Less Greenhouse Gases by 2030
Reduction in Pesticides by 2030
Less Fertiliser Use by 2030
Researchers
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Building a Climate-Neutral Future
Balancing Productivity with Sustainability
The Climate Neutral Operational Systems pillar focuses on making farming, forestry, and fisheries more sustainable. Each challenge explores practical ways to cut emissions, use resources efficiently, and protect the environment.
Animal Agriculture
This challenge explores how livestock farming can reach net zero emissions while restoring nature on farms. Researchers are developing new ways to manage grasslands, animals, and nutrients to reduce emissions and improve biodiversity without sacrificing productivity.
Key Research Areas
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Reduce methane and nitrogen loss from animal systems.
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Support biodiversity, soil, and water quality.
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Create viable, sustainable farming models for the future.
Marine
This challenge explores how seaweed and other marine bioresources can power a sustainable blue economy. By improving aquaculture methods, developing low-impact processing technologies, and protecting coastal ecosystems, BiOrbic researchers aim to create a climate-resilient, circular marine industry. The work supports new value chains for food, health, and energy products while advancing ocean conservation and sustainable community development.
Key Research Areas
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Build sustainable, low-impact seaweed farming systems.
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Develop clean, zero-waste processing for marine products.
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Protect habitats and strengthen climate adaptation.
Foresty
This challenge aims to unlock that potential by advancing sustainable forest management and biobased innovation. Researchers are building integrated solutions to assess sustainability, transform wood waste into valuable materials, and model pathways toward net-zero emissions. The work supports Ireland and Europe’s climate goals through circular, data-driven, and socially balanced forestry practices.
Key Research Areas
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Turn wood waste into low-carbon materials.
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Model carbon-neutral forestry systems.
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Boost afforestation through policy and innovation.
Cropping Systems
This challenge aims to future-proof Ireland’s food and feed supply by developing climate-neutral, resilient, and diverse cropping systems. Through innovations in crop science, soil health, digital decision tools, and circular bioeconomy practices, this initiative will help Ireland meet EU Green Deal targets while unlocking new agri-food opportunities.
Key Research Areas
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Broaden Ireland’s crops to boost food security and cut imports.
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Apply natural biostimulants to replace chemicals and enrich soil.
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Transform residues and grass into renewable energy and bio-products.
Active Projects from
Across This Area of Research
Climate Neutral Cropping Systems
Diversification of Irish Plant Protein sources to underpin the high value opportunities linked with indigenous, sustainably sourced protein feedstock
To investigate the potential of growing alternative sources of plant protein on the Island of Ireland that can service the bioeconomy as climate neutral feedstuffs…
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Climate Neutral Marine
Aquaculture food waste prevention and complete utilisation using a cascading approach
To achieve zero-waste approach for developed value chains. To design a microalgae-based cascading biorefinery process that converts aquaculture wastewater into omega-3 lipids and alternative proteins…
Climate Neutral Marine
Nutramara: Validation of Green Extraction and Bioactivity of Marine β-Glucans and assessment of seaweed bioactives for Human Health Applications
This research aims to validate and optimize the green extraction of β-glucan and other marine bioactives from Irish seaweed, focusing on their health benefits and…
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Climate Neutral Forestry
Development and Characterisation of sustainable lignin-based nanocomposites
Developing new cutting-edge synthetic routes that can tailor the molecular structure of lignin to produce carbon-based nanostructures. Julieta: To develop and characterize lignin-based nano-structured carbon…
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To develop value-added novel lignocellulosic thermoplastic from forestry resources.
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Climate Neutral Marine
Mapping & Modelling of Macroalgal Biomass availability; Unlocking the potential of coastal ecosystems for the sustainable development of marine bioresources, habitat protection and climate change mitigation.
To map & develop qualitative and quantitative models of marine biomass availability
Why This Research Matters
Cutting Emissions, Protecting Ecosystems
Farms, forests, and fisheries can fight climate change. Our research finds practical ways to cut emissions, protect ecosystems, and grow the economy.
Reduce Emissions
Transform farms, forests, and fisheries to cut greenhouse gases and reach climate targets.
Boost Resource Efficiency
Use land, water, and inputs like fertiliser and feed more sustainably.
Innovate for Sustainability
Develop practical, real-world methods for carbon-neutral food and material production.
Protect Ecosystems
Ensure operational systems support biodiversity, soil health, and clean water.
Aligned with Key EU and National Targets
Supporting Climate and Environmental Commitments
Our research aligns with EU and Irish national targets, which set measurable goals for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and marine systems. These targets ensure our work supports wider climate and environmental commitments in Ireland and Europe.
European Green Deal
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Greenhouse Gases – 55% reduction by 2030
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Net Zero by 2050 through reductions in emissions and C-sequestration
Farm to Fork strategy
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Fertiliser – 20% reduction by 2030
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Pesticides – 50% reduction by 2030