GW4 Crucible Seed Projects

The proposed project aims at combining synergies and trade-offs of different sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the process of net-zero food system transformation. Taking advantage of the interdisciplinarity of the project team, we seek to improve the knowledge on pathways towards food systems aligning with the principle of Net Zero as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

University of Bath: Yixian Sun

Cardiff University: Pan He (PI)

University of Exeter: Jesse Abrams, Kristin Liabo, Okechukwu Okorie

This innovative project will use co-creation, multi-institutional, interdisciplinary collaboration with GW4 researchers in psychology, geography, environmental biology, earth science and English literature (DS) and young people (aged 16-18) in local schools. We will develop and pilot a workshop exploring eco-emotions, hope and sustainable action.

University of Bath: Elizabeth Marks (PI)

University of Bristol: Ed Atkins

Cardiff University: David Shackleton

University of Exeter: Jesse Abrams, Jo Garrett

EXPO-ENGAGE will conduct pilot interdisciplinary research across GW4 on the impact of participation in air quality citizen science on environmental engagement. This is anticipated to provide a basis for further collaborative bids around air pollution, citizen science and environmental engagement.

University of Bath: Daniel Fosas de Pando, Elizabeth Marks

Cardiff University: Rachel Hale

University of Exeter: Jo Garrett (PI), Siân de Bell, Stuart Walker

Overall, the work will establish a versatile framework to investigate antimicrobial efficacy and antimicrobial resistance evolution in diverse PMBs. Additionally, the project will facilitate sharing of experimental and theoretical expertise across the GW4 network and lay the foundation for larger funding applications in the future.

University of Bath: Jonathan Nzakizwanayo

University of Bristol: Seána Duggan, Nihal Bandara

University of Exeter: Tobias Bergmiller (PI), Alessandra Da Silva Dantas, Jehangir Cama, Wolfram Moebius

We will develop a programme of work focusing on the co-production of knowledge between researchers and farmers to promote prudent antimicrobial usage and desirable disease management practices on farms. We use E. coli prevalence and antimicrobial resistance data aggregated from contemporaneous literature to produce a detailed transmission model of E. coli and antibiotic resistance on the UK cattle farm environment.

University of Bath: Sion Bayliss

University of Bristol: Ross Booton, Jonathan Tyrrell

University of Exeter: Ray Chan (PI)

Innovation for Agriculture: Lisa Morgans

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited life-limiting disease exacerbated by chronic lung infections. People with CF require frequent and aggressive antimicrobial treatments throughout their life. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is therefore of great concern for CF patients and new therapies are urgently needed. This project proposes an ambitious pilot study to investigate a personalised alternative treatment against key bacterial and fungal CF pathogens.

University of Bath: Neil Brown

University of Bristol: Jonathan Tyrrell

Cardiff University: Manon Pritchard, Rebecca Weiser

University of Exeter: Philip Mitchelmore (PI)

Working with stakeholders (especially farmers in South West England & Wales), this project explores the potential of applying game design features (e.g. goal setting, scoring systems) to investigate antibiotic use practices.

University of Bristol: Robert Hughes (Co-PI)

Cardiff University: Nervo Verdezoto

University of Exeter: Matthew Lloyd Jones (Co-PI), Aimee Murray, Max Barnish

In this project, we aim to develop a functional collaboration that combines our expertise in medicinal chemistry, bacteriology, mycology and antibiotic resistance. In particular our goal is to evaluate two classes of compounds for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococci and Candida. We will begin to examine several aspects of compound activity namely, synergistic antimicrobial activity and their effect on bacterial-fungal communities. Finally, we will undertake preliminary studies of their mode of action.

University of Bath: Maisem Laabei (PI)

University of Bristol: Seána Duggan

Cardiff University: Michaela Serpi

University of Exeter: Dhara Malavia, Mark Stappers

We propose to hold a workshop to begin the development of a multidisciplinary framework which considers how groups of agents (human, robot or otherwise) gain (in)accurate insight into the safety or danger of their environment using multiple sensory inputs and digital technology.

University of Bristol: Edmund Hunt (PI)

Cardiff University: Alexia Zoumpoulaki

University of Exeter: Laura Colebrooke, Avelie Stuart

Our study aims to see how health care professionals (HCPs), e.g. General Practitioners (GPs) and nurses use digital healthcare tools in practices, and whether they are able to pass on the benefits of digital interventions to patients on both sides of the digital divide. We will discuss these issues in focus groups and interviews. We will complement these findings with a brief online survey.

University of Bath: Ben Ainsworth (Co-PI), Charlotte Dack (Co-PI)

University of Bristol: Kate Binnie, Sabrina Grant, Gemma Lasseter, Sophie Turnbull

University of Exeter: Laura Colebrooke, Barbara Silarova