The first Sustainable Development Goals report from the University of Aberdeen includes research stories that reflect the breadth of activity across the University, and their impact on one or more of the SDGs. One of these highlighted stories is research into sustainable novel crops carried out by Dr Madalina Neacsu at the Rowett Institute.
The focus of this research is to identify new crops that can potentially be grown in Scotland. The research currently involves crops such as hemp and buckwheat, both of which are a source of nutrients including protein.
Dr Neacsu has been involved with many engagement events highlighting the benefits of these crops. These events have been aimed at stakeholders, farmers, the Scottish Hemp Group and the general public. At some of these events, Dr Neacsu has offered samples from the recipe book “A Taste of Plants” containing recipes using ingredients from the crops that she has been researching.
The University has also created a website to highlight research that impacts some of the Sustainable Development Goals. The section on Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing contains further research from the Rowett which has impacted some of the SDGs. Highlights include research from Professor Lora Heisler identifying targets for type 2 diabetes treatment; Professor Alex Johnstone and the impact that some of her research has had on supermarket shelves; and Professor Jennie Macdiarmid and her work into modelling health and sustainable diets.
Work from Dr Neacsu work was funded by the Scottish Government through the Strategic Research Programme