Simon Moakes

Simon Moakes is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, and holds a Doctor of Professional Studies in the Department of Life Sciences. He is actively engaged in advancing sustainable agricultural systems through interdisciplinary research and external collaborations.

• Institution: Aberystwyth University
• School: Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS)
• Department: Department of Life Sciences
• Academic Rank: Research Fellow
• Email: sim44@aber.ac.uk, srm21@aber.ac.uk
• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0519-2254

His research focuses on improving the sustainability of farm systems through methods such as farm system modelling, life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprinting, nutrient dynamics, and economic analysis. With over 20 years of experience in the UK, Switzerland, and internationally, he contributes to key global challenges including climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and Net Zero agriculture. His work aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action, responsible consumption, and life on land.

The recent trend in his publications shows a strong emphasis on harmonizing LCA methodologies for agricultural and livestock systems, assessing climate resilience in European dairy farms, and evaluating economic and environmental trade-offs in sustainable farming practices. His work integrates modelling, empirical data, and policy-relevant insights to support transitions toward more resilient and sustainable food systems.

He contributes to the academic community as a member of the editorial advisory board for the journal Agricultural Systems.

• PATHWAYS: Pathways for transitions to sustainability in livestock husbandry and food systems (Principal Investigator, 2022–2026)
• Grassland Resilience for Net Zero (Co-Investigator, 2024–2027)
• Optimising nitrogen from legumes to reduce emissions in grassland farming (NUE-Leg)
• Land Use for Net Zero (LUNZ Hub)
• The Potential for Extending Economic Farm-level Benchmarking to Environmental Aspects (completed, 2010–2011)

He has been involved in multiple externally funded research initiatives, including EU- and UKRI-supported projects, demonstrating a strong track record in securing and leading impactful research. His collaborative network spans Europe and beyond, contributing to transdisciplinary efforts in agroecology and sustainable land use.

His research is supported by active grants from Horizon Discovery (UK), UK Research and Innovation, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Simon Moakes is affiliated with research teams and hubs focused on sustainable agriculture, including the LUNZ Hub and the PATHWAYS project consortium, which bring together experts from multiple institutions to develop integrated solutions for sustainable food systems.