourage others to apply.

2011 Scholar Dr Catherine Nakielny: Maximising returns through reducing methane emissions – an opportunity for the UK sheep sector.

Catherine travelled to Ireland, Australia and New Zealand to look at how greenhouse gas emissions, methane in particular, are being addressed in these countries with the view to producing lamb more efficiently. Catherine concluded that  that ‘best practice’ methods for improving efficiencies through better soil and manure management, genetic improvements, fertility, and ewe longevity will help to lower overall methane levels in lamb production on a per kilogram basis. 

‘’I was fortunate to have been selected as a 2011 Nuffield Scholar. In the two years since, I have really benefited from the opportunities the Scholarship offers. As well as the technical expertise I developed looking at my chosen topic, my own personal development has been equally important. Since receiving the Award I have become involved in a number of organisations and hold the position of Chair on a national committee. Meeting with such a broad range of Scholars from different countries also helped to put a global perspective on the challenges facing UK agriculture. I try to integrate this understanding within my day-to-day work as a sheep consultant, as well as in my role within various industry organisations. Having the opportunity to travel extensively has also helped to demonstrate to me that agriculture is now operating in a global environment, and that the future for a successful industry lies in global collaboration through marketing, product development and research‘’.

You can view Catherine’s presentation here and read her full report here