Professor Liam Sinclair

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Agriculture and Environment, Harper Adams University

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research interests centre on improving the health, performance and sustainability of dairy production systems. Within this there is a particular focus on improving the use of home-grown forages, particularly novel and new forages, improving the efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus use and reducing the methane output from dairy cows. My research extends from more fundamental studies examining the fermentation and microbiology of forage preservation, the effect of diet on the rumen microbiome, and the impact this has on nutrient use efficiency, to more applied dairy cow feeding studies. My work also embraces fundamental metagenomics and metabolomics to investigate the influence of diet on dairy cow metabolism and health. Extending this work to dairy farmers, vets and the animal feed industry is also a core component of my role.

Scientific Inspiration

Sir John Hammond. Widely regarded as the father of modern animal physiology, Sir John pioneered studies at the University of Cambridge in the 1920’s on embryo survival, artificial insemination, animal growth and development and animal genetics. In addition to the quality and breadth of his science, he was dedicated to ensuring that his research findings were disseminated to the wider scientific community and livestock industries, and was the founding member of the British Society of Animal Science, the British Cattle Breeders Club, and the European Association for Animal Production.

Research Groups

Animal Science Research Centre

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, collaborative, guiding.

Provision of Training

Your training will be a combination of supervision and advice from your supervisors, experienced post-docs, PhD students and technicians, along with a structured learning program. With time your training will become more independent with the expectation that you will take greater responsibility for developing methods and obtaining appropriate skills.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will agree on suitable progress on a weekly/monthly basis and monitor progress, with the expectation that you will have greater responsibility for this as your studies progress. There is an open-door policy where you can approach your supervisory team as and when required (e.g. personal meeting, e-mail, teams), either informally over a cup of coffee, or in more structured meetings where progress will be reviewed and solutions to any problems discussed and agreed.

Communication

I have an open-door policy for communication and support with options such as a chat at coffee time, e-mail, Teams meetings or meeting in person available as and when required. I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations, and expect you to manage your work/life balance.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be mainly face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Working Patterns

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during core hours (dependent on animal/forage studies).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Prof Sinclair is supervising no projects this year.