Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS)

Addressing the challenge of sustainably feeding an expanding global population
Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) logo (hero size)
The Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) brings together a vibrant community of transdisciplinary researchers, working towards addressing the challenge of sustainably feeding a global population of 9 billion. Founded upon research excellence in aquaculture, agricultural technology and soil health, and underpinned by investment in cutting-edge facilities, the Centre will create the critical mass required to ensure impactful research and real-world deployment in the UK and beyond.
CRISPS will take a distinctive whole-systems approach to global challenges, using the unique microcosm of the South West region as a living laboratory for wider societal benefit. Nationally, our distinctive research approach will make a significant contribution to UK Government objectives around sustainable food production, environmental land management, and net zero policy, as well as aligning with DEFRA’s focus on food security. Our work to improve future farm resilience, efficiency and productivity is critical to addressing the local, national and global challenges of sustainable food production in the 21st century.

Providing sufficient food to feed an expanding human population is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. At the same time, we need to establish ways to reduce carbon emissions and reverse the dramatic decline in biodiversity… Through the new CRISPS centre, the University now has the capacity to work with existing and new partners to meet those challenges head-on and deliver real and lasting benefits, both in the South West region and for the planet as a whole.

Richard PreziosiProfessor Richard Preziosi
Professor and Head of School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Overarching research themes

Aerial photo of large fish farming unit of sea bass and sea bream in growing cages in calm deep waters of Galaxidi area, Greece.  Depicting sustainable aquaculture.
Production health and welfare
We have made major advances in aquaculture, focusing on fish health and feed, and are developing systems to remotely monitor the environmental impacts of productive systems, such as open-land grazing animals and offshore shellfish farms.
Controlled environments and agri-tech
Agri-tech and controlled environments
Our sustainable agri-tech research makes major contributions to the wider economy. We work with regional farmers to prototype low-cost robotics solutions and are driving innovation in controlled environment research with industrial partners.
Shoots growing in soil
Soil health
Working with the Sustainable Soil Alliance and DEFRA policy, we have developed a unique interdisciplinary basis for soil health analysis for future farming – from microbial biodiversity and soil carbon to erosion and the viability of manufactured soils.
 
 
Research England awards £5.7million to the University of Plymouth to significantly expand the University’s expertise and collaborations across fields including agriculture, aquaculture and sustainable food production and address critical challenges facing our planet.

Research highlights

Earth Smart

By bringing research directly into the field, working with farmers, landowners and communities, we are co-creating sustainable land management strategies. We are developing practical approaches to using advanced agri-tech and sensor technology to provide rapid, real-world data that can be applied at the right time and in the right place for productive, sustainable, healthy landscapes.
At Plymouth, we are bridging the gap between research and action – we are Earth Smart. 
 
Earth Smart logo
Tractor mowing fields by the sea

Introducing the Sustainable Food Production Research Group

At the University of Plymouth, our cross-disciplinary researchers study all aspects of food production and its impact on the natural environment.
Find out more about our plant and animal productive systems research, and how we are applying automation and sensor technology to ensure sustainable food production without compromising ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Agri-tech facilities and equipment

All of the research carried out through CRISPS is supported by cutting-edge agri-tech equipment and specialist facilities, from high-precision aquaculture and molecular genetics laboratories, to controlled environment research centres and mobile land-level monitoring solutions.
Our facilities provide the technical capabilities and expertise required to further innovation in support of sustainable food production, coastal conservation and land management.
Agri-tech and robotics equipment on the moor

Latest news

Getty lyme bay
Study highlights the critical importance of uniting communities and conservation to effectively implement environmental practices

A new paper draws together more than 15 years of research carried out in the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area

16 January 2024

People

 
 

Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society

The Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society champions a whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research to improve planetary health. The Centre brings together an unrivalled critical mass of catchment-coast-ocean expertise from across the University’s Strategic Research Institutes to address 21st-century challenges alongside national and international policy. 
 
Centre for Systems Thinking