A team led by a Keele University researcher has secured funding for a new study to make food crops more resilient to plant diseases, in a bid to improve global food security. 

Led by Professor James Bell, the team has secured funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of its work to tackle infections, with UKRI investing in 12 projects around the world which aim to prevent infections in humans, plants, and animals. 

Professor Bell’s team will be specifically looking at preparing agriculture to protect against viral and bacterial epidemics spread by insects. 

Working with industry partners, the team will examine potential and emerging threats, tools for first detection, containment measures, new ways for farmers to help reduce the spread of disease, and finally, an information approach to prepare policymakers for the changes that are needed to implement these measures.   

Professor Bell, Professor of Entomology in the School of Life Sciences, said: “The team is a mix of industry experts and academics. We are tasked with examining the level of preparedness for an insect transmitted disease epidemic which may one day threaten food security. 

“We’ve got a really exciting mix of skills that include mathematical modellers, meteorologists, molecular biologists, entomologists, and experts in viruses and bacteria too. Robotics and imaging will play an important part in future food security, so we have that expertise in the team too.” 

A spokesperson for UKRI added: “Tackling infections is one of UKRI’s five strategic themes and these teams are just 12 of a number of investments to investigate and better manage future infectious disease threats.  

“We aim to bolster our national and international defence and response capabilities by tackling infectious diseases that pose threats to people, livestock, crops and natural resources in more integrated and innovative ways.”