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

Meet us at the International Conference on Controlled Environment Agriculture

The University of Plymouth and UK Urban AgriTech are co-hosting the 2nd International Conference on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) on 24–25 February 2025.
The CEA Conference is a dynamic training-focused event where global leaders in science, technology, and industry will share insights to foster professional skills and applied knowledge in sustainable agriculture. Researchers, industry experts, policymakers and entrepreneurs are invited to actively participate in developing solutions that will drive CEA’s role in transforming food production for a growing global population.
Close up of a plant in the Plant Factory with LEDs
 

Meet us at South West AgriTech Showcase 2025

The University of Plymouth is sponsoring the Controlled Environment Agriculture session on 20 March 2025.
The showcase will be focusing on driving innovation to meet UK food security goals, with networking, an innovation marketplace, and a full agenda of speakers.
Will Blake and farmers with agri-tech RTU
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tractor mowing fields by the sea

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.
Discover 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

group of people holding plants growing out of soil. getty image
Project aims to benefit net zero targets, soil health, biodiversity and agriculture

Researchers from the University are part of the £4million OpenLAND initiative

3 December 2024

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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