A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the University of Limerick and Teagasc to facilitate two leading dairy research centres – the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) and VistaMilk – to exploit synergies and collaborative opportunities for the benefit of future dairy research.
DPTC is an Enterprise Ireland Technology Centre focused on driving future growth and sustainability in the Irish dairy processing sector through advances in processing and sustainable manufacturing. It aims to provide a step change to Irish dairy processors with high quality pre-competitive research, delivering significant technical impact and economic value for the sector.
VistaMilk is a Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre whose primary focus is to be an agent of responsible growth for the Irish dairy and Agri-Tech industry by being a world leader in fundamental and translational research for precision pasture-based dairying.
The MoU will leverage each of the Research Centre’s competitive advantages to support high-quality collaborations to the benefit of the entire Irish dairy sector. The DPTC and VistaMilk have common industry and academic partners and therefore active collaboration will be highly advantageous and synergistic to all parties. It will facilitate alignment of research objectives, to deliver the latest science and technology in dairy processing. A major ambition is to establish the linkages between those factors in production which determine processability of milk and dairy products. The MoU will provide a mechanism for ‘two-way’ sharing of milk production and processing data, in a supportive environment.
The signing of the MoU underscores the two parties’ shared efforts to advance an open, inclusive and progressive focus on dairy processing research, and recognises and reaffirms the synergies between the two research centres.
Speaking on behalf of VistaMilk, Centre Director Professor Donagh Berry said, “both Centres have important roles in the dairy research and innovation ecosystem; this strategic alliance will harness the enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge base of both industry-academic consortia to the envy of others globally. I’m really excited about this strengthening of collaboration with the DPTC.”
Dr Anne Marie Henihan, recently-appointed Centre Director of DPTC concurred, “we recognise the value of the work that VistaMilk is doing, and are confident that this MoU will be a key part of the DPTC’s broader strategy, enhancing both parties’ strategic collaborations, while increasing opportunities for the dairy industry. We look forward to working together.”
Source: Teagasc
