Communicating Complex Science Simply
Vision
Marry the Science of Farming, Food & Health
Qualifications
BSc-Microbiology
PhD-Ruminant Nutrition
Awards
European Communications Award for ‘Communication to the Public’
Dr. Vanessa Woods is a Scientist and Consumer Engagement Professional.
She holds a PhD in Ruminant Nutrition from University College Dublin and BSc in Microbiology from University College Galway.
Data from her PhD studies formed an integral component of the Irish Net Energy Feeding System.
As founder and Chief Executive of Ireland’s first Science Communications Consultancy, ‘Vanessa B. Woods Communications’, Vanessa works with Government Bodies, Industry Leaders and Education Professionals, translating science into accurate and engaging messages, stories and strategies.
With a Mission Statement to ‘Communicate Complex Science Simply’ and a Vision to ‘Marry the Science of Farming, Food and Health’, science communication consultancy services are offered to the Agri-Food, Health, Energy and Education sectors.
Vanessa worked with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland as a Senior Scientist for 10 years, in the areas of:
- Carbon Footprinting
- Horizon Scanning & Global Research
- Grassland Research
- Dairy Cow Data Modelling
She published numerous peer-reviewed Scientific Papers and Technical Reports for the agri-food industry. Click here for publications
Working as an Expert Evaluator with the European Commission, Vanessa evaluates EU Horizon 2020 funding proposals in the area of sustainable farming and food.
Vanessa joined the independent consumer engagement body, Agri Aware, as its first female Chief Executive in 2011. With a Mission Statement to ‘Improve the image and understanding of farming and the agri-food industry among the general public’, she won Agri Aware’s first and only European Communications Award since its establishment in 1996, for ‘Communication to the Public’. She bid for and secured funding from the European Commission over five consecutive years, engaging consumers in the Common Agricultural Policy.
Vanessa is author of ‘Irish Food, From A-Z’, an illustrated book of poems that tells the story of Irish farming, food, culture and health. This book celebrates nutritious Irish food and the love of farming in beautiful Ireland. And ‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’, illustrated books of poetry that tell the story of farming, food, culture and health.
As part of her role as Senior Scientist with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Vanessa delivered lectures for Agriculture, Agricultural Technology and Animal Science Degree Courses at Queen’s University Belfast.
Vanessa was appointed as the first Chair of Examiners for the new GCSE in Agriculture and Land Use in Northern Ireland, working with the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).