For the BovINE project, Michael’s role is to select and use relevant tools from practical handbooks available in the multi-actor thematic networks identified by the project and describe and reflect on their use in practice. The title of his thesis is ‘Using online tools for evaluation and impact assessment of multi-actor innovation: learnings in the COVID19 context for the beef advisory services (BovINE)’.

When asked about his role in the BovINE project, Michael said “I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to be involved in this project, as it aims to tackle common challenges faced on European beef farms, including my own family farm, and I believe BovINE is taking the right steps to achieve this. My main goal is to produce a piece of research which will contribute to the digitisation of beef advisory services.”   

Michael started working on his family’s suckler beef farm at an early age and still gladly works on it whenever he gets a chance. It is an average sized beef farm located in the midlands of Ireland with about 30 suckler cows, managed by himself and his brothers. The majority of the farm work involves working very closely with livestock, from which Michael developed his love for animals, particularly cows.

The whole BovINE network team are excited to have Michael on board and look forward to supporting him throughout his research project.