Enigma - a Collaborative Research Model

SOLVING AGRI-FOOD CHALLENGES

Enigma is Fera’s strategic R&D model established to support continued research, innovation and knowledge transfer across the agri-food sector through a joined-up approach with Fera and industry partners.

Thought to be one of the first research models of its kind in the agri-food sector, Enigma relies on industry collaboration to address exacting industry challenges.

Each Enigma project will be co-sponsored by industry partners enabling Fera to deliver world-class science to find end-to-end solutions to sector challenges.

With access to internal knowledge, expertise and a rich network of academics internationally, Fera’s aim with each Enigma project is to help create sustainable food production systems that are truly fit for the future.

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UPCOMING PROJECTS

Fera has undertaken comprehensive sector market research to identify the exacting challenges faced by the agri-food sector to set the agenda for upcoming Enigma projects.

Wireworm continues to be a problem for potato and carrot growers and is increasingly being seen in other crops such as cereals, field beans, sugar beat, onions and maize. The pattern of wireworm damage is changing, however the industry is yet to understand why and how these damage patterns are altering.

Fera has identified that R&D is required to understand in greater detail the lifecycle of the pest to enable producers to successfully use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to control wireworm. Further research into the identification of wireworm species is also required.

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With the support of industry partners, 'Enigma I', will seek to deliver the following:

WIREWORM IDENTIFICATION SERVICE

Molecular methods for accurate identification of wireworm and, potentially, the identification of species causing crop damage (even in the absence of the insect)
Data on which species of wireworm is damaging crops and the timing of this (not simply detection of wireworm presence in the field)
Understanding wireworm lifecycles where there are gaps in knowledge around the species that damage crops
Information on the effects of cover crops on wireworm damage in the following crop

WIREWORM MONITORING RESOURCES
PREDICTIVE MODELLING TECHNIQUES

Predications for which species will most likely be an issue or which will become an issue in different parts of the UK

DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS

Research will be available to access easily via a website and alerts system

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA I - SUSTAINABLE WIREWORM IPM*

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To deliver end-to-end practical solutions to pertinent sector challenges, there must be a strong connection between scientists and industry partners which is why knowledge exchange is a crucial element of any Enigma project.

Industry partners will also access several other benefits, including:

Open Innovation – The purpose of Enigma is to find innovative solutions that provide complete answers to industry challenges. Fera want to achieve this by creating a platform that provides the opportunity for open innovation across a collaborative group of partners
Shaping Research - Partners have the opportunity to shape the research programme through regular communications with Fera science leads and other industry partners throughout the project
Direct Contact - Each partner will be allocated an Enigma partner manager who will be their direct contact throughout the project
Access to Results - Partners will have first sight of the results from the Enigma project they are co-sponsoring which will be delivered via programme reports and events
Industry Network - Involvement in Enigma projects will allow individuals and organisations to gain contacts through the network of partners they will work alongside. The projects will provide opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) through engagement with partners and researchers
Acknowledgement - Partners will be acknowledged on the Enigma webpage and in planned external communications activity at key project milestones
Project Updates - All partners will receive regular research updates delivered via a webinar and summary e-newsletter
Communications Pack - Communication packs will be available to all partners which can be used to demonstrate involvement in Enigma projects

FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A PARTNER?

Please get in touch with us to find out more about pricing.

CAN I BE INVOLVED IN MORE THAN ONE PROJECT AT A TIME?

Yes, partners can choose to be involved in as many Enigma projects as they like. Please keep an eye on the website for upcoming projects that may be relevant to you.

DO I HAVE TO BE A PART OF THE PROJECT FOR THE WHOLE DURATION?

Yes, by committing to be part of the proposed Enigma project, the expectation is that you remain a partner from start to end. Projects may vary in length so please ensure you are aware of the length of the project you are aligned with.

WILL CONFLICTING PARTNERS STILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED IF MY ORGANISATION SIGNS-UP TO A SPECIFIC ENIGMA PROJECT?

The ambition with Enigma is to build a network of industry partners who can work collaboratively to find solutions to industry challenges. Therefore, each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether there is a conflict between potential partners. If you have any concerns, please raise these when you express initial interest in a project.

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TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT UPCOMING ENIGMA PROJECTS AND TO BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON INISIGHT FROM CURRENT PROJECTS, SIGN-UP TO OUR MAILING LIST HERE.