As an associate member of a Science Advisory Committee (SAC), Dr Fahad Ahmed contributes to national policy discussions early in his career.
Dr Fahad Ahmed is a Lecturer in Animal Science at Ulster University. He joined the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) as an associate member in April 2025.
Bridging research and policy
Fahad's research explores the health risks from both foodborne diseases and zoonotic diseases, which are those transmitted between animals and humans. He was motivated to apply to join the ACMSF by a desire to see academic research directly inform government policy and public health. "I have always believed that academic science should have a clear pathway into policy," Fahad explains. "The ACMSF provides exactly that."
Valuable opportunity for early-career researchers
Fahad was appointed under the ACMSF's associate scheme. This facilitates participation from early-career applicants who bring valuable expertise but may not yet have the experience required to be a full member. As an associate member, Fahad participates in committee meetings, reviews evidence papers, contributes to risk assessments and provides expertise on topics related to research areas. He personally spends about 20 hours a year supporting the committee, although time commitments will vary between Science Advisory Committees (SACs) and departments. He values the open and inclusive format of ACMSF meetings. In these meetings all members, including associates, are encouraged to share their perspectives. Fahad considers participation in the committee to be "a valuable opportunity for learning from experienced experts and building confidence".
Benefits for academics
Fahad highlights several key benefits of Science Advisory Committee (SAC) membership for academics:
Networking and collaboration: Membership has enabled him to connect with leading experts across government and other research institutions. This has broadened his professional network and exposed him to new ideas and challenges.
Enhanced research and teaching relevance: Engaging with the ACMSF has helped Fahad ensure his research addresses real-world policy needs. It has also informed curriculum development in his teaching.
Increased visibility: Fahad's involvement has raised the profile of his work, both within academia and among policymakers.
Contribute to national policy discussions: As an early career researcher, Fahad finds the opportunity to contribute to national policy discussions both rewarding and confidence-boosting.
Lasting impact
Fahad is proud to bring his research perspective to national discussions and to see his contributions help advance understanding of foodborne and zoonotic health risks. He has even launched new research initiatives. One of them is advertising a PhD position on a rising health risk identified through committee discussions. "I would highly recommend SAC membership to my colleagues," he says. "It's a chance to see how science is used in government policy, to deepen your understanding of research impact, and to contribute meaningfully to society."
Advice for academics
His advice for academics considering engaging with government is that "publishing papers is not enough. Learn how evidence is used in policy and develop the skills to communicate your findings clearly and concisely. Build networks and show how your expertise addresses real risks or gaps in policy".
