Enigma - a Collaborative Research Model

SOLVING AGRI-FOOD CHALLENGES

Enigma is Fera’s strategic R&D model established to support continued research, innovation and knowledge transfer across the agri-food sector through a joined-up approach with Fera and industry partners.

Thought to be one of the first research models of its kind in the agri-food sector, Enigma relies on industry collaboration to address exacting industry challenges.

Each Enigma project will be co-sponsored by industry partners enabling Fera to deliver world-class science to find end-to-end solutions to sector challenges.

With access to internal knowledge, expertise and a rich network of academics internationally, Fera’s aim with each Enigma project is to help create sustainable food production systems that are truly fit for the future.

FIND OUT MORE

UPCOMING PROJECTS

Fera has undertaken comprehensive sector market research to identify the exacting challenges faced by the agri-food sector to set the agenda for upcoming Enigma projects.

ENIGMA I

ENIGMA II

ENIGMA III

Wireworm continues to be a problem for potato and carrot growers and is increasingly being seen in other crops such as cereals, field beans, sugar beat, onions and maize. The pattern of wireworm damage is changing, however the industry is yet to understand why and how these damage patterns are altering.

Fera has identified that R&D is required to understand in greater detail the lifecycle of the pest to enable producers to successfully use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to control wireworm. Further research into the identification of wireworm species is also required.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA I - SUSTAINABLE WIREWORM IPM*

CLICK HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENIGMA I

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was first reported in the UK in 2019 and affects tomato and sweet pepper crops. Since then, it has caused significant economic losses for growers, and has the potential to continue to impact commercial production due to reduced crop quality and yield.

The Fera team will work in partnership with growers on in field detection and surveillance methods as well as understanding resistance and tolerance in new varieties.

With the support of industry partners, 'ENIGMA II' will focus on key outputs including:

A scientific assessment of currently available approaches for infield detection of ToBRFV on leaf, fruit and swab (Dipstick, LAMP, RPA).
Working with project partners to develop ‘holistic’ surveillance approaches to develop a way to monitor a site across a growing season in the most effective way.
The development of practical grower-led suitable diagnostics through advancements in the development and validation of automated extraction to results systems.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA II - MANAGING ToBRFV IN THE TOMATO SECTOR

CLICK HERE

Vertical and controlled environment farming is an increasing part of UK, European, and Global food production. However, this emerging and growing industry is currently not effectively represented in terms of certification standards.

This Project will seek to understand and develop standardised food safety approaches that can be used by vertical and controlled environment producers, and the wider industry, to provide a consistent approach to food safety control.

With the support of industry partners, 'ENIGMA III' will focus on key outputs including:

A desk-based review of the guidance, standards, and legislation currently in place globally concering vertically and controlled environment farming.
Working with project partners of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and vertical and controlled environment farming companies in developing grower-led and industry leading approaches to food safety guidance and standards.
Scientifically validated approaches for individual vertical farming companies to further embed food safety in their businesses.

TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BEING A PARTNER OF ENIGMA III - FRESH PRODUCE FOOD SAFETY IN VERTICAL FARMING

CLICK HERE

EXPLORE OUR BLOGS TO READ MORE ABOUT ENIGMA NEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM OUR EXPERTS

EXPLORE BLOGS

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A
PARTNER?

To deliver end-to-end practical solutions to pertinent sector challenges, there must be a strong connection between scientists and industry partners which is why knowledge exchange is a crucial element of any Enigma project.

Industry partners will also access several other benefits, including:

Open Innovation – The purpose of Enigma is to find innovative solutions that provide complete answers to industry challenges. Fera want to achieve this by creating a platform that provides the opportunity for open innovation across a collaborative group of partners
Shaping Research - Partners have the opportunity to shape the research programme through regular communications with Fera science leads and other industry partners throughout the project
Direct Contact - Each partner will be allocated an Enigma partner manager who will be their direct contact throughout the project
Access to Results - Partners will have first sight of the results from the Enigma project they are co-sponsoring which will be delivered via programme reports and events
Industry Network - Involvement in Enigma projects will allow individuals and organisations to gain contacts through the network of partners they will work alongside. The projects will provide opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) through engagement with partners and researchers
Acknowledgement - Partners will be acknowledged on the Enigma webpage and in planned external communications activity at key project milestones
Project Updates - All partners will receive regular research updates delivered via a webinar and summary e-newsletter
Communications Pack - Communication packs will be available to all partners which can be used to demonstrate involvement in Enigma projects

FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A PARTNER?

Please get in touch with us to find out more about pricing.

CAN I BE INVOLVED IN MORE THAN ONE PROJECT AT A TIME?

Yes, partners can choose to be involved in as many Enigma projects as they like. Please keep an eye on the website for upcoming projects that may be relevant to you.

DO I HAVE TO BE A PART OF THE PROJECT FOR THE WHOLE DURATION?

Yes, by committing to be part of the proposed Enigma project, the expectation is that you remain a partner from start to end. Projects may vary in length so please ensure you are aware of the length of the project you are aligned with.

WILL CONFLICTING PARTNERS STILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED IF MY ORGANISATION SIGNS-UP TO A SPECIFIC ENIGMA PROJECT?

The ambition with Enigma is to build a network of industry partners who can work collaboratively to find solutions to industry challenges. Therefore, each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether there is a conflict between potential partners. If you have any concerns, please raise these when you express initial interest in a project.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT UPCOMING ENIGMA PROJECTS AND TO BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON INISIGHT FROM CURRENT PROJECTS, SIGN-UP TO OUR MAILING LIST HERE.