Dr Beth Wells, a Knowledge Exchange Specialist and Principal Research Scientist at the Moredun Research Institute, provides an update on the research into Equine Grass Research. Beth studied for a PhD in Parasitology at the Moredun Research Institute and never left. Her interest in knowledge exchange led to her present dual role, in research and science communication, working with researchers across Moredun and with stakeholders. As one of her favourite projects, Beth leads Moredun’s Equine Grass Sickness research programme, where she enjoys working with inter-disciplinary researchers and with the EGSF, equine vets and horse owners. Beth has a keen interest in all things equine, having been a lifelong Highland Pony breeder and horse rider.
Beth has a background in livestock farming and veterinary diagnostics with biological and environmental science, animal production science and parasitology qualifications. With a lifelong interest and experience of farmed livestock, her research interests involve working in interdisciplinary teams to improve the health and welfare of farm animals, through the development of approaches to prevent and control parasitic and endemic diseases. In order to achieve this, Beth works across the Moredun Research Institute collaborating with science teams to further research and increase the impacts to our stakeholders.
Science communication, collaboration with Moredun’s stakeholders, in particular farmers and vets, and the development of innovative knowledge exchange activities is an area of great interest to Beth. She is very keen to ensure that Moredun’s scientific outputs are communicated effectively to improve livestock health, welfare and production, and she enjoys developing novel Knowledge Exchange approaches.
Another key area of interest is in working with stakeholders in the land management sector, which has led to income generation in funding the development of a new generation vaccine for louping-ill in sheep. This work has also established networks to improve and inform land management decisions and opportunities in wildlife, game and conservation management, working with inter-disciplinary partners and using a holistic approach.
Due to a lifelong interest in all things equine, Beth is also leading a Fellowship project to take a fresh look at the causes and risk factors associated with Equine Grass Sickness, a devastating disease of equines.
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