Our ‘Bridging Fields: working effectively with farmers’ programme is aimed at researchers from all disciplines and at all levels who are interested in working with farmers and in farmer-centric research.

Delegates in a field listening to a farmer standing in front of a herd of cows

Who is the programme suitable for?

  • All researchers whether early career or established
  • Those new to farmer-centric ways of doing research
  • Researchers already working with farmers

Gain the skills needed for effective on-farm research

There is increasing funding and support for research that prioritises the challenges, knowledge, and experience of farmers. However, on-farm research requires practical and personal skills that can take years to acquire ‘in the field’.

This programme is designed to equip researchers, at all levels of experience, with the specific theoretical and practical knowledge needed to co-design and run effective on-farm trials as well as enhancing researchers’ skills at collaborating and communicating effectively with farmers.

Delegates looking at a cow

How will the programme be delivered?

The 'Bridging Fields' programme launched in summer 2025 and has, thus far, included a range of online workshops and a residential course at the Royal Agricultural University.

Delegates standing outside the main university building in the sun

With thanks to the Rothschild Foundation, all of the activities are offered free of charge.

Register your interest for future events

Fill in our Microsoft Form to register your interest in upcoming events.

Explore our online resources

Visit our Farm Pep webpage here, to explore useful resources used or mentioned throughout the Programme.

Join our closed LinkedIn group for the Programme

If you are a participant on the Programme, join our dedicated LinkedIn group here.

Programme Content

Theoretical     

Academic speaking next to a flip board in a classroom

  • Fundamentals, including the theories underpinning farmer-led approaches and bottom-up methodologies. For instance, indigenous knowledge and responsible innovation.
  • Methodologies, including user-centred design, participatory action research, co-production and on-farm experimentation.
  • Systems approach - how to manage farm and food system complexity whilst also being specific & relevant to researchers.
  • Deep dives into the practical realities of farming to understand the challenges farmers are facing.
  • Understanding risk in farming and farmer motivations when taking part in studies and trials.

Practical skills

Delegates in a field, with one person holding a chunk of hard soil

  • Accessing farmers and farmer networks.  
  • Building relationships with farmers.  
  • Communication skills, for instance active listening, facilitation & knowledge exchange.
  • Setting up collaborative projects to be beneficial over the long term and not extractive.
  • Securing funding & reviewing funding applications - what does a route into a grant look like for a farmer?
  • On-farm trials & experimentation.
  • Including other industry members and underrepresented groups.
  • Bridging rural and urban groups/interests.
  • Being part of a farmer-led research community.

Course leaders

A woman in a coat walking over a field with people following behind

  • Dr Lisa Morgans, BVSc PhD MRCVS, Senior Lecturer in Animal Health & Welfare at the RAU

Find out more about Dr Lisa Morgans.

A man explaining a concept with hand gestures in an outside environment

  • Dr Emmanuel Junior Zuza, BSc MSc PhD, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management and Sustainability at the RAU

Find out more about Dr Emmanuel Junior Zuza.