Frequently asked questions

CIEL works to identify key challenges to the UK’s farmed animal industries and provide world-leading, applied solutions through a research base of 12 leading UK academic institutions. We have helped to co-fund the development of new research facilities which are designed to bridge the gap between basic academic research and commercial products, utilising a range of projects, from small, pilot-scale experiments through to commercial-scale trials.

We act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the livestock sector, helping to simplify the research & innovation process by drawing together expertise, trial facilities and contracts across multiple institutions.

Please get in touch to find out how we might be able to work together.

Primarily we work with universities, large businesses, SMEs, trade groups, levy bodies and Government. Industry Members range from the supply trade pre-farmgate, processors and retailers to the animal health sector and SME innovators. We're always interested in working with anyone who’s passionate about livestock production and have the ambition to be involved in research and innovation. We take a collaborative approach and actively work with the other Agri-Tech Centres on projects where appropriate, as well as other organisations directly involved with the livestock sector.

We provide a wide range of support for SMEs. We run a broad programme of technical events and Research & Development Committee (RDC) meetings, which allow for interdisciplinary networking. We can also help with securing public funding for internal R&D, inclusion in larger project consortia, managing projects, helping with dissemination or exploitation, and general business development assistance.

Please get in touch to find out how we might be able to work together.

We’re always interested in partnering with large organisations that can have a significant impact on a sector or market. We can help you to secure public funding for competitive work or develop a specific consortium of interested parties for a pre-competitive project.

Please get in touch to find out how we might be able to work together.

We're working to deliver solutions across dairy, beef & sheep, pig and poultry. Whilst we don’t have individual farmers as Members we work with the Levy Boards and businesses across the supply chain.

These Members all have their own farmer networks, so an individual farmer might not realise they are working with us as an Agri-Tech Centre, but they often are through one of their own networks.

We work closely with several UK government departments, including BEIS, DEFRA, FSA, DIT and DFID. CIEL acts as an impartial body to help collect the views of the industry to help inform future government policy making and funding decisions.

We’re not a funding agency and aren't able to offer grants, loans or other direct financial support. As part of our SME support we can provide you with advice about raising private finance, help you identify the best grant-funding sources, or potentially partner with you on a larger bid application.

To become involved with one of our existing projects, you’ll need to become a member of CIEL – either directly or as a member of a CIEL registered trade body e.g. BSAS or AIC. Occasionally, we promote open project calls in which we invite wider industry to get in touch and work with us.

Please get in touch to find out how we might be able to work together.

We’re always interested in hearing about potential project ideas which will help us develop climate smart food systems whilst maximising production & profitability and enhancing animal health & welfare. Key areas we focus on include:

1. Antimicrobial Resistance
2. Gene Technology
3. Farm Decision Support Tools
4. Resource efficiency
5. Food quality & integrity
6. Health diagnostics
7. Precision Nutrition

If you have a viable proposal that could fit into one of these themes, or another idea with potential for a commercial return, please get in touch. 

CIEL disseminates results of studies through well-established industry networks, including through AHDB, NFU and academic networks, and the specialist media. Contact us if you have interest in a particular project and we will put you in touch with the best person who can advise on the outcome.

Our multidisciplinary team offers core services in:

• project management,
• funding identification,
• bid writing
• innovation brokering & consortium building
• market analysis
• route to market analysis
• knowledge exchange & SME engagement

These services can be utilised across a broad range of projects across the livestock sector.

Our monthly newsletter, outlining funding opportunities and project bids, is exclusive to CIEL members at this time. However, news about our asset development, industry events, project awards and job vacancies is regularly updated on our website and via Twitter.

Through CIEL, we can offer industry partners access to facilities throughout the UK in a simplified, transparent manner. Explore our 'Capability' section to find out more.