Food Security

Food Security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” World Food Summit 1996.

One of the greatest global challenges is to feed the predicted world population of 9 Billion in the next twenty years. Furthermore as countries develop there is an increased demand for variety within the diet and in particular increased demand for meat. This demand for meat will largely be met through increased production of poultry and pigs. Our work in Food Security focuses on two main areas:

1. Improving food safety in the UK, EU, Africa and Asia through controlling major foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacterand Salmonella.
2. Increasing productivity through control of endemic disease in the UK including Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli and in Asia and Africa and through improvements in animal welfare.

We employ an interdisciplinary approach to our research that ranges from environmental survival of pathogens, through to their biology in foodstuffs.  To achieve this we use epidemiological approaches, mathematical modeling, pathogen and host genomics to studies in microbial pathogenesis and host immune responses. As such the theme of Food Security involves researchers across all departments of IGH.

Examples of projects that may be undertaken in the area of Food Security include:

• Understanding how stressors in poultry production impact on the immune response and vaccine efficacy.
• Characterisation of the population biology of Campylobacter jejunithrough poultry processing.
• Determining the impact of chicken genotype on Campylobacterinfection.
• The risks of foodborne infection from backyard poultry production in Africa
• Developing novel adjuvants for Salmonella vaccines.
• Survival of Campylobacter in food products.
• Determining the pathogenesis of monophasic SalmonellaTyphimurium variants.

Requirements

• Students will normally have a minimum of a 2:1 class honours degree in a relevant biological science subject, or an equivalent medical, veterinary or dental qualification. Applicants are selected on the basis of their curriculum vitae, qualifications and referees’ reports, together with their perceived ability to complete the programme successfully and on the value of the training offered to their subsequent career plans.
• Applications from international students are welcome. International qualifications will be evaluated in line with the National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) guidelines.
• IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL iBT 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 21, Reading – 22, Speaking 23
• School or college transcripts/certificates University transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Evidence of English Language proficiency (EU and international applicants only)
• Personal statement
• Two references
• Proof of funding Research proposal (forMPhil/PhD applicants only).
• Check the School’s research webpages to see if we can offer expert supervision in your chosen area of specialisation.
• Prepare a brief research proposal to outline the research project you would like to undertake.
• Submit a full application with all supporting documents, including a clear statement on how you intend to fund your research degree.

Scholarships

• Duncan Norman Scholarship
• Sir Joseph Rotblat Alumni Scholarship

The MSc in Food Security at the University of Liverpool is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding food security in a global context. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including the science of food production, sustainable agriculture, climate change impacts on food systems, food policy and governance, nutrition, and social dimensions of food security. It aims to equip students with the analytical and practical skills necessary to develop effective solutions to food security challenges faced by communities worldwide. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, including case studies, research projects, and collaborations with industry stakeholders. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, fieldwork opportunities, and expert faculty members with extensive experience in food security, agriculture, and environmental sciences. The programme encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from economics, environment, social sciences, and health to address multifaceted issues comprehensively. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in international development agencies, government departments, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector, where they can work on policies, projects, and initiatives aimed at improving food access, sustainability, and resilience. The University of Liverpool’s reputation and extensive network provide students with unique opportunities for collaboration, research funding, and professional development. The programme typically offers various modules throughout the academic year, allowing students to tailor their learning according to their interests and career goals. Overall, the MSc in Food Security aims to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, innovative, and committed to making a positive impact on global and local food systems, ensuring food security for future generations.