Creating a stronger, more resilient food system – HERDPATH project begins
A prestigious European Research Council (ERC) funded project is set to begin this March. Dr. Kevin Daly’s HERDPATH project, which is aligned with BiOrbic’s animal agriculture challenge, began on March 1st 2026.
Dr Daly’s research is diving into the past to explore how early herding communities may have facilitated the spread of infectious diseases.
“The project will shed light on how the diseases that blight livestock farming societies today evolved and adapted, allowing us to identify genetic targets for breeding disease-resistant animals and potentially; new ways to proactively fight infectious livestock disease”, said Daly of the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science Centre.
The project will receive €1.5 million in funding to deliver a programme of research on the co-evolution of livestock and pathogens.
BiOrbic Director Prof. Kevin O’Connor has said, “the bioeconomy isn’t a new idea — it’s rooted in traditional farming, food production and the sustainable use of natural resources. By aligning projects like HERDPATH with BiOrbic, we’re building on that heritage to create a stronger, more resilient food system for the future’.
Recruitment for postdoctoral research positions will be advertised over the coming months. If you would like to learn more about the HERDPATH project, please contact kevin.daly@ucd.ie.
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