Dr Graham McAuliffe is an academic and researcher specialising in the environmental assessments of food systems, specifically via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Currently serving as a Reader in Environmental Assessments of Food Systems at Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom, Graham’s work advances the methodological frameworks that underpin sustainable agri-food production. With a solid academic foundation—including a First Class Honours BA in Geography from University College Cork, an MSc by Research in Environmental Science, and a PhD in Veterinary Science from the University of Bristol—his multidisciplinary expertise is evident in his creative and rigorous approach to evaluating the nexus of environmental footprints and equitable nutritional provision.

Throughout his career, Graham has been at the forefront of pioneering research that integrates high-resolution data from leading national capabilities, such as the North Wyke Farm Platform, to develop novel, data-driven methods for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions. His work delves deeply into the quantification and management of uncertainties in key emissions like methane and nitrous oxide. Moreover, by incorporating nutritional parameters into traditional LCA—now often referred to as nutritional LCA (nLCA)—he is helping to shape a new frontier in environmental assessment. His research, comprising ~35 open access peer reviewed papers and several (inter)national grants, also spans the identification of “hotspots” in food systems, innovative spatial analyses using GIS, and well-considered integration of diverse sustainability metrics, including Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Social LCA, thus forming comprehensive sustainability evaluation frameworks.

Beyond his core research, Graham’s expertise has earned him recognition on national and international platforms. He has been invited to consult on influential projects, including advisory roles with organisations such as the FAO, where his insights help navigate the challenges and opportunities intrinsic to evolving LCA methodologies. His collaborative spirit and commitment to enhancing the scientific understanding of environmental impacts not only serve to inform policy but also strive for more resilient and equitable food systems for future generations.