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YEAR BOOK |
RELAY � research for the food industry
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Food research is vibrant
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RELAY � for the latest information on publicly funded Irish food research.
This research is conducted by prominent scientists at Teagasc's Food Research centres, the main Universities in Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Galway. And now the Department is encouraging the Institutes of Technology to become more involved in the food research programme.
Where does RELAY fit in?
RELAY is responsible for collating information on FIRM funded research, from researchers at 18 research institutes/universities, and translating it into useful outputs for the food industry. It uses a number of communication tools to ensure the information is received by relevant food companies. With an extensive database of food industry clients, RELAY targets email alerts on the latest results to appropriate companies. Through industry focused workshops RELAY provides researchers with an opportunity to deliver their research results directly to a technical food industry audience. For interested companies, there is also the possibility to meet directly with RELAY's disseminators to discuss relevant research. If more depth is required the RELAY team will arrange for the company to meet the appropriate researchers to tease out the possibilities of adapting the technology to advance the companies' R&D programme with a view to adding value to their product portfolio.
As well as the FIRM funded research RELAY also offers access to information on food research funded by other funding agencies, e.g. Safefood, the EU, HEA, dairy trust fund etc.
Some of the success stories
The research funded by FIRM has inherent value when adopted by companies by adding value to their product offering. Some examples include:
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� Moorepark scientists developed a nutritionally enhanced whey protein ingredient (Alphalac) for use in a new generation of humanised infant formula, which is used by Wyeth.
� Researchers at University College Dublin and Ashtown Food Research Centre developed freeze-chilled ready meals of equivalent quality to fresh chilled products - these offer storage, transport and logistical advantages. � The information generated by the IUNA database on the eating habits of Irish adults and children is being used nationally to formulate healthier products, nutritional policy and to support a strategy for tackling obesity in Ireland. This work was conducted by scientists at Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and Queen's University Belfast. � Researchers at the University of Limerick and University College Cork have developed packaging specifications that ensure optimal quality of a range of fruit and vegetables. |
In addition�.
In addition, FIRM funded research has a number of valuable spin-offs. FIRM and its predecessor research programmes have built a collaborative network of researchers from different universities and institutes. It is now hoped to integrate the Institutes of Technologies into this frame. It has also trained a significant number of scientists with Masters and PhDs who now work in industry thus increasing the absorptive capacity of those companies.
RELAY brings all the information together, on the projects, the researchers and organisations area of expertise etc. To ensure that your institute, university or company is up to date with the latest food research information log onto www.relayresearch.ie or contact RELAY on 025-42321 or [email protected]
Contact: Derbhile Timon, Senior Research Disseminator, RELAY-research for the food industry, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork. T: 02542321, E-mail: [email protected] , Web: www.relayresearch.ie