IBERS - Prifysgol Aberystwyth University

15/10/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Dr Hannah Rees on being awarded a prestigious 2026 Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship from the Royal Society, recognising outstanding early career scientists and supporting the next generation of research excellence.

🖱️ https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/news/news-article/title-290173-en.html

IBERS - Prifysgol Aberystwyth University

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🌟 Llongyfarchiadau i Dr Hannah Rees ar dderbyn Cymrodoriaeth nodedig Dorothy Hodgkin 2026 gan y Gymdeithas Frenhinol, sy’n cydnabod gwyddonwyr rhagorol ar ddechrau eu gyrfa ac yn cefnogi'r genhedlaeth nesaf o ragoriaeth ymchwil.

🖱️ https://www.aber.ac.uk/cy/ibers/news/news-article/title-290173-cy.html

IBERS - Prifysgol Aberystwyth University

15/10/2026

What counts as a research output?

Last week, IBERS colleagues attended the HiddenREF NTO workshop, which explored how research assessment can better recognise the diverse outputs that drive research and innovation.

At IBERS, research excellence is not only reflected in publications, but also in new plant varieties, genetic resources, tools, datasets, policy advice, facilities and partnerships that create real-world impact.

At the workshop, IBERS staff contributed to discussions and learned more about recognising the full spectrum of outputs that support research and innovation across the sector.


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Beth sy'n cyfrif fel allbwn ymchwil?

Yr wythnos diwethaf, mynychodd cydweithwyr o IBERS weithdy NTO HiddenREF, a oedd yn archwilio sut y gall asesu ymchwil gydnabod yn well yr amrywiaeth o allbynnau sy'n sbarduno ymchwil ac arloesedd.

Yn IBERS, nid mewn cyhoeddiadau yn unig y gwelir rhagoriaeth ymchwil, ond hefyd mewn mathau newydd o blanhigion, adnoddau genetig, offer, setiau data, cyngor polisi, cyfleusterau a phartneriaethau sy'n creu effaith yn y byd go iawn.

Yn y gweithdy, cyfrannodd staff IBERS at drafodaethau a dysgu mwy am gydnabod yr holl allbynnau sy'n cefnogi ymchwil ac arloesedd ar draws y sector.

12/10/2026

Another interesting Science Forum today.

We heard from Beatrice Ifie on the relationships between key traits and biomass yield in Miscanthus, alongside a fascinating guest presentation from former IBERS PhD researcher Jon McCalmont (University of Aberdeen) on modelling the potential for carbon sequestration using Miscanthus in Wales.

It was particularly interesting to hear about the potential opportunities for this perennial biomass crop to contribute to both climate mitigation and sustainable land use in Wales.

Thanks to Beatrice and Jon for sharing their research, and to Aiswarya and Jaykumar for organising another excellent forum.
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Fforwm Gwyddoniaeth diddorol arall heddiw.

Fe gawson ni glywed gan Beatrice Ifie am y berthynas rhwng nodweddion allweddol a chynnyrch biomas mewn Miscanthus, yn ogystal â chael chyflwyniad gwadd hynod ddiddorol gan gyn-ymchwilydd PhD IBERS, Jon McCalmont (Prifysgol Aberdeen), ar fodelu'r potensial ar gyfer atafaelu carbon gan ddefnyddio Miscanthus yng Nghymru.

Roedd hi'n arbennig o ddiddorol clywed am y cyfleoedd posibl i'r cnwd biomas parhaol hwn gyfrannu at liniaru ar effeithiau newid yn yr hinsawdd a defnydd cynaliadwy o dir yng Nghymru.

Diolch i Beatrice a Jon am rannu eu hymchwil, ac i Aiswarya a Jaykumar am drefnu fforwm ardderchog arall.

10/10/2026

🥣 Happy World Porridge Day!

When you enjoy a bowl of porridge, there's a good chance the oats came from a variety bred at IBERS, Aberystwyth University.

For more than 100 years, our scientists and plant breeders have been improving oats, developing varieties that now account for more than 95% of the UK's winter oat crop. Through advances in breeding, genetics and genomics, we're helping deliver oats that are higher yielding, more disease resistant, better for farmers and packed with health benefits for consumers.

From supporting heart health through their beta-glucan content to improving sustainability on UK farms, oats are proving to be one of the world's most remarkable cereals.

So, when you next tuck into a bowl of porridge, spare a thought for the researchers helping shape the future of this extraordinary crop. 🌾

Read our Impact Case Story on Oats: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/rbi/research/research-in-action/research-behind-your-breakfast-oats


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🥣 Iechyd Da ar Ddiwrnod Uwd y Byd!

Wrth fwynhau powlen o uwd, wyddoch chi ei fod yn debygol iawn bod y ceirch yn dod o hadau a ddatblygwyd yn IBERS, Prifysgol Aberystwyth?

Ers dros 100 mlynedd, mae ein gwyddonwyr a'n bridwyr planhigion wedi bod yn gwella ceirch, gan ddatblygu mathau sydd bellach yn cyfrif am fwy na 95% o gnwd ceirch y gaeaf yn y DU. Trwy ddatblygiadau ym maes bridio, geneteg a genomeg, rydyn ni’n helpu i ddatblygu ceirch sy'n uwch eu cynnyrch, yn gryfach o ran gwrthsefyll afiechydon, yn well i ffermwyr ac yn llawn buddion iechyd i bobl.

O gefnogi iechyd y galon oherwydd eu lefelau beta-glwcan i wella cynaliadwyedd ar ffermydd yn y DU, mae ceirch yn profi i fod yn un o rawnfwydydd mwyaf rhyfeddol y byd.

Felly, y tro nesaf y byddwch chi'n mwynhau powlen o uwd, cofiwch y ymchwilwyr sy'n helpu i lunio dyfodol y cnwd rhyfeddol hwn. 🌾

https://www.aber.ac.uk/cy/rbi/research/research-in-action/research-behind-your-breakfast-oats

-eang

09/10/2026

Could Your Research Help Build Climate-Resilient Farming Systems?

🌱 Drought. Flooding. Rising temperatures.

How can we develop the forage crops needed to support sustainable farming in a changing climate?

At IBERS, postgraduate researchers investigate the genetics, biology and resilience of grasses and clovers that underpin livestock production across the UK and beyond.

If you're interested in plant science, environmental sustainability and solving real-world agricultural challenges, this could be an exciting area to explore through a PhD.

Could your research help shape the future of farming?
Explore research opportunities, funding information and how to apply:
🔗 https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/postgraduate/
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A allai eich ymchwil helpu i adeiladu systemau ffermio sy'n gallu gwrthsefyll yr hinsawdd?

🌱 Sychder. Llifogydd. Tymheredd sy’n codi.

Sut allwn ni ddatblygu'r cnydau porthiant sydd eu hangen i gefnogi ffermio cynaliadwy mewn hinsawdd sy'n newid?

Yn IBERS, mae ymchwilwyr ôl-raddedig yn ymchwilio i eneteg, bioleg a gwytnwch glaswellt a meillion sy'n sail i gynhyrchu da byw ledled y DU a thu hwnt.

Os oes gennych ddiddordeb mewn gwyddor planhigion, cynaliadwyedd amgylcheddol a datrys heriau amaethyddol y byd go iawn, gallai hwn fod yn faes cyffrous i'w astudio trwy radd PhD.

A allai eich ymchwil helpu i lywio dyfodol ffermio?
Edrych ar y cyfleoedd ymchwil, gwybodaeth am gyllid a sut i wneud cais:
🔗 https://www.aber.ac.uk/cy/ibers/cyfleoeddiol-raddedigionynibers/

08/10/2026

NUE-Leg workshop - 21 October
Join the NUE-Leg project team at Great Wollaston Farm, Shrewsbury, to explore how legumes could help livestock and dairy farmers improve nitrogen efficiency, increase home-grown protein and reduce reliance on purchased feed and fertiliser.

📅 21 October
⏰ 11am–2pm
📍 Great Wollaston Farm, Shrewsbury
👉 Register here: https://ow.ly/m1tk50ZVIOU
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Gweithdy NUE-Leg - 21 Hydref

Ymunwch â thîm prosiect NUE-Leg yn Great Wollaston Farm, Amwythig, i archwilio sut y gallai codlysiau helpu ffermwyr da bystoc a llaeth i wella effeithlonrwydd defnyddio nitrogen, cynyddu faint o brotein sy'n cael ei dyfu gartref, a lleihau'r ddibyniaeth ar borthiant a gwrtaith a brynir.

📅 21 Hydref
⏰ 11yb–2yp
📍 Great Wollaston Farm, Amwythig
👉 Cofrestrwch yma: https://ow.ly/m1tk50ZVIOU

Rhannwch y wybodaeth hon ag unrhyw ffermwyr neu fusnesau ffermio a allai fod â diddordeb.

Mae prosiect NUE-Leg (Effeithlonrwydd Defnyddio Nitrogen trwy Godlysiau), a ariennir gan DEFRA, yn dod ag ymchwilwyr, partneriaid diwydiant a ffermydd masnachol o bob rhan o'r DU ynghyd. Mae IBERS yn arwain pecyn gwaith 1, gan asesu perfformiad, dyfalbarhad a chynhyrchiant codlysiau porthiant newydd o dan amodau ffermio masnachol.



Please share with any farmers or farming businesses who may be interested.

The DEFRA-funded NUE-Leg (Nitrogen Use Efficiency through Legumes) project brings together researchers, industry partners and commercial farms across the UK. IBERS leads work package1, assessing the performance, persistence and productivity of novel forage legumes under commercial farming conditions.

Discover how legumes can improve nitrogen efficiency and reduce feed and fertiliser reliance.

07/10/2026

Following our 'Meet the Team' post from Annalene Hansen, here’s a short video of her talking about her research and life as a PhD student at IBERS.

Find out more about Annalene and her research here: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/postgraduate/annalene-hansen/
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Wedi gweld ein post Cwrdd â’r Tîm diweddar gan Annalene Hansen? I ganfod mwy, dyma fideo byr ohoni’n siarad am ei hymchwil a’i bywyd fel myfyrwraig PhD yn IBERS.

Mae gwybodaeth bellach am waith Annalene ar ein gwefan hefyd: https://www.aber.ac.uk/cy/ibers/cyfleoeddiol-raddedigionynibers/annalenehansen/

05/10/2026

🌿 Meet the Team: Annalene Hansen 🌿

Annalene is a PhD Student at IBERS, investigating how wheat plants perceive and respond to mechanical stresses such as wind and rain. Her research aims to help future-proof crops against the increasing challenges posed by climate change, including lodging and yield loss.

What does Annalene enjoy most?
👉 The freedom to explore fascinating scientific questions and the opportunity to learn something new every day. She loves uncovering the complexity of the natural world and the processes that shape it.

A career highlight?
🎓 Securing her PhD position, a truly life-changing milestone that marked the start of her journey as an independent researcher.

Fun fact:
🎨 Outside of research, Annalene has a passion for natural history. She enjoys painting, sketching and studying animals, insects and plants, and her cottage is full of fascinating biological oddities and specimens.

Check out some of Annalene’s natural history artwork in the comments below.

👏 Thank you, Annalene for helping to build a more resilient future for our crops while inspiring others through your passion for science and nature.



https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/postgraduate/annalene-hansen/
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🌿 Cwrdd â'r Tîm: Annalene Hansen 🌿

Mae Annalene yn fyfyriwr PhD yn IBERS ac mae’n ymchwilio i’r ffordd mae planhigion gwenith yn ymateb i straenachoswyr mecanyddol fel gwynt a glaw. Nod ei hymchwil yw helpu i fridio cnydau sy’n ddigon gwydn i wrthsefyll heriau’r dyfodol sy’n cynyddu oherwydd newid yn yr hinsawdd, sy’n cynnwys llai o gynnyrch a chnydau’n cwympo ar eu gorwedd oherwydd y tywydd.

Beth mae Annalene yn ei fwynhau fwyaf?
👉 Y rhyddid i archwilio cwestiynau gwyddonol diddorol a'r cyfle i ddysgu rhywbeth newydd bob dydd. Mae hi wrth ei bodd yn datgelu cymhlethdod y byd naturiol a'r prosesau sy'n ei ffurfio.

Un o uchafbwyntiau ei gyrfa?
🎓 Sicrhau ei lle fel myfyriwr PhD, carreg filltir hynod bwysig yn ei bywyd a dechrau ei thaith fel ymchwilydd annibynnol.

Ffaith ddifyr:
🎨 Y tu allan i’w gwaith ymchwil, mae gan Annalene ddiddordeb mawr mewn byd natur. Mae'n mwynhau paentio, braslunio ac astudio anifeiliaid, pryfed a phlanhigion, ac mae ei bwthyn yn llawn rhyfeddodau a sbesimenau biolegol diddorol.

Gallwch weld rhai o ddarluniau anhygoel Annalene o fyd natur yn y sylwadau isod.

👏 Diolch Annalene am helpu i adeiladu dyfodol mwy gwydn i'n cnydau ac am ysbrydoli eraill trwy dy angerdd am wyddoniaeth a byd natur.

’rTîm

https://www.aber.ac.uk/cy/ibers/cyfleoeddiol-raddedigionynibers/annalenehansen/

29/09/2026

LLONGYFARCHIADAU | CONGRATULATIONS 🎉

✨Congratulations to Alys Haf Reid Bacon for recently successfully defending her Doctoral thesis on “The influence of genotype, environment & management factors on yield development, grain filling & grain quality in oats”.

Particular thanks to Dr Ed Dickin (Harper Adams University) and to the following colleagues at IBERS - Dr Jessica Adams for examining the thesis, Dr Ana Winters for chairing and Dr Irene Griffiths for co-supervising (and taking the photo!)

Wishing Alys all the best in her future career! 🌾

🌟 Llongyfarchiadau mawr i Alys Haf Reid Bacon ar amddiffyn ei thesis doethuriaeth yn llwyddiannus.

Teitl ei thesis oedd: “The influence of genotype, environment & management factors on yield development, grain filling & grain quality in oats”.

Diolch yn fawr i Dr Ed Dickin (Prifysgol Harper Adams) ac i'r staff canlynol o IBERS - Dr Jessica Adams (IBERS) am archwilio'r thesis, Dr Ana Winters am gadeirio'r arholiad a Dr Irene Griffiths am gyd-oruchwylio'r gwaith (ac am dynnu'r llun!).

Dymunwn bob llwyddiant i Alys ar gyfer y dyfodol. 🌾

29/09/2026

🎓 Research Your Future at IBERS

From developing climate-resilient crops and healthier foods to advancing biotechnology, genetics and AI-driven crop science, postgraduate researchers at IBERS are helping tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our world today.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be highlighting a range of exciting research themes that could form the basis of a postgraduate research project, alongside funding opportunities and stories from current postgraduate students.

Whether you're considering a PhD, looking to develop your research career, or simply interested in the science taking place at IBERS, we invite you to join us as we explore the diverse world of postgraduate research.

Interested in postgraduate research at IBERS?
Explore opportunities, funding information and how to apply:
🔗 ibers.org/postgraduate


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🎓 Gwnewch Ymchwil i'ch Dyfodol yn IBERS

O ddatblygu cnydau sy'n gallu gwrthsefyll yr hinsawdd a bwydydd iachach i ddatblygu biotechnoleg, geneteg a gwyddoniaeth cnydau sy'n cael ei yrru gan DA, mae ymchwilwyr ôl-raddedig yn IBERS yn helpu i fynd i'r afael â rhai o'r heriau mwyaf sy'n wynebu ein byd heddiw.
Dros yr wythnosau nesaf, byddwn yn tynnu sylw at ystod o themâu ymchwil cyffrous a allai fod yn sail i brosiect ymchwil ôl-raddedig, ochr yn ochr â chyfleoedd cyllido a hanesion gan y myfyrwyr ôl-raddedig presennol.

P'un a ydych chi'n ystyried gwneud PhD, yn edrych i ddatblygu eich gyrfa ymchwil, neu â diddordeb yn yr wyddoniaeth sy'n digwydd yn IBERS, rydym yn eich gwahodd i ymuno â ni wrth i ni drin a thrafod y byd ymchwil ôl-raddedig amrywiol.

Oes gennych chi ddiddordeb mewn ymchwil ôl-raddedig yn IBERS?
Ystyriwch y cyfleoedd ymchwil, yr wybodaeth am gyllid a sut i wneud cais:
🔗 https://www.aber.ac.uk/cy/ibers/cyfleoeddiol-raddedigionynibers/