Professor Karl Behrendt

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Harper Adams Business School, Harper Adams UniversityLink opens in a new window

Scientific Background

Research Interests

I am an applied agricultural economist specialising in agricultural systems, innovation and decision support. My interdisciplinary research integrates economics, science and systems thinking to evaluate how technologies, policies and management practices affect productivity, resilience and sustainability. My expertise includes bioeconomic and techno-economic modelling with particular skills in process-based modelling of livestock and grazing systems, risk and investment analysis, and agribusiness strategy, with applications from farm and industry decision-making to policy development.

Research Groups

Global Institute for Agri-Tech EconomicsLink opens in a new window

Agroecology for Sustainable Food SystemsLink opens in a new window

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, student centred, detail-orientated.

Provision of Training

The student is expected to be self-driven and curious, and as they develop and evolve through their PhD journey they are expected to become increasingly independent and figure out appropriate methods and changes to methodology. Guidance and training would be provided as needed to ensure research is conducted at the highest level.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will expect you to take full ownership of your progression, and will expect to see evidence of progress on a regular basis, and if progression is not sufficient, we will always discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

I often communicate out of normal office hours, but will not expected students to do the same, as they will be expected to manage their own life/work balance. I will always make myself available to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per month. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project Title

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Project Title

Secondary Supervisor(s):

University of Registration:

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare, Microbial Food Safety, Plant and Crop Science)
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Plant Science, Soil Science, Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

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CASE Project Title

See the Industrial Collaboration PhD Studentships page to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

CASE: Project Title

University of Registration:

Non-academic partner:

Secondary Supervisor(s):

Project Outline

Application

Deadline: 26 November 2026.

To apply for a CASE studentship, please check your eligibility and complete the MIBTP application process.

Please ensure that you:

Apply directly to University
Clearly state you are applying for a CASE project and stipulate the project title
Please also complete the online ED&I formLink opens in a new window

Co-supervisor on a project / projects with supervisor name + link.