Science and AFBI

Northern Ireland is the proud home to The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), a globally acknowledged world leader in animal health, agricultural research and food safety.

Moreover, AFBI is a multidiscipline science institute engaged in cutting edge scientific research transcending Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Horticulture, Rural Development, Renewables and the Environment. This unique breadth of its often innovative research, together with its highly regarded diagnostic and analytical services, undertaken across its seven specialist sites in Northern Ireland utilizing state of the art equipment, ensures that AFBI remains a valuable partner to both Government and private organizations, both nationally and internationally. AFBI still works closely with, and supports the objectives of, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland.

Promoting the value of scientific research through collaboration

  • Collaborative and innovative research at a National and International level
  • Product development with real and tangible benefits to individuals, communities, animals, plants and crops, and to the wider industry
  • International reference laboratory
  • Animal and aquatic diseases and food borne pathogens research
  • Emergency response capability
  • Sustainable farming, rural development and nutrient management
  • Renewable energy
  • Regulatory authority /providing access to UK & European Markets for partners in North America

Key Goals

  • Protect the consumer and the environment
  • Provide high quality and value for money diagnostic and analytical scientific services
  • Contribute positively and effectively to combatting the adverse impact of any climatic change on animals, crops, marine life and the environment
  • Respond rapidly and effectively to emergency situations in the areas of animal disease, plant disease, or food contamination
  • Further the knowledge and benefits of sustainable farming and renewables through ongoing research, training and educational programs
  • Enhance and promote Plant Health and Crop production techniques, together with plant variety breeding and testing
  • Collaborate with national and international partners to further food safety and food security in a changing world