Harper Adams University: Important work of Clyde Higgs Scholars from Harper Adams in spotlight at conference
The importance of the work of Clyde Higgs Scholars from Harper Adams University and beyond in tackling UK and global challenges has been underlined at an alumni conference.
Scholars from Harper Adams spanning seven years were among those attending the second Clyde Higgs Scholarship Alumni Conference, offered by the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust.
The conference drew a wide range of alumni supported by the Trust – which works with Harper Adams and four other UK universities.
Among those attending from Harper Adams, alongside its Scholars from the academic years 2014-15 to 2021-22, were Elizabeth Creak Chair in Agri-Tech Economic Modelling Professor Karl Behrendt, who gave a workshop presentation on current price developments, and Harper Adams Head of Development, Doris Taylor.
She said: “The weekend offered a unique opportunity for scholars and Elizabeth Creak Chairs to network and exchange knowledge in support of the agri-food industry.
“It also allowed me the chance to catch up with the many Harper alumni who attended, learning more about their careers following graduation and the impact they are making in their sectors.
“With alumni who were Scholars across seven different academic years, the event proved to be a great opportunity to find out more about how our Scholars were putting their learning to use in industry.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust for generously providing this amazing opportunity.”
In his presentation to the conference, Professor Behrendt focused on the recent and long-run evolution of UK agricultural input and output prices and the likely consequences for the agricultural sector.
He also considered the trade-offs that farmers and society may need to make in the future in our pursuit of sustainable food and farming systems.
Speaking after the conference, he added: “It was an absolute pleasure meeting all the Scholars and participants at this event, including a large number of Harper Adams University alumni.
“Coming away from the event I was feeling very confident that current generations can continue to tackle UK and global challenges, they were such an impressive and engaging group.”