[{"text_idx": "#000000", "text": "With activity well underway for British Science Week, we wanted to shine a light on our scientists and help others connect to the interesting and varied work they do."}, {"text_idx": "#000002", "text": "Our scientists are some of the best in the world and we are excited to introduce a few of them to you today."}, {"text_idx": "#000004", "text": "What's your role at the FSA?"}, {"text_idx": "#000005", "text": "I am a Senior Microbiological Risk Assessor in the Risk Assessment Unit of the Science, Evidence and Research Directorate (SERD). Our core purpose is to look at the available evidence during micro food safety incidents and outbreaks so we can advise our Policy and Incidents teams on how severe it might be if consumers eat the contaminated products."}, {"text_idx": "#000006", "text": "How does it fit into our mission of food you can trust?"}, {"text_idx": "#000007", "text": "A key aspect of ensuring \u201cfood is safe\u201d is making sure that all the necessary precautions have been taken to reduce (to the lowest possible level) the chance for food contaminated with microbiological organisms to reach the consumer. Not only does our team assist in incidents and outbreaks, but we\u2019re also responsible for producing the strategic risk assessments that guide changes to policy or official advice. We also manage research projects so that the FSA is working with the best evidence. I can see very directly how my role supports the FSA mission of food you can trust."}, {"text_idx": "#000008", "text": "How did you get into science?"}, {"text_idx": "#000009", "text": "The jobs I wanted as a child were all science-related, astronaut, archaeologist, and forensic pathologist. Biology was my favourite subject in high school, but it wasn\u2019t until I got to university and started learning about microbes that I finally settled on a field of study."}, {"text_idx": "#000010", "text": "Before joining the FSA, I worked as a New Product Development Technologist at a food ingredients company. I produced recipes for new homebrew beer kits. I worked alongside a team that tested and developed recipes for companies that used our ingredients, so there was always taste testing of beers, breads, biscuits and other tasty treats during the course of the work week! Before that, I was a researcher in academia, doing work to study how bacteria caused infections and then how those infections spread in the UK population."}, {"text_idx": "#000011", "text": "If you could give one piece of advice to people about engaging with science, what would it be?"}, {"text_idx": "#000012", "text": "I have some experience in running science activities for children and have found you get good engagement if you can find something with a little bit of shock value to use. For example, I ran a series in several high schools on how scientists run outbreak investigations and would describe how sometimes poo samples were sent through the post (to allow sick people to collect the sample at home and send them to scientists working in labs to identify the microbes causing the illness). It always got a big reaction from the students! I\u2019d like to think that, in addition to that particular piece of information, they also retained a little bit about the scientific method also discussed."}, {"text_idx": "#000014", "text": "I am the Regulated Products Engagement and Partnership Coordinator \u2013 I work in the Strategic Research Team, which is a part of SERD. Regulated Products sounds a bit fancy, all it means is food and feed that require authorisation by the FSA to be sold in the UK. This includes things such as new ingredients and food flavourings."}, {"text_idx": "#000015", "text": "I have been here for just over one year (time has flown by!) and in that time I\u2019ve had two job roles, both with a strong focus on FSA\u2019s scientific work. Prior to joining the FSA, I completed my PhD and worked as a university researcher investigating how our brains produce and understand language."}, {"text_idx": "#000016", "text": "While language in the brain is very different from food science in some ways (no one at the FSA talks about alpha brain waves with me!), a lot of the core science skills I gained previously are still very applicable to the work that I do now. For example, knowing how to critically evaluate scientific methods and findings, and how to communicate science in an understandable way with different audiences. Having these transferable science skills has been really exciting for me as it means I\u2019ve been able to explore my interests in other cool areas of science!"}, {"text_idx": "#000017", "text": "My work engaging with food scientists and building the FSA\u2019s research partnerships contributes towards the FSA being better able to assess the safety of Regulated Products. We improve access to helpful scientific expertise and a better understanding of the relevant food science evidence. And this helps the FSA deliver timely and proportionate regulation that meets consumers\u2019 demand for new foods and protects their food safety interests. It's vital for ensuring food you can trust."}, {"text_idx": "#000018", "text": "Growing up, I didn\u2019t have a clear plan that I wanted to be a scientist. This was mainly because, at the time, I didn\u2019t realise that science included many things beyond physics equations and chemistry! However, throughout school, I always found learning about the human brain to be super interesting and cool, which led me to study for degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience at university. Later in my career, I decided I wanted to use my science skills to expand into another cool research area \u2013 food science at the FSA!"}, {"text_idx": "#000019", "text": "When people think of scientists, an image of old, white-haired professors in lab coats is sadly still the first thing that comes to many people\u2019s minds. This simply isn\u2019t true though! Scientists come from all backgrounds and from all over the world, there is no one look for a scientist! There is a place in science for everybody, and I would encourage everyone to explore their science interests as engaging in and learning about science can open many exciting doors."}, {"text_idx": "#000021", "text": "I am a Senior Risk Assessor in the Chemical Risk Assessment Unit focusing primarily on feed and feed additive safety. The feed additive safety work means I work closely with the regulated products risk assessment team, I\u2019m part of that team as well! I\u2019m coming up to two years now which has flown by. Before that, I worked for an agency of Defra for approximately 17 years, although was privatised in the last five years of that time. I was an analytical chemist/biochemist relating to food and feed safety. My specialism was mass spectrometry, particularly using this technique in a non-targeted manner. It\u2019s great to be back in the civil service working for the public good, that really motivates me."}, {"text_idx": "#000022", "text": "Well in theory a new feed additive cannot enter the food chain without scrutiny from our team to ensure it causes no safety concerns all along the food chain. This is then verified independently by a committee, for feed additives this is the Advisory Committee for Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF)."}, {"text_idx": "#000023", "text": "Well, my childhood dreams at 16 were to be an actor! I was told in no uncertain terms by a careers advisor to drop my ambitions of studying drama and stick to the science because I had good marks in the sciences. Get off the stage and pick up the pipette!"}, {"text_idx": "#000024", "text": "There certainly was a push in the late 90s to get more people to universities studying science. It\u2019s probably worked out for the best in the long run as I\u2019d probably be an out-of-work actor now. And I\u2019ve loved 95% of my time as a scientist, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to present my work in fantastic places around the world I probably wouldn\u2019t have ever visited."}, {"text_idx": "#000025", "text": "But in hindsight, I\u2019d advise young people to follow their dreams first and there is always time to go back to a career. At 16, 18, 21, it always seemed so urgent to get the decision correct, but that\u2019s not the case."}, {"text_idx": "#000026", "text": "There is no such thing as a silly question. The most inquisitive minds ask \u2018silly questions.\u2019 My 6-year-old son certainly has the most challenging, thought-provoking questions and does help ground me somewhat to look at the bigger picture."}, {"text_idx": "#000027", "text": "To stay connected to our scientists and the work they do at the FSA, sign up to our Science Newsletter."}, {"text_idx": "#000029", "text": "A hithau\u2019n Wythnos Wyddoniaeth Prydain, dyma gyflwyno gwyddonwyr yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (ASB), a chyfle i ddysgu mwy am y gwaith diddorol ac amrywiol y maent yn ei wneud."}, {"text_idx": "#000030", "text": "Cenhadaeth sylfaenol yr ASB yw sicrhau bod y bwyd rydym yn ei brynu a\u2019i fwyta yn ddiogel ac yn cyd-fynd a\u0302\u2019r hyn sydd ar y label. Mae ein gwyddonwyr wrth wraidd yr ymchwil a\u2019r dystiolaeth a ddefnyddiwn i wneud y penderfyniadau sy\u2019n helpu i ddiogelu iechyd y cyhoedd ac iechyd anifeiliaid."}, {"text_idx": "#000031", "text": "Mae ein gwyddonwyr ymhlith y gorau yn y byd ac rydym yn gyffrous i gyflwyno rhai ohonynt heddiw."}, {"text_idx": "#000033", "text": "Beth yw teitl eich swydd a\u2019ch ro\u0302l yn yr ASB?"}, {"text_idx": "#000034", "text": "Rwyf yn Uwch Asesydd Risg Microbiolegol yn Uned Asesu Risg SERD. Ein pwrpas craidd yw edrych ar y dystiolaeth sydd ar gael yn ystod digwyddiadau a brigiadau o achosion yn ymwneud a\u0302 diogelwch bwyd, fel y gallwn gynghori ein timau Polisi a Digwyddiadau ar ba mor ddifrifol y gallai fod pe bai defnyddwyr yn bwyta\u2019r cynhyrchion wedi\u2019u halogi."}, {"text_idx": "#000035", "text": "Sut mae eich ro\u0302l yn cyd-fynd a\u0302\u2019n cenhadaeth, sef bwyd y gallwch ymddiried ynddo?"}, {"text_idx": "#000036", "text": "Er mwyn sicrhau \u201cbwyd sy\u2019n ddiogel\u201d, rhaid gwneud yn siw\u0302r bod yr holl ragofalon angenrheidiol ar waith er mwyn lleihau (i\u2019r lefel isaf bosib) y siawns y bydd bwyd sydd wedi\u2019i halogi ag organebau microbiolegol yn cyrraedd y defnyddiwr. Mae ein ti\u0302m yn cynorthwyo mewn digwyddiadau a brigiadau o achosion, a hefyd yn gyfrifol am gynhyrchu\u2019r asesiadau risg strategol sy\u2019n llywio newidiadau i bolisi neu gyngor swyddogol. Rydym hefyd yn rheoli prosiectau ymchwil fel bod yr ASB yn gweithio gyda\u2019r dystiolaeth orau. Rwy\u2019n gallu gweld yn uniongyrchol sut mae fy ro\u0302l yn cefnogi cenhadaeth yr ASB, sef bwyd y gallwch ymddiried ynddo."}, {"text_idx": "#000037", "text": "Sut daethoch chi i fyd gwyddoniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000038", "text": "Roedd y swyddi roeddwn i eu heisiau fel plentyn i gyd yn gysylltiedig a\u0302 gwyddoniaeth (gofodwr, archeolegydd, patholegydd fforensig). Bioleg oedd fy hoff bwnc yn yr ysgol uwchradd, ond unwaith i mi gyrraedd y brifysgol a dechrau dysgu am ficrobau fe benderfynais ar faes astudio o\u2019r diwedd."}, {"text_idx": "#000039", "text": "Cyn ymuno a\u0302\u2019r ASB, roeddwn yn gweithio fel Technolegydd Datblygu Cynnyrch Newydd mewn cwmni cynhwysion bwyd. Roeddwn yn llunio ryseitiau ar gyfer pecynnau creu cwrw yn y cartref newydd. Roeddwn yn gweithio ochr yn ochr a\u0302 thi\u0302m a oedd yn profi ac yn datblygu ryseitiau ar gyfer cwmni\u0308au a oedd yn defnyddio ein cynhwysion, a chael cyfle\u2019n aml i flasu cwrw, bara, bisgedi a danteithion blasus eraill yn ystod yr wythnos waith! Cyn hynny, roeddwn yn ymchwilydd yn y byd academaidd, yn astudio sut roedd bacteria yn achosi heintiau ac yna sut mae\u2019r heintiau hynny\u2019n lledaenu ym mhoblogaeth y DU."}, {"text_idx": "#000040", "text": "Oes gennych un darn o gyngor i bobl am ymgysylltu a\u0302 gwyddoniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000041", "text": "Mae gen i rywfaint o brofiad o gynnal gweithgareddau gwyddoniaeth i blant ac rydw i wedi profi ymgysylltiad da os ydych yn gallu defnyddio neu\u2019n dangos rhywbeth sydd ag elfen o sioc. Er enghraifft, pan gynhaliais gyfres mewn ysgolion uwchradd ar sut mae gwyddonwyr yn cynnal ymchwiliadau i frigiadau o achosion, roeddwn yn disgrifio sut byddai samplau o garthion pobl yn cael eu hanfon drwy\u2019r post (gyda phobl sa\u0302l yn gwneud y sampl gartref a\u2019i anfon at wyddonwyr sy\u2019n gweithio mewn labordai i nodi\u2019r microbau sy\u2019n achosi\u2019r salwch). Roedd hyn bob amser yn ennyn ymateb mawr gan y myfyrwyr! Hoffwn feddwl, yn ogystal a\u0302\u2019r darn penodol hwnnw o wybodaeth, bod y gwaith gwyddonol a drafodais wedi cael effaith arnynt hefyd."}, {"text_idx": "#000043", "text": "Fi yw\u2019r Cydlynydd Ymgysylltu a Phartneriaeth Cynhyrchion Rheoleiddiedig yn y Ti\u0302m Ymchwil Strategol, sy\u2019n rhan o\u2019r Gyfarwyddiaeth Gwyddoniaeth, Tystiolaeth ac Ymchwil (SERD). Mae \u2018Cynhyrchion Rheoleiddiedig\u2019 yn swnio braidd yn ffansi \u2013 y cyfan mae\u2019n ei olygu yw bwyd a bwyd anifeiliaid sydd angen awdurdodiad gan yr ASB i\u2019w gwerthu yn y DU (mae hyn yn cynnwys pethau fel cynhwysion newydd a chyflasynnau bwyd)."}, {"text_idx": "#000044", "text": "Rwyf wedi bod yn gweithio i\u2019r ASB ers ychydig dros flwyddyn (mae\u2019r amser wedi hedfan heibio!) ac yn y cyfnod hwnnw rwyf wedi cael dwy swydd, y ddwy yn canolbwyntio\u2019n sylweddol ar waith gwyddonol yr ASB. Cyn ymuno a\u0302\u2019r ASB, fe wnes i gwblhau fy PhD a gweithio fel ymchwilydd prifysgol yn ymchwilio i sut mae ein hymennydd yn cynhyrchu ac yn deall ieithoedd."}, {"text_idx": "#000045", "text": "Er bod iaith yn yr ymennydd yn wahanol iawn i wyddor bwyd mewn rhai ffyrdd (nid oes neb yn yr ASB yn siarad am donnau alffa\u2019r ymennydd gyda mi!), mae llawer o\u2019r sgiliau gwyddoniaeth craidd a enillais yn flaenorol yn dal yn berthnasol iawn i fy ngwaith nawr. Er enghraifft, gwybod sut i werthuso dulliau a chanfyddiadau gwyddonol yn feirniadol, a sut i gyfathrebu gwyddoniaeth mewn ffordd ddealladwy gyda gwahanol gynulleidfaoedd. Mae hi wedi bod yn gyffrous cael y sgiliau gwyddoniaeth trosglwyddadwy hyn gan fy mod wedi gallu archwilio fy niddordebau mewn meysydd diddorol eraill o wyddoniaeth!"}, {"text_idx": "#000046", "text": "Mae fy ngwaith yn ymgysylltu a\u0302 gwyddonwyr bwyd a meithrin partneriaethau ymchwil yr ASB yn cyfrannu at allu\u2019r ASB i asesu diogelwch Cynhyrchion Rheoleiddiedig yn well gan ein bod wedi gwella mynediad at arbenigedd gwyddonol defnyddiol ac ennill gwell dealltwriaeth o\u2019r dystiolaeth gwyddor bwyd berthnasol. Mae hyn yn helpu\u2019r ASB i reoleiddio mewn modd amserol a chymesur, sy\u2019n diwallu galw defnyddwyr am fwydydd newydd ac sy\u2019n sicrhau bod bwyd yn ddiogel \u2013 sy\u2019n hanfodol ar gyfer sicrhau bwyd y gallwch ymddiried ynddo."}, {"text_idx": "#000047", "text": "Wrth dyfu i fyny, doedd gen i ddim cynllun clir fy mod i eisiau bod yn wyddonydd (yn bennaf oherwydd, ar y pryd, doeddwn i ddim yn sylweddoli bod gwyddoniaeth yn llawer mwy na hafaliadau ffiseg a chemeg yn unig!) Fodd bynnag, yn yr ysgol, roedd dysgu am yr ymennydd dynol yn hynod ddiddorol i mi, ac es i ymlaen i astudio ar gyfer graddau mewn Seicoleg a Niwrowyddoniaeth yn y brifysgol. Yn ddiweddarach yn fy ngyrfa, penderfynais fy mod eisiau defnyddio fy sgiliau gwyddoniaeth mewn maes ymchwil difyr arall \u2013 gwyddor bwyd yn yr ASB!"}, {"text_idx": "#000048", "text": "Pan fydd pobl yn meddwl am wyddonwyr, yn anffodus, delweddau o athrawon hy\u0302n a\u0302 gwallt gwyn mewn cotiau labordy yw\u2019r peth cyntaf sy\u2019n dod i\u2019w meddwl \u2013 ond nid dyma\u2019r gwirionedd! Mae gwyddonwyr yn dod o bob cefndir ac o bob rhan o\u2019r byd \u2013 nid y ddelwedd ystrydebol! Mae lle i bawb yn y byd gwyddoniaeth, a byddwn yn annog pawb i ystyried eu diddordebau gwyddonol oherwydd gall ymgysylltu a\u0302 gwyddoniaeth a dysgu amdani agor llawer o ddrysau cyffrous."}, {"text_idx": "#000051", "text": "Wel mewn egwyddor ni all ychwanegyn bwyd anifeiliaid newydd fynd i mewn i\u2019r gadwyn fwyd heb fod ein ti\u0302m yn ei graffu i sicrhau nad yw\u2019n achosi unrhyw bryderon diogelwch ar hyd y gadwyn fwyd. Yna caiff hyn ei wirio\u2019n annibynnol gan bwyllgor, sef y Pwyllgor Cynghori ar Fwyd Anifeiliaid (ACAF)."}, {"text_idx": "#000052", "text": "Pan oeddwn i\u2019n blentyn roeddwn i am fod yn actor! Dywedodd cynghorydd gyrfa wrtha\u2019i yn blwmp ac yn blaen i beidio ag astudio drama ond parhau gyda gwyddoniaeth gan fy mod yn cael marciau da yn y pynciau gwyddonol. Bant o\u2019r llwyfan ac mewn i\u2019r labordy!"}, {"text_idx": "#000053", "text": "Yn sicr, ar ddiwedd y 90au, roedd ymdrech i gael mwy o bobl i astudio gwyddoniaeth yn y brifysgol. Rwy\u2019n falch erbyn hyn oherwydd mae\u2019n debyg y byddwn i\u2019n actor allan o waith nawr.\nRwyf wedi mwynhau 95% o fy amser fel gwyddonydd, a chael y cyfle i gyflwyno fy ngwaith mewn llefydd ffantastig o gwmpas y byd fydden i fwy na thebyg byth wedi ymweld a\u0302 nhw."}, {"text_idx": "#000054", "text": "Ond wrth edrych yn o\u0302l, byddwn yn cynghori pobl ifanc i ddilyn eu breuddwydion yn gyntaf a bydd cyfle wedyn i ystyried gyrfa. Yn fy arddegau hwyr roedd yn teimlo fel bod pwysau mawr arnaf i wneud y penderfyniad cywir, ond nid yw hynny\u2019n wir."}, {"text_idx": "#000055", "text": "Nid oes y fath beth a\u0302 chwestiwn gwirion. Y bobl fwyaf chwilfrydig sy\u2019n holi\u2019r \u2018cwestiynau gwirion\u2019. Mae fy mab 6 oed yn llawn cwestiynau heriol sy\u2019n gwneud i mi feddwl, ac mae\u2019n fy helpu i edrych ar y darlun cyfan."}, {"text_idx": "#000056", "text": "I gadw mewn cysylltiad a\u0302\u2019n gwyddonwyr a\u2019u gwaith yn yr ASB, ewch ati i danysgrifio i\u2019n Cylchlythyr Gwyddoniaeth ()"}, {"text_idx": "#000057", "text": "Welcome to the beginning of British Science Week, a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths. Each year has a different theme, with this year's theme being \u2018connections\u2019."}, {"text_idx": "#000060", "text": "to provide high-level assurance about science within the FSA\nto work closely with other CSAs as part of the cross-departmental science function and\nto act as an ambassador and communicator of science"}, {"text_idx": "#000061", "text": "I wouldn\u2019t be able to do any of these things without the fantastic support of colleagues right across the organisation, though, so this is an opportunity for me to put on record my huge thanks to all of you within FSA and further afield who have helped provide briefings, data, explanations and a million other invaluable pieces of advice over the last year!"}, {"text_idx": "#000062", "text": "The public perception of science is often one of eccentric people in lab coats (usually elderly white men with crazy hair!) working alone in a windowless basement. However, as many of us know, nothing could be further from the truth. Collaboration, conversation and challenge are integral to science and so \u2018connections\u2019 is a really appropriate theme for British Science Week."}, {"text_idx": "#000063", "text": "The importance of the CSA Network"}, {"text_idx": "#000064", "text": "For me, a hugely important \u2018connection\u2019 is the cross-government CSA Network. All departmental CSAs meet weekly to swap notes on current topics and problems in our respective departments, to brainstorm cross-departmental science strategy and \u2013 very importantly \u2013 to help each other out with support and advice. It\u2019s an invaluable forum for exchanging ideas and solutions, with the added bonus of hearing about the incredible breadth of Government science work from the frequent guest speakers."}, {"text_idx": "#000065", "text": "Another set of critical connections for FSA science are those we make with external organisations and independent experts. One of the most obvious examples of that is in our Scientific Advisory Committees (SACs) and Joint Expert Groups, but there are lots of equally valuable informal collaborations with industry and academia. Similarly, our FSA-funded fellows and externally commissioned research projects provide strong connections into the wider science community, giving us access to the best international science and raising the FSA\u2019s profile globally."}, {"text_idx": "#000066", "text": "Our areas of research interest"}, {"text_idx": "#000068", "text": "I hope this has given you a small flavour of what we do and how science \u2018connections\u2019 are fundamental to the FSA\u2019s mission. Each day of British Science Week we\u2019ll be showcasing incredible FSA science stories and highlighting many of the incredible scientists behind them, so stay tuned!"}, {"text_idx": "#000069", "text": "And, if you\u2019d like to find out more after the week is over, then I would encourage you to sign up to our Science Newsletter for regular updates about FSA science and opportunities."}, {"text_idx": "#000070", "text": "Mae hi\u2019n ddechrau Wythnos Wyddoniaeth Prydain. Dyma gyfle i ddathlu gwyddoniaeth, technoleg, peirianneg a mathemateg dros gyfnod o ddeg diwrnod. Mae thema wahanol bob blwyddyn, a\u2019r thema eleni yw \u2018cysylltiadau\u2019."}, {"text_idx": "#000071", "text": "Cenhadaeth graidd yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (ASB) yw sicrhau bod bwyd yn ddiogel ac yn cyd-fynd a\u0302\u2019r hyn sydd ar y label. Mae gwyddoniaeth a thystiolaeth wrth wraidd y genhadaeth hon ac mae rhwydweithiau gwyddonol cryf yn helpu i sicrhau bod ein hymatebion bob amser yn seiliedig ar dystiolaeth. Mae Wythnos Wyddoniaeth Prydain felly yn gyfle gwych i ganu clodydd gwyddoniaeth yr ASB, yn ogystal a\u0302 darganfod mwy am wyddoniaeth mewn adrannau eraill yn y Llywodraeth a thu hwnt."}, {"text_idx": "#000073", "text": "darparu sicrwydd lefel uchel am wyddoniaeth o fewn yr ASB\ngweithio\u2019n agos gyda Phrif Gynghorwyr Gwyddonol (CSA) eraill fel rhan o\u2019r swyddogaeth wyddoniaeth drawsadrannol a\ngweithredu fel llysgennad dros wyddoniaeth sy\u2019n cyfathrebu"}, {"text_idx": "#000074", "text": "Fodd bynnag, ni fyddwn yn gallu gwneud unrhyw un o\u2019r pethau hyn heb gefnogaeth wych cydweithwyr ar draws y sefydliad. Dyma gyfle felly i mi ddiolch yn fawr i bob un ohonoch yn yr ASB a thu hwnt sydd wedi helpu i ddarparu dogfennau briffio, data, esboniadau a llu o ddarnau amhrisiadwy o gyngor dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf!"}, {"text_idx": "#000075", "text": "Mae\u2019r cyhoedd yn dueddol o ystyried gwyddoniaeth fel maes sy\u2019n llawn pobl ecsentrig mewn cotiau labordy (dynion gwyn oedrannus gyda gwallt gwallgof fel arfer!) yn gweithio ar eu pennau eu hunain mewn ystafell dywyll. Fodd bynnag, fel y mae llawer ohonom yn gwybod, nid dyma\u2019r gwirionedd o gwbl. Mae cydweithio, trafod a herio yn rhan annatod o wyddoniaeth ac felly mae \u2018cysylltiadau\u2019 wir yn thema briodol ar gyfer Wythnos Wyddoniaeth Prydain."}, {"text_idx": "#000076", "text": "I mi, mae\u2019r Rhwydwaith CSA trawslywodraethol yn \u2018gysylltiad\u2019 hynod bwysig. Mae CSA pob adran yn cyfarfod yn wythnosol i gyfnewid nodiadau ar bynciau a phroblemau cyfredol yn ein hadrannau priodol, i rannu syniadau am strategaeth wyddoniaeth drawsadrannol ac \u2013 yn bwysig iawn \u2013 i roi cymorth a chyngor i\u2019n gilydd. Mae\u2019n fforwm amhrisiadwy ar gyfer rhannu syniadau ac atebion, yn ogystal a\u0302 chael y cyfle i glywed pa mor eang yw gwaith gwyddoniaeth y Llywodraeth gan y siaradwyr gwadd cyson."}, {"text_idx": "#000077", "text": "Mae\u2019r cysylltiadau a wnawn a\u0302 sefydliadau allanol ac arbenigwyr annibynnol hefyd yn hanfodol o ran gwyddoniaeth yr ASB. Un o\u2019r enghreifftiau mwyaf amlwg o hynny yw ein Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol (SACs) a\u2019n Grwpiau Arbenigol ar y Cyd, ac mae llawer o gydweithrediadau anffurfiol gyda\u2019r diwydiant a\u2019r byd academaidd, sydd yr un mor werthfawr. Yn yr un modd, mae ein cymrodorion a ariennir gan yr ASB a\u2019n prosiectau ymchwil a gomisiynir yn allanol yn darparu cysylltiadau cryf a\u0302\u2019r gymuned wyddoniaeth ehangach, gan roi mynediad i ni at y wyddoniaeth ryngwladol orau a chodi proffil yr ASB yn fyd-eang."}, {"text_idx": "#000078", "text": "Yn olaf, mae Wythnos Wyddoniaeth Prydain yn gyfle gwych i dynnu sylw at y cysylltiadau sy\u2019n deillio o\u2019n meysydd o ddiddordeb ymchwil. Mae\u2019r rhain yn arddangos y prif gwestiynau ymchwil y mae\u2019r ASB am fynd i\u2019r afael a\u0302 hwy ac maent wedi\u2019u diweddaru\u2019n ddiweddar yn unol a\u0302 Strategaeth yr ASB a gyhoeddwyd y llynedd. Mae\u2019r meysydd o ddiddordeb ymchwil yn \u2018hysbyseb\u2019 amlwg iawn sy\u2019n helpu i feithrin cydweithrediadau a\u0302 phrifysgolion, sefydliadau ymchwil a darparwyr ymchwil eraill yn ogystal a\u0302 darparu ffordd ddefnyddiol o nodi\u2019n hawdd y synergeddau a\u0302\u2019r gweithgareddau ymchwil yn adrannau eraill y llywodraeth."}, {"text_idx": "#000079", "text": "Rwy\u2019n gobeithio bod hyn wedi rhoi blas bach i chi o\u2019n gwaith ym maes gwyddoniaeth a sut mae \u2018cysylltiadau\u2019 yn hanfodol i genhadaeth yr ASB. Bob dydd yn ystod Wythnos Wyddoniaeth Prydain, byddwn yn arddangos straeon gwyddoniaeth anhygoel yr ASB ac yn tynnu sylw at lawer o\u2019r gwyddonwyr gwych, felly cadwch lygad...! Ac, os hoffech chi ddysgu mwy ar o\u0302l i\u2019r wythnos ddod i ben, ewch ati i danysgrifio i\u2019n Cylchlythyr Gwyddoniaeth i gael diweddariadau rheolaidd am wyddoniaeth a chyfleoedd yr ASB."}, {"text_idx": "#000081", "text": "Let me introduce myself: I am a farmer\u2019s daughter, from Yorkshire, and the granddaughter of a butcher \u2013 that was my grandmother in a real example of women breaking down cultural barriers. I am now the Director of Veterinary Services in the FSA. I live with my \u201cfeline supervisor\u201d, Willow, in Cardiff \u2013 a little more from her later."}, {"text_idx": "#000082", "text": "It, therefore, seemed obvious that I could achieve my childhood ambition to be a vet. I was good at exams and science, and I had all the family connections to spend time working with vets and animals in my childhood. Now that is not to say it was \u201ceasy\u201d, because getting a place at vet school is highly competitive, but I know that I was lucky to have so many of these unearned advantages."}, {"text_idx": "#000083", "text": "That is also why I am so delighted to be asked to write this blog for International Women\u2019s Day and why I fully #EmbraceEquity. I also confess to not feeling as eloquent and engaging in my writing as previous authors (who I suspect may have degrees in the arts or humanities?) but I will try to counter that lack of confidence with a scientific approach and a talented proofreading and editing team!"}, {"text_idx": "#000084", "text": "The first thing I did was to look at my trusty Griffin Savers dictionary (that really tells you my age because it was my first bank account with the Midland Bank, now HSBC) and that says: \u201cequity (ek-wi-ti) n. fairness, impartiality.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000085", "text": "Great! A really concise and clear way of defining a word but what does it mean in action for society?"}, {"text_idx": "#000086", "text": "I also took the opportunity to follow up by reading the article \u201cEquality versus Equity: What's the difference as we #EmbraceEquity for IWD 2023 and beyond?\u201d on the International Women\u2019s Day website. This explained the linguistic and legal roots and differences between equality and equity and also defined equality and equity in a social context:"}, {"text_idx": "#000087", "text": "\u201cEquality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000088", "text": "\u201cEquity recognizes that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000089", "text": "Equity means providing different resources to different people to achieve those fair outcomes. This also reminds me of the advantages I had in pursuing my vocation and that this goes well beyond just getting a place in vet school..."}, {"text_idx": "#000090", "text": "So why am I, a vet, writing about #EmbraceEquity?"}, {"text_idx": "#000091", "text": "It might not surprise you to know that we are not a very diverse profession, but did you know that 2019 data shows that 58% of vets in the UK are women?"}, {"text_idx": "#000092", "text": "The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons\u2019 demographic data also shows that well over half of our profession attended private or independent schools which also suggests we have a long way to go to achieve equity in our profession."}, {"text_idx": "#000093", "text": "Now, even more women are joining our profession as new graduates so you would think we had the equity thing all sorted, wouldn\u2019t you?"}, {"text_idx": "#000094", "text": "Well, I am afraid not \u2013 in 2018 the British Veterinary Association and the University of Exeter collaborated on a research project that looked at how two vets (Mark and Elizabeth), with identical jobs and performance reviews, were treated in terms of their pay. Many of the managers rated \u201cMark\u201d as more competent and said they would pay him a higher salary which would have resulted in an average 8% gender pay gap. Sadly, one of the key drivers in this difference was whether the managers thought bias still existed in the profession, and it was the managers who recognised that it did, who recommended roughly equal pay for \u201cElizabeth\u201d."}, {"text_idx": "#000095", "text": "So can we make a difference?"}, {"text_idx": "#000096", "text": "Yes! And, as the study above shows, it is vital to keep talking about these challenges to raise awareness and deliver equity in practice."}, {"text_idx": "#000097", "text": "I have now worked as a vet for almost 30 years (shush! don\u2019t tell anyone) and have been fortunate to have an interesting and varied veterinary career. This started with a postgraduate project in Oman, before working in general practice in the UK, New Zealand and Hong Kong, and studying veterinary acupuncture before working as a Temporary Veterinary Inspector for the then State Veterinary Service (SVS) during the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak."}, {"text_idx": "#000098", "text": "This was an important career moment for me because I saw the important role that vets play in government and that the Civil Service is an employer that really works hard to challenge bias."}, {"text_idx": "#000099", "text": "Since then, I have worked in Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency in the operations, policy, veterinary and science directorates. This has included working as:"}, {"text_idx": "#000101", "text": "Here, I have benefitted from our \u201cOWOW\u201d (Our Ways of Working) offer that has been deservedly recognised outside the civil service, winning a workingmums.co.uk\u2019s Top Employer Award for Innovation in Flexible Working in 2020. For me, this meant I could work from Cardiff rather than having to move to London for my new role."}, {"text_idx": "#000102", "text": "And something must be going right \u2013 I am so proud to be part of our amazing Government Veterinary Services profession. I\u2019m also proud that until recently, three of our four Chief Veterinary Officers in the United Kingdom were women."}, {"text_idx": "#000103", "text": "So, I believe that an important part of my role now is to supply some of the \u201cbooks to stand on\u201d so that we can all achieve our potential, regardless of our gender or background. In delivering this, I am also privileged to be the current president of the European Association of State Veterinary Officers and work with amazing veterinary colleagues from all over Europe."}, {"text_idx": "#000104", "text": "I\u2019ll also cheekily take this opportunity to share the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe \u2013 United in Diversity campaign - watch out for my and Willow\u2019s video on \u201cDiversity, Equity and Inclusiveness\u201d which will be released in a few weeks\u2019 time."}, {"text_idx": "#000106", "text": "Gadewch i mi gyflwyno fy hun: Merch fferm ydw i, o Swydd Efrog, ac wyres i gigyddes. Roedd fy nain yn enghraifft go iawn o ferched yn chwalu rhwystrau diwylliannol. Fi bellach yw Cyfarwyddwr Gwasanaethau Milfeddygol yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (ASB). Rwy'n byw gyda fy nghath, Willow, yng Nghaerdydd \u2013 cewch glywed ychydig yn fwy ganddi nes ymlaen."}, {"text_idx": "#000107", "text": "Nid oes syndod felly mai fy uchelgais pan oeddwn i\u2019n blentyn oedd bod yn filfeddyg, ac ymddengys yn amlwg i mi y gallwn gyflawni\u2019r uchelgais honno. Roeddwn i\u2019n un da am arholiadau a gwyddoniaeth, ac roedd gennyf ddigon o gysylltiadau teuluol i allu treulio amser yn gweithio gyda milfeddygon ac anifeiliaid drwy gydol fy mhlentyndod. Nawr, nid yw hynny'n golygu y bu\u2019n \u201chawdd\u201d i mi, oherwydd bod ennill lle i astudio milfeddygaeth yn y brifysgol yn hynod gystadleuol. Serch hyn, rwy\u2019n gwybod fy mod i\u2019n ffodus i gael y pethau hyn o\u2019m plaid."}, {"text_idx": "#000108", "text": "Dyna pam roeddwn mor falch o gael fy ngofyn i ysgrifennu'r blog hwn ar gyfer Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod a pham rydw i'n #CofleidioTegwch yn frwd. Rwy\u2019n cyfaddef nad wyf yn teimlo fy mod yn ysgrifennu mor huawdl a gafaelgar ag awduron blaenorol (mae\u2019n rhaid bod ganddynt raddau yn y celfyddydau neu\u2019r dyniaethau?). Ond fe wnaf geisio wneud yn iawn am y diffyg hyder drwy fy agwedd wyddonol a thrwy fanteisio\u2019n llawn ar ddoniau\u2019r ti\u0302m golygu a phrawfddarllen!"}, {"text_idx": "#000109", "text": "Y peth cyntaf a wnes i oedd edrych ar fy hen ffrind, geiriadur Griffin Savers (dwi wir yn datgelu fy oedran nawr, oherwydd ces i hwn drwy fy nghyfrif banc cyntaf gyda Midland Bank, neu HSBC erbyn hyn) ac mae hynny'n dweud: \u201cequity (ek-wi-ti) n. fairness, impartiality.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000110", "text": "Gwych! Ffordd wirioneddol gryno a chlir o ddiffinio gair, ond beth mae\u2019n ei olygu\u2019n ymarferol i gymdeithas?"}, {"text_idx": "#000111", "text": "Yn ogystal, darllenais yr erthygl \u201cEquality versus Equity: What's the difference as we #EmbraceEquity for IWD 2023 and beyond?\u201d ar wefan Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod. Roedd yn egluro\u2019r gwreiddiau ieithyddol a chyfreithiol a\u2019r gwahaniaethau rhwng cydraddoldeb a thegwch. Roedd hefyd yn diffinio cydraddoldeb a thegwch mewn cyd-destun cymdeithasol:"}, {"text_idx": "#000112", "text": "Mae tegwch yn golygu darparu gwahanol adnoddau i wahanol bobl er mwyn iddynt allu cyflawni'r canlyniadau teg hynny. Mae hyn hefyd yn fy atgoffa o\u2019r manteision oedd gen i wrth ddilyn fy ngalwedigaeth, a bod hyn yn mynd ymhell y tu hwnt i gael lle i astudio milfeddygaeth yn y brifysgol..."}, {"text_idx": "#000113", "text": "Felly pam ydw i, milfeddyg, yn ysgrifennu am #CofleidioTegwch?"}, {"text_idx": "#000114", "text": "Efallai na fydd yn syndod i chi wybod nad ydym yn broffesiwn amrywiol iawn, ond oeddech chi\u2019n gwybod bod data 2019 yn dangos bod 58% o\u2019r milfeddygon yn y DU yn fenywod?"}, {"text_idx": "#000115", "text": "Mae data demograffig Coleg Brenhinol y Milfeddygon hefyd yn dangos bod ymhell dros hanner ein proffesiwn wedi mynd i ysgolion preifat neu annibynnol. Mae hyn yn dangos bod gennym lawer o le i wella o ran sicrhau tegwch yn ein proffesiwn."}, {"text_idx": "#000116", "text": "Erbyn hyn, mae hyd yn oed mwy o fenywod yn ymuno a\u0302'n proffesiwn fel graddedigion newydd, felly byddai\u2019n hawdd credu nad oes unrhyw broblemau o ran tegwch."}, {"text_idx": "#000117", "text": "Ond, mae gen i ofn - dyw hynny ddim yn wir. Yn 2018 cydweithiodd Cymdeithas Milfeddygon Prydain a Phrifysgol Caerwysg ar brosiect ymchwil a edrychodd ar sut roedd dau filfeddyg (Mark ac Elizabeth), oedd yn gwneud yr un swydd ac oedd ag adolygiadau perfformiad union yr un fath, yn cael eu trin o ran eu cyflog. Dywedodd llawer o\u2019r rheolwyr fod \u201cMark\u201d yn fwy cymwys, ac y byddent yn talu cyflog uwch iddo. Byddai hyn wedi arwain at fwlch cyflog rhwng y rhywiau o 8% ar gyfartaledd. Yn anffodus, un o\u2019r prif ffactorau yn y gwahaniaeth hwn oedd p\u2019un a oedd y rheolwyr o\u2019r farn bod rhagfarn yn dal i fodoli yn y proffesiwn. Roedd y rheolwyr a oedd yn cydnabod bod rhagfarn yn parhau i fodoli yn argymell rhoi cyflog cyfartal ar y cyfan, i \u201cElizabeth\u201d."}, {"text_idx": "#000118", "text": "A allwn ni wneud gwahaniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000119", "text": "Gallwn! Fel y dengys yr astudiaeth uchod, mae'n hanfodol ein bod yn parhau i siarad am yr heriau hyn er mwyn codi ymwybyddiaeth a sicrhau tegwch yn ymarferol."}, {"text_idx": "#000120", "text": "Rwyf wedi bod yn filfeddyg ers bron i 30 mlynedd (shhhh! Peidiwch a\u0302 dweud wrth neb) ac wedi bod yn ffodus i gael gyrfa ddiddorol ac amrywiol yn y maes. Dechreuodd hyn gyda phrosiect o\u0302l-raddedig yn Oman, cyn gweithio ym maes practis cyffredinol yn y DU, Seland Newydd a Hong Kong, ac astudio aciwbigo milfeddygol cyn gweithio fel Arolygydd Milfeddygol Dros Dro ar gyfer y Gwasanaeth Milfeddygol Gwladol (SVS) fel yr oedd ar y pryd, yn ystod y brigiad o glwy\u2019r traed a\u2019r genau yn ystod 2001."}, {"text_idx": "#000121", "text": "Roedd hon yn foment bwysig yn fy ngyrfa i, oherwydd gwelais y ro\u0302l bwysig y mae milfeddygon yn ei chwarae yn y llywodraeth. Gwelais hefyd fod y Gwasanaeth Sifil yn gyflogwr sy'n gweithio'n galed iawn i herio rhagfarn."}, {"text_idx": "#000122", "text": "Ers hynny, rwyf wedi gweithio yn Defra a'r Asiantaeth Iechyd Anifeiliaid a Phlanhigion yn y cyfarwyddiaethau gweithrediadau, polisi, milfeddygol a gwyddoniaeth. Mae hyn wedi cynnwys gweithio fel Pennaeth Cysylltiadau\u2019r UE ar gyfer Iechyd a Lles Anifeiliaid yn Defra rhwng 2012 a 2015; fel yr Arweinydd Milfeddygol ar gyfer firoleg adar yn Labordy Cyfeirio Cenedlaethol y DU yn APHA, Weybridge; ac fel un o Arweinwyr Milfeddygol APHA yng Nghymru cyn dod i\u2019r ASB yn 2018. Yma, rwyf wedi elwa ar ein trefniadau \u2018Ein Ffyrdd o Weithio\u2019 (OWOW) sydd yn cael eu cydnabod hyd yn oed y tu allan i\u2019r gwasanaeth sifil, gan ennill Gwobr Cyflogwr Gorau workingmums.co.uk am Arloesedd o ran Gweithio Hyblyg yn 2020. I mi, roedd hyn yn golygu y gallwn weithio o Gaerdydd yn hytrach na gorfod symud i Lundain ar gyfer fy ro\u0302l newydd."}, {"text_idx": "#000123", "text": "Ac mae\u2019n rhaid bod rhywbeth yn mynd yn iawn \u2013 rydw i mor falch o gael bod yn rhan o broffesiwn anhygoel Gwasanaethau Milfeddygol y Llywodraeth. Rwyf hefyd yn falch bod 3 o'n 4 Prif Swyddog Milfeddygol yn y Deyrnas Unedig yn fenywod, tan yn ddiweddar."}, {"text_idx": "#000124", "text": "Felly, rwy\u2019n credu mai rhan bwysig o fy ro\u0302l i nawr yw helpu i baratoi\u2019r ffordd, fel y gallwn oll gyflawni ein potensial, waeth beth fo\u2019n rhyw neu\u2019n gefndir. Wrth wneud hyn, mae\u2019n fraint i mi hefyd nodi mai fi yw llywydd presennol Cymdeithas Ewropeaidd Swyddogion Milfeddygol Gwladol lle rwy\u2019n cael gweithio gyda chydweithwyr milfeddygol anhygoel o bob rhan o Ewrop."}, {"text_idx": "#000125", "text": "Rwyf hefyd yn mynd i achub yn ddigywilydd ar y cyfle hwn i rannu ymgyrch Unedig mewn Amrywiaeth, Ffederasiwn Milfeddygon Ewrop - cadwch lygad am y fideo gen i a Willow ar \u201cAmrywiaeth, Tegwch a Chynhwysiant\u201d a fydd yn cael ei ryddhau ymhen rhai wythnosau."}, {"text_idx": "#000126", "text": "Here at the Food Standards Agency, we're delighted to share that our Vet of the Year for 2023 is Jose Gomez-Luengo. We sat down with Jose and asked him about his career and what the award means to him."}, {"text_idx": "#000127", "text": "I was truly surprised when Jane Clark, Veterinary Director at the FSA, called to inform me that I have been selected as the Vet of the Year. I knew I was up against stiff competition as many of my FSA veterinary colleagues do outstanding things and being nominated is just the first step - then comes the scrutiny about the merits of those nominated. And I know it is tough to win: I am proud to say I have been nominated in the four years the award has been running but it has taken all that time to finally win it!"}, {"text_idx": "#000128", "text": "I was not a vocational veterinarian. I have always liked animals, but I had planned to become an architect, like my father and grandfather. It was in my last year before starting university that I decided to become a vet."}, {"text_idx": "#000129", "text": "I graduated from vet school in my hometown of Cordoba, Spain in 1993, but needed to do National Service before I could start work. After being discharged from the Army, I helped a small animal veterinary surgeon in my hometown whilst I looked for a job."}, {"text_idx": "#000130", "text": "The first offer came from the UK. At that time, as now, the UK needed vets wanting to work in meat hygiene. Most vets here were attracted by clinical work and considered those working in food safety or in a slaughterhouse almost second rate. (Yet, I trained as a clinician and didn\u2019t want to be a vet to look after sausages rather than animals!) Thankfully the outdated view that those who choose to work supporting public health are \u201cnot proper vets\u201d is changing."}, {"text_idx": "#000132", "text": "I worked for private practices for a few years and when a vacancy arose in the Meat Hygiene Service I applied and was offered the job, joining the Civil Service in August 2001. This year will mark my 22nd anniversary, just as the FSA turns 23 years old."}, {"text_idx": "#000133", "text": "Initially, I worked in the Operations Division. This took me out and about visiting mainly meat establishments conducting official controls, doing approval assessments, or more recently leading a team of auditors. I did enjoy that work and it gave me a thorough grounding and, I believe it is fair to say, extensive knowledge of the meat industry and its regulatory framework."}, {"text_idx": "#000135", "text": "Our small team is made up of vets with various backgrounds. Whilst we share our work in a way that allows for resilience, we have what might be called specialisms that play on our strengths. Years of practice have made me happy to provide opinions about things I know about. I tend to be vocal in discussions, despite being shy by nature (which some may find surprising)."}, {"text_idx": "#000136", "text": "I assist in the formulation of meat hygiene and operational policies such as the supply of partially chilled Qurbani meat. There are always situations you never came across before. We have positioned ourselves as advisors and liaise with other government bodies, joining groups with people who work in other areas \u2013 it\u2019s challenging and interesting!"}, {"text_idx": "#000137", "text": "I am honoured to follow in the steps of those that have won the Vet of the Year Award, as they all deserved it. I intend to honour the recognition and keep the flag up until I pass it on to next year\u2019s winner."}, {"text_idx": "#000139", "text": "Yn yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd, rydym yn falch iawn o rannu mai Jose Gomez-Luengo yw ein Milfeddyg y Flwyddyn ar gyfer 2023. Gwnaethom sgwrsio a\u0302 Jose am ei yrfa a\u2019r hyn mae\u2019r wobr yn ei olygu iddo."}, {"text_idx": "#000140", "text": "Roedd yn sioc enfawr pan ffoniodd Jane Clark, Cyfarwyddwr Milfeddygol yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (ASB), i roi gwybod taw fi oedd Milfeddyg y Flwyddyn. Rwy\u2019n gwybod ei bod hi\u2019n gystadleuaeth frwd gan fod llawer o\u2019m cydweithwyr milfeddygol yn yr ASB yn gwneud pethau rhagorol a dim ond y cam cyntaf oedd cael fy enwebu \u2013 wedyn daeth y gwaith craffu ar rinweddau\u2019r sawl a enwebwyd. Ac rwy\u2019n gwybod ei bod yn anodd ennill y teitl: rwy\u2019n falch o ddweud fy mod wedi cael fy enwebu ym mhob un o\u2019r pedair blynedd y mae\u2019r wobr wedi\u2019i chynnal, ond mae wedi cymryd yr holl amser hwnnw i\u2019w hennill o\u2019r diwedd!"}, {"text_idx": "#000141", "text": "Nid oeddwn yn filfeddyg galwedigaethol. Rwyf bob amser wedi hoffi anifeiliaid, ond roeddwn wedi bwriadu dod yn bensaer, fel fy nhad a fy nhad-cu. Penderfynais fod yn filfeddyg yn ystod fy mlwyddyn olaf cyn dechrau yn y brifysgol."}, {"text_idx": "#000142", "text": "Graddiais o ysgol filfeddygol yn fy nhref enedigol, Cordoba, yn Sbaen ym 1993, ond roedd angen i mi wneud Gwasanaeth Milwrol cyn i mi allu dechrau gweithio. Ar o\u0302l cael fy rhyddhau o\u2019r Fyddin, gwnes i helpu milfeddyg anifeiliaid bach yn fy nhref enedigol tra roeddwn i\u2019n chwilio am swydd."}, {"text_idx": "#000143", "text": "Daeth y cynnig cyntaf o\u2019r DU. Bryd hynny, fel sydd hefyd yn wir nawr, roedd angen milfeddygon ar y DU a oedd am weithio ym maes hylendid cig. Roedd y rhan fwyaf o filfeddygon yn y DU yn cael eu denu gan waith clinigol ac yn meddwl bod y rheiny sy\u2019n gweithio ym maes diogelwch bwyd neu mewn lladd-dai yn filfeddygon eilradd bron. (Serch hynny, gwnes i hyfforddi fel clinigwr a doeddwn i ddim eisiau bod yn filfeddyg i ofalu am selsig yn hytrach nag anifeiliaid!). Diolch byth, mae\u2019r farn hen ffasiwn nad yw\u2019r rhai sy\u2019n dewis gweithio i gefnogi iechyd y cyhoedd yn \u201cfilfeddygon go iawn\u201d yn newid."}, {"text_idx": "#000145", "text": "Gweithiais i bractisau preifat am rai blynyddoedd a phan ddaeth swydd wag yn y Gwasanaeth Hylendid Cig, gwnes i gais a chynigiwyd y swydd i mi. O ganlyniad, ymunais a\u0302\u2019r Gwasanaeth Sifil ym mis Awst 2001. Erbyn hyn, rwyf wedi gweithio fel milfeddyg yn y Gwasanaeth Sifil ers 22 mlynedd, a hynny wrth i\u2019r ASB droi\u2019n 23 oed."}, {"text_idx": "#000146", "text": "I ddechrau, roeddwn i\u2019n gweithio yn yr Is-adran Gweithrediadau. Fel rhan o\u2019r gwaith hwn, roeddwn yn ymweld a\u0302 sefydliadau cig yn bennaf i gynnal rheolaethau swyddogol, gwneud asesiadau cymeradwyo, ac arwain ti\u0302m o archwilwyr yn fwy diweddar. Gwnes i fwynhau\u2019r gwaith hwnnw. Rhoddodd sylfaen gadarn i mi ac, rwy\u2019n credu ei bod yn deg dweud, wybodaeth helaeth am y diwydiant cig a\u2019i fframwaith rheoleiddio."}, {"text_idx": "#000148", "text": "Mae ein ti\u0302m bach yn cynnwys milfeddygon o gefndiroedd amrywiol. Er ein bod yn rhannu ein gwaith mewn ffordd sy\u2019n sicrhau gwytnwch, mae gennym arbenigeddau sy\u2019n manteisio ar ein cryfderau. Mae\u2019r blynyddoedd o brofiad wedi fy mharatoi ar gyfer rhoi fy marn am bethau rwy\u2019n gwybod amdanynt. Rwy\u2019n dueddol o godi fy llais mewn trafodaethau, er fy mod i\u2019n berson swil (a allai beri syndod i rai)."}, {"text_idx": "#000149", "text": "Rwy\u2019n helpu i lunio polisi\u0308au hylendid cig a gweithredu fel cyflenwi cig Qurbani sydd wedi\u2019i oeri\u2019n rhannol. Mae bob amser sefyllfaoedd nad ydych wedi dod ar eu traws o\u2019r blaen. Cynghorwyr ydym wrth i ni gysylltu a\u0302 chyrff eraill y llywodraeth, a grwpiau o bobl sy\u2019n gweithio mewn meysydd eraill \u2013 mae\u2019n heriol ac yn ddiddorol!"}, {"text_idx": "#000150", "text": "Mae\u2019n fraint fawr dilyn yn o\u0302l-traed y rhai sydd wedi ennill y wobr Milfeddyg y Flwyddyn dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf, gan fod pob un ohonynt yn enillwyr haeddiannol. Rwy\u2019n bwriadu anrhydeddu\u2019r gydnabyddiaeth a hyrwyddo\u2019r gwaith nes i mi drosglwyddo\u2019r teitl i enillydd y flwyddyn nesaf."}, {"text_idx": "#000151", "text": "We're looking for new members to join our Scientific Advisory Committees (SACs). The work of these independent committees is critical in ensuring that our advice to consumers is based on the best and most recent scientific evidence."}, {"text_idx": "#000152", "text": "This year, for the first time, we are looking for both full members and associate members. The latter category is specifically aimed at early and mid-career researchers, who perhaps don\u2019t have a long track record in their field but who nonetheless would be able to bring important insights to the work of the FSA."}, {"text_idx": "#000153", "text": "The FSA is responsible for food safety risk assessment and providing risk management advice to Ministers. The SACs are a crucial part of our risk analysis process, providing us with invaluable advice to ensure excellent safety standards and effective, proportionate regulation of food and feed in the UK."}, {"text_idx": "#000154", "text": "SAC members are appointed from a wide range of disciplines and include specialist academics, experienced practitioners and consumer representatives. You can find out more about the kind of people we are looking for here: Apply now to join our Scientific Advisory Committees."}, {"text_idx": "#000155", "text": "In the meantime, let's hear from some current members about their experiences of being on one of our Scientific Advisory Committees."}, {"text_idx": "#000160", "text": "\"Participating in the SACs allows you to use your expertise to help critically assess and evaluate key issues to food safety and quality facing modern food production. The broad experience and specialities of the Committee members also ensures the consideration of these issues from the viewpoint of all stakeholders, from Consumer to Industry to Government.\""}, {"text_idx": "#000161", "text": "What has been a personal highlight of being on one of the Committees?"}, {"text_idx": "#000163", "text": "How has being on one of the Committees positively influenced your career?"}, {"text_idx": "#000165", "text": "\"This has allowed me to progress my career further down the technical path where I can develop and share technical best practice and new knowledge with colleagues that I work with.\""}, {"text_idx": "#000168", "text": "What would you say to someone interested in joining one of the committees?"}, {"text_idx": "#000171", "text": "Apply now to join our Scientific Advisory Committees. To learn more about each SAC, see the work they do and read what's happened in previous meetings, please head to our Scientific Advisory Committees hub."}, {"text_idx": "#000172", "text": "Ymunwch a\u0302\u2019n Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol"}, {"text_idx": "#000173", "text": "Rydym yn chwilio am bobl newydd i ymuno a\u0302\u2019n Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol (SACs). Mae gwaith y pwyllgorau annibynnol hyn yn hanfodol i sicrhau bod ein cyngor i ddefnyddwyr yn seiliedig ar y dystiolaeth wyddonol orau a mwyaf diweddar."}, {"text_idx": "#000174", "text": "Eleni, am y tro cyntaf, rydym yn chwilio am aelodau llawn ac aelodau cyswllt. Mae\u2019r ail gategori wedi\u2019i anelu\u2019n benodol at ymchwilwyr ar ddechrau a chanol eu gyrfa, sydd efallai heb hanes hir yn eu maes ond a fyddai, serch hynny, yn gallu dod a\u0302 mewnwelediadau pwysig i waith yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (ASB)."}, {"text_idx": "#000175", "text": "Mae\u2019r ASB yn gyfrifol am asesu risg diogelwch bwyd a darparu cyngor rheoli risg i Weinidogion. Mae\u2019r Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol yn rhan hanfodol o\u2019n proses dadansoddi risg, gan roi cyngor amhrisiadwy er mwyn i ni allu sicrhau safonau diogelwch rhagorol a rheoleiddio effeithiol a chymesur ar fwyd a bwyd anifeiliaid yn y DU."}, {"text_idx": "#000176", "text": "Penodir aelodau SAC o ystod eang o ddisgyblaethau gan gynnwys academyddion arbenigol, ymarferwyr profiadol a chynrychiolwyr defnyddwyr. Gallwch ddarganfod mwy am y math o bobl rydym yn chwilio amdanynt yma: Gwnewch gais nawr i ymuno a\u0302\u2019n Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol."}, {"text_idx": "#000177", "text": "Yn y cyfamser, dyma ambell air gan aelodau presennol am eu profiadau o fod yn rhan o\u2019n Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol."}, {"text_idx": "#000179", "text": "Pam aethoch chi ati i wneud cais i fod ar un o Bwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol yr ASB?"}, {"text_idx": "#000182", "text": "\u201cMae cymryd rhan yn y Pwyllgorau Gwyddoniaeth yn gyfle i ddefnyddio eich arbenigedd i asesu a gwerthuso materion diogelwch ac ansawdd bwyd allweddol sy\u2019n wynebu\u2019r maes cynhyrchu bwyd yn yr oes sydd ohoni. Mae profiad ac arbenigedd eang aelodau\u2019r Pwyllgor hefyd yn sicrhau bod y materion hyn yn cael eu hystyried o safbwynt yr holl randdeiliaid, o\u2019r defnyddiwr i'r diwydiant i'r Llywodraeth.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000183", "text": "Nodwch un uchafbwynt personol o fod yn rhan o un o\u2019r Pwyllgorau"}, {"text_idx": "#000185", "text": "Sut mae bod ar un o\u2019r Pwyllgorau wedi dylanwadu\u2019n gadarnhaol ar eich gyrfa?"}, {"text_idx": "#000187", "text": "\u201cMae hyn wedi caniata\u0301u i mi ddatblygu fy ngyrfa ymhellach i lawr y llwybr technegol, lle gallaf ddatblygu a rhannu arferion gorau technegol a gwybodaeth newydd gyda fy nghydweithwyr.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000190", "text": "Beth fyddech chi\u2019n ei ddweud wrth rywun sydd a\u0302 diddordeb mewn ymuno ag un o\u2019r pwyllgorau?"}, {"text_idx": "#000193", "text": "Gwnewch gais nawr i ymuno a\u0302\u2019n Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol. I ddysgu rhagor am bob Pwyllgor, gweld y gwaith maen nhw'n ei wneud a darllen yr hyn sydd wedi digwydd mewn cyfarfodydd blaenorol, ewch i\u2019n tudalen Pwyllgorau Cynghori Gwyddonol."}, {"text_idx": "#000195", "text": "I am pleased to introduce you to just a small selection of the many women working in science for the Food Standards Agency. Their work is essential to achieving our mission of food that is safe, is what it says and is healthy and sustainable."}, {"text_idx": "#000196", "text": "The FSA employs people in a wide range of science specialisms, from toxicologists and microbiologists to social scientists, economists and vets. Our science and evidence teams include women working on horizon scanning, planning and managing new research projects, and analysing data."}, {"text_idx": "#000197", "text": "As Chair of the FSA, I\u2019m proud that science and evidence shapes everything we do as an organisation. It is a place where you can use your scientific training to have real world impacts, and work on important issues that touch all of us, every day."}, {"text_idx": "#000198", "text": "Below you can find out more about the experience of some of talented and committed women we have working in science for the FSA."}, {"text_idx": "#000200", "text": "I am head of the new Science and Surveillance team for the FSA in Northern Ireland. This was set up in September 2022 with the focus on leading and developing the science input and expertise in Northern Ireland. Our remit is quite broad - we provide coordination across all policy and operational delivery teams ranging from topics such as nutrition to antimicrobial resistance. I have a BSc in Human Nutrition and a MSc in Health Promotion and Public Health. Everyone in the team has different experiences and backgrounds across biological sciences, from nutrition to microbiology and a PhD in virology!"}, {"text_idx": "#000201", "text": "What have you found most challenging about being a woman working in science?"}, {"text_idx": "#000202", "text": "When I was at the start of my career, I would look at women already working in public health and wonder how they did it. How did they balance the demands of a full-time career with life outside work and caring responsibilities? We are lucky in the FSA to have a flexible working policy, making it easy to manage this work-life balance. You can have it all! I don\u2019t take this for granted, it would not be the same in other organisations. I can attend all of my meetings and deliver on my projects whilst taking time out to see my son\u2019s school play, for example. I\u2019ve also appreciated the flexible hours when it comes to continued professional development. We all know learning does not stop when you leave university, there are so many developments to keep up with. I can get up early to read research papers or spend time watching webinars later in the evening."}, {"text_idx": "#000203", "text": "What would you say to someone just starting out, who might be considering a career in science?"}, {"text_idx": "#000204", "text": "Go for it! Believe in yourself. Don\u2019t forget to focus on the informal aspects as well. Networking and relationship-building, for example, can be really valuable. Identify mentors and role models early on in your career. It\u2019s also important to broaden your focus when at university to all of the career options open to you. Nutrition, for example, is such a broad field, you could choose to work in research, policy development, industry, the community and voluntary sector or clinical work. Find out what areas you are interested in and passionate about."}, {"text_idx": "#000205", "text": "What is the best thing about being a woman in science for the FSA?"}, {"text_idx": "#000206", "text": "My background is in nutrition and this is a predominately female field. I love how supportive the women I have worked with are of each other. Everyone is willing to help, encourage and push each other. They are also brilliant at taking the time to celebrate each other\u2019s successes, it\u2019s a lovely culture to be a part of."}, {"text_idx": "#000209", "text": "The most challenging thing I have had to overcome would ultimately be balancing the role women play outside of work alongside a demanding career, more so as an immigrant with a \u2018limited village\u2019. However, this is a challenge that has greatly diminished whilst working for the FSA. I work flexibly remotely, thanks to the FSA facilitating different types of contracts to suit various needs (something they rolled out long before coronavirus), which helps balance my responsibilities as a mother and as a risk assessor."}, {"text_idx": "#000210", "text": "What would you say to someone starting out now and considering a career in science?"}, {"text_idx": "#000212", "text": "What matters most (and this applies in every career) is having the passion for what you choose to do and being realistic about the input needed as this is what keeps you going on those days you might doubt if you made the right choice. My love for the food industry has led me to where I am today, backed up by the science subjects I undertook in school. Science is versatile with applications in just about anything in daily life so if you have the interest, you are bound to find your niche."}, {"text_idx": "#000213", "text": "What is the best thing about working as a woman in science for the FSA?"}, {"text_idx": "#000214", "text": "We have been drumming on the need for more girls taking STEM subjects and going into science-related roles. Working for the FSA and in SERD specifically is evidence that women can successfully contribute in scientific roles... another face on the map to help inspire."}, {"text_idx": "#000216", "text": "I took quite a convoluted route into science, but eventually settled on Microbiology, and that is the degree that I graduated with at BSc level. When I started at the FSA I worked in exposure assessment, where I was involved in providing estimates of exposure to different types of hazards from food and drink to subject matter experts. I am now a senior trade risk assessor where I essentially coordinate projects to inform risk assessments on imported food and drink."}, {"text_idx": "#000217", "text": "I would say the most challenging thing I have overcome is my own self-belief. When I first thought about a career in science at around 15, I didn\u2019t really think I could do it. I didn\u2019t know much about the career options available and that there were, in reality, lots of women in those roles."}, {"text_idx": "#000218", "text": "So, I initially applied for a course at university which wasn\u2019t really what I wanted to do, because I didn\u2019t know what I wanted! Inevitably, it didn\u2019t work out and I am thankful to this day for that early rejection so that I could use it to build on and end up on the path I am on now."}, {"text_idx": "#000219", "text": "Speak to women in science. Most women I know working in science, including myself, would be happy to speak to people who approach them, particularly young women and girls. It\u2019s a great way to find out what kinds of roles are available and about people\u2019s journey into them \u2013 it\u2019s not always what you think! It might mean asking friends and family if they know anybody, approaching someone at school or university, or on social media. I have found that most people will be friendly and willing to help \u2013 you might be surprised by what you find out!"}, {"text_idx": "#000220", "text": "That I am rarely the only woman in the room \u2013 or virtual room! There are so many wonderful people working in science or with the science directorate that the FSA, and I can honestly say, that not once have I felt the impact of being a woman in that environment. I have been at the FSA for over three years, and I think that this is because much of the way has been paved by women who have gone before me. There is still work to be done for feminism generally in science I believe, but at the FSA, my experience has only been positive."}, {"text_idx": "#000223", "text": "Mae\u2019n bleser gennyf eich cyflwyno i ambell un o\u2019r llawer o ferched sy\u2019n gweithio ym maes gwyddoniaeth yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (ASB). Mae eu gwaith yn hanfodol i gyflawni ein cenhadaeth, sef bwyd sy\u2019n ddiogel, sy\u2019n cyd-fynd a\u0302\u2019r hyn sydd ar y label ac sy\u2019n iach ac yn gynaliadwy."}, {"text_idx": "#000224", "text": "Mae\u2019r ASB yn cynnig ystod eang o rolau gwyddonol arbenigol, o wenwynegwyr a microbiolegwyr i wyddonwyr cymdeithasol, economegwyr a milfeddygon. Mae ein timau gwyddoniaeth a thystiolaeth yn cynnwys menywod sy\u2019n gweithio ar sganio\u2019r gorwel, cynllunio a rheoli prosiectau ymchwil newydd, a dadansoddi data."}, {"text_idx": "#000225", "text": "Fel Cadeirydd yr ASB, rwy\u2019n falch bod gwyddoniaeth a thystiolaeth yn llywio popeth a wnawn fel sefydliad. Mae\u2019n sefydliad lle mae modd manteisio ar hyfforddiant gwyddonol i gael effaith go iawn, a gweithio ar faterion pwysig sy\u2019n cyffwrdd a\u0302 bywydau bob un ohonom, bob dydd."}, {"text_idx": "#000226", "text": "Isod, gallwch ddarllen am brofiadau rhai o\u2019r merched medrus ac ymroddedig sy\u2019n gweithio ym maes gwyddoniaeth yn yr ASB."}, {"text_idx": "#000228", "text": "Fi yw pennaeth ti\u0302m newydd Gwyddoniaeth a Gwyliadwriaeth yr ASB yng Ngogledd Iwerddon. Sefydlwyd y ti\u0302m ym mis Medi 2022 gyda\u2019r ffocws ar arwain a datblygu\u2019r mewnbwn a\u2019r arbenigedd gwyddonol yng Ngogledd Iwerddon. Mae ein cylch gwaith yn eithaf eang \u2013 rydym yn cydgysylltu ar draws yr holl dimau polisi a chyflawni gweithrediadau, yn amrywio o bynciau fel maeth ac ymwrthedd gwrthficrobaidd. Mae gen i BSc mewn Maeth Dynol ac MSc mewn Hybu Iechyd ac Iechyd y Cyhoedd. Mae gan bawb yn y ti\u0302m brofiadau a chefndiroedd gwahanol ar draws gwyddorau biolegol, o faeth i ficrobioleg a PhD mewn firoleg!"}, {"text_idx": "#000229", "text": "Beth yw\u2019r her fwyaf am fod yn fenyw sy\u2019n gweithio mewn gwyddoniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000230", "text": "Ar ddechrau fy ngyrfa, byddwn yn edrych ar fenywod oedd eisoes yn gweithio ym maes gwyddor iechyd ac yn meddwl tybed sut roeddent yn gallu gwneud hynny. Sut roedden nhw\u2019n cydbwyso gofynion gyrfa lawn amser gyda bywyd personol? Yn ffodus, mae gennym ni bolisi gweithio hyblyg yn yr ASB, sy\u2019n ei gwneud hi\u2019n hawdd rheoli\u2019r cydbwysedd rhwng bywyd a gwaith. Mae modd cael y cyfan! Dydw i ddim yn cymryd hyn yn ganiataol, ac rwy\u2019n gwybod nad yw pethau\u2019r un peth mewn sefydliadau eraill. Dwi\u2019n gallu cymryd seibiannau o\u2019r gwaith, a pheidio a\u0302 cholli sioe ysgol fy mab, er enghraifft."}, {"text_idx": "#000231", "text": "Rwyf hefyd wedi gwerthfawrogi\u2019r cysyniad oriau craidd. Mae dysgu yn y byd gwyddoniaeth yn parhau ar o\u0302l gadael y brifysgol, mae\u2019n rhaid i chi ddarllen yn eang am eich pwnc. Dwi\u2019n gallu codi\u2019n gynnar i ddarllen papurau ymchwil neu dreulio amser yn eu darllen gyda\u2019r nos."}, {"text_idx": "#000232", "text": "Beth fyddech chi\u2019n ei ddweud wrth rywun sydd newydd ddechrau, a allai fod yn ystyried gyrfa mewn gwyddoniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000233", "text": "Ewch amdani! Credwch ynoch eich hun. Canolbwyntiwch ar yr elfennau anffurfiol hefyd. Gall rhwydweithio a meithrin perthnasoedd, er enghraifft, fod yn werthfawr iawn. Chwiliwch am fentoriaid a phobl dylanwadol. Mae hefyd yn bwysig ehangu eich ffocws y tu hwnt i\u2019r pethau clinigol yn unig. Mae maeth, er enghraifft, yn bwnc eang iawn ac yn cynnwys ymchwil, polisi a gwaith cymunedol. Mae\u2019n bwysig darganfod beth sydd o ddiddordeb i chi a\u2019r hyn rydych yn angerddol amdano."}, {"text_idx": "#000234", "text": "Beth yw\u2019r peth gorau am fod yn fenyw sy\u2019n gweithio i\u2019r ASB ym maes gwyddoniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000235", "text": "Mae fy nghefndir ym maes maeth ac mae hwn yn faes sy\u2019n cael ei ddominyddu gan fenywod. Rwyf wrth fy modd a\u0302\u2019r ffordd y mae merched yn cefnogi ei gilydd. Mae gan bawb amser i esbonio a helpu. Rwyf bob amser wedi cael fy amgylchynu gan fenywod cefnogol ac rwy\u2019n sylweddoli nad yw hyn yn wir ym mhobman. Mae pawb yn barod i helpu, cefnogi a hybu ei gilydd. Mae\u2019n ddiwylliant hyfryd."}, {"text_idx": "#000238", "text": "Y peth mwyaf heriol yr wyf wedi gorfod ei oresgyn yw cydbwyso\u2019r ro\u0302l y mae menywod yn ei chwarae y tu allan i\u2019r gwaith ochr yn ochr a\u0302 gyrfa heriol, yn enwedig fel mewnfudwr heb lawer o gefnogaeth gan eraill. Fodd bynnag, mae gweithio i\u2019r ASB wedi lleihau\u2019r her hon yn fawr. Rwy\u2019n gweithio\u2019n hyblyg ac o bell, gan fod yr ASB yn cynnig gwahanol fathau o gontractau i weddu i anghenion amrywiol (roedd hyn ar waith gan yr Asiantaeth ymhell cyn coronafeirws), sy\u2019n fy helpu i gydbwyso fy nghyfrifoldebau fel mam ac fel asesydd risg."}, {"text_idx": "#000239", "text": "Beth fyddech chi\u2019n ei ddweud wrth rywun sy\u2019n dechrau nawr ac yn ystyried gyrfa mewn gwyddoniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000240", "text": "Pan oeddwn yn iau, byddwn wedi ateb y cwestiwn hwn yn wahanol iawn, ond erbyn hyn, byddwn yn dweud yn mai NAWR yw\u2019r man cychwyn ar gyfer unrhyw beth yr hoffech ei wneud. Nid os amser cywir nac anghywir, ac mae amserlen pawb yn unigryw."}, {"text_idx": "#000241", "text": "Yr hyn sydd bwysicaf (ac mae hyn yn berthnasol ym mhob gyrfa) yw bod yn angerddol am yr hyn rydych yn ei ddewis, a bod yn realistig yngly\u0302n a\u0302\u2019r hyn y bydd angen i chi ei wneud, gan mai dyma sy\u2019n eich cadw i fynd ar y dyddiau hynny y gallech fod yn amau a wnaethoch chi\u2019r dewis cywir. Mae fy nghariad at y diwydiant bwyd wedi fy arwain i ble rydw i heddiw, ynghyd a\u0302\u2019r pynciau gwyddonol a astudiais yn yr ysgol. Mae gwyddoniaeth yn faes amrywiol ac yn berthnasol i bron unrhyw beth mewn bywyd bob dydd, felly os oes gennych chi\u2019r diddordeb, rydych yn siw\u0302r o ddod o hyd i\u2019ch niche."}, {"text_idx": "#000242", "text": "Beth yw\u2019r peth gorau am weithio i\u2019r ASB fel menyw ym maes gwyddoniaeth?"}, {"text_idx": "#000243", "text": "Rydym wedi bod yn pwysleisio bod angen i fwy o ferched astudio pynciau STEM a chael rolau sy\u2019n gysylltiedig a\u0302 gwyddoniaeth. Mae gweithio i\u2019r ASB ac yn SERD yn benodol yn profi bod menywod yn gallu cyfrannu\u2019n llwyddiannus mewn rolau gwyddonol... wyneb arall ar y map sy\u2019n ysbrydoli."}, {"text_idx": "#000245", "text": "Roedd fy llwybr i wyddoniaeth yn un eithaf troellog, ond yn y pen draw, penderfynais ganolbwyntio ar Ficrobioleg, gan raddio ar lefel BSc. Pan ddechreuais yn yr ASB roeddwn yn gweithio ym maes asesu amlygiad, yn darparu brasamcanion o amlygiad i wahanol fathau o beryglon o fwyd a diod i arbenigwyr pwnc. Rwyf bellach yn uwch-asesydd risg masnach lle rwyf yn cydlynu prosiectau i lywio asesiadau risg ar fwyd a diod a fewnforir."}, {"text_idx": "#000246", "text": "Byddwn yn dweud mai\u2019r peth mwyaf heriol i mi ei oresgyn oedd gallu credu ynof fi fy hun. Wrth ystyried gyrfa mewn gwyddoniaeth am y tro cyntaf yn 15 oed, doeddwn i ddim wir yn meddwl y gallwn ei wneud. Doeddwn i ddim yn gwybod rhyw lawer am yr opsiynau gyrfa a oedd ar gael i mi, a bod llawer o fenywod yn y rolau hynny mewn gwirionedd."}, {"text_idx": "#000247", "text": "Felly, ymgeisiais am gwrs yn y brifysgol nad oeddwn i eisiau ei astudio mewn gwirionedd, oherwydd doeddwn i ddim yn gwybod beth roeddwn i eisiau ei wneud! Yn anochel, nid oeddwn yn llwyddiannus ac rwy\u2019n ddiolchgar hyd heddiw na ches i le ar y cwrs hwnnw, gan fod hynny wedi fy arwain at fy llwybr presennol."}, {"text_idx": "#000248", "text": "Siaradwch a\u0302 menywod mewn gwyddoniaeth. Byddai\u2019r rhan fwyaf o fenywod rwy\u2019n eu hadnabod sy\u2019n gweithio ym maes gwyddoniaeth, gan gynnwys fi fy hun, yn hapus i siarad a\u0302 phobl sy\u2019n dod atyn nhw, yn enwedig menywod ifanc a merched. Mae\u2019n ffordd wych o ddarganfod pa fathau o rolau sydd ar gael ac am brofiadau pobl eraill o gyrraedd y rolau hynny \u2013 bydd yn agoriad llygaid! Gallwch ofyn i ffrindiau a theulu a ydyn nhw\u2019n nabod unrhyw un, mynd at rywun yn yr ysgol neu\u2019r brifysgol, neu cysylltu a\u0302 rhywun ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol. Rwyf wedi gweld o brofiad y bydd y rhan fwyaf o bobl yn gyfeillgar ac yn barod i helpu \u2013 efallai y cewch eich synnu gan yr hyn rydych chi\u2019n ei ddarganfod!"}, {"text_idx": "#000249", "text": "Anaml mai fi yw\u2019r unig fenyw yn yr ystafell \u2013 neu\u2019r ystafell rhithwir! Mae cymaint o bobl wych yn gweithio ym maes gwyddoniaeth neu yng nghyfarwyddiaeth wyddoniaeth yr ASB, a gallaf ddweud yn ddiflewyn ar dafod, nad wyf erioed wedi teimlo\u2019n negyddol am fod yn fenyw yn yr amgylchedd hwnnw. Rwyf wedi gweithio i\u2019r ASB ers mwy na thair blynedd, a dwi\u2019n credu bod hyn oherwydd bod y seiliau wedi\u2019u gosod yn barod gan fenywod sydd wedi gweithio i\u2019r Asiantaeth cyn fy amser i. O safbwynt ffemeistiaeth yn gyffredinol, dwi\u2019n credu bod dal gwaith i\u2019w wneud ym maes gwyddoniaeth, ond yn yr ASB, mae fy mhrofiad wedi bod yn gadarnhaol tu hwnt."}, {"text_idx": "#000250", "text": "This year marks the tenth anniversary of the horsemeat crisis, a food scandal that rocked consumer confidence in UK food and cost the industry hundreds of millions of pounds. In 2013, the discovery of horsemeat in products that were labelled as beef led to the recall of millions of products across Europe."}, {"text_idx": "#000251", "text": "As we look back over the ten years that have passed, the obvious question is whether such an incident could happen again. Indeed, with disruption to global supply chains caused by events like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, it often feels like the risks to our food supply have never been greater."}, {"text_idx": "#000252", "text": "Of course, there will always be risks in a global food system as complex as ours, but I believe we\u2019re in a better position to mitigate those risks than we were ten years ago."}, {"text_idx": "#000253", "text": "The FSA now works more effectively with industry, who in turn are much better at probing in detail along their supply chain. The sampling which industry carries out allows the FSA to make more informed decisions on the action we need to take to protect consumers. We have also improved the way the FSA gathers other intelligence, using data and predictive analytics to monitor risks."}, {"text_idx": "#000254", "text": "In the wake of the horsemeat crisis, the FSA established the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) to boost our investigatory expertise in food fraud. The NFCU now has a team of more than 80 people whose focus is on preventing, detecting and investigating serious fraud within food supply chains."}, {"text_idx": "#000255", "text": "In its most recent report to the FSA Board, the NFCU showed it had registered 59 disruptions with the National Crime Agency in the first three quarters of 2022 and secured the first conviction following a Unit-led investigation, as recently covered in the BBC\u2019s Defenders UK documentary series. While this work should reassure consumers, we are also conscious of the resource pressures that local authorities are under and the impact this could have on the vital work being carried out by their trading standards teams \u2013 a concern highlighted last year in our food standards report."}, {"text_idx": "#000256", "text": "If you have information about a food crime, please contact the NFCU on foodcrime@food.gov.uk , via our Food Crime Confidential hotline on 020 7276 8246 or via the online form on our website."}, {"text_idx": "#000257", "text": "Or, if you have any insights into how the food system is managing the risk of food crime, we would be really interested to hear them. Please do let us know in the comments section below."}, {"text_idx": "#000258", "text": "Neges y Prif Weithredwr i randdeiliaid - Yr argyfwng cig ceffyl ddeng mlynedd yn ddiweddarach"}, {"text_idx": "#000259", "text": "Mae deng mlynedd ers yr argyfwng cig ceffyl, sgandal bwyd a siglodd hyder defnyddwyr mewn bwyd yn y DU, gan gostio cannoedd o filiynau o bunnoedd i\u2019r diwydiant. Yn 2013, darganfuwyd cig ceffyl mewn cynhyrchion a oedd wedi\u2019u labelu fel cig eidion, a arweiniodd at alw miliynau o gynhyrchion yn o\u0302l ledled Ewrop."}, {"text_idx": "#000260", "text": "Wrth i ni edrych yn o\u0302l dros y deng mlynedd diwethaf, y cwestiwn amlwg i\u2019w ofyn yw a allai rhywbeth tebyg ddigwydd eto. Yn wir, gyda digwyddiadau fel y pandemig a'r rhyfel yn Wcra\u0301in yn tarfu ar gadwyni cyflenwi byd-eang, mae\u2019n aml yn teimlo bod y risgiau i\u2019n cyflenwad bwyd yn fwy nag erioed."}, {"text_idx": "#000261", "text": "Wrth gwrs, bydd risgiau bob amser yn bresennol mewn system fwyd fyd-eang sydd mor gymhleth a\u0302\u2019n system ni, ond rwy\u2019n credu ein bod mewn sefyllfa well i liniaru\u2019r risgiau hynny nag yr oeddem ddeng mlynedd yn o\u0302l."}, {"text_idx": "#000263", "text": "Yn sgil yr argyfwng cig ceffyl, sefydlodd yr ASB yr Uned Genedlaethol Troseddau Bwyd (NFCU) i hybu ein harbenigedd ymchwiliol ym maes twyll bwyd. Mae gan yr NFCU bellach di\u0302m o fwy nag 80 o bobl sy\u2019n canolbwyntio ar atal, canfod ac ymchwilio i dwyll difrifol o fewn cadwyni cyflenwi bwyd."}, {"text_idx": "#000264", "text": "Yn ei hadroddiad diweddaraf i Fwrdd yr ASB, dangosodd yr NFCU ei bod wedi cofrestru 59 achos o darfu gyda\u2019r Asiantaeth Troseddau Cenedlaethol yn ystod tri chwarter cyntaf 2022 a\u2019i bod wedi sicrhau\u2019r euogfarn gyntaf yn dilyn ymchwiliad a arweiniwyd gan yr Uned, fel y trafodwyd yn ddiweddar yng nghyfres ddogfen y BBC, Defenders UK. Er y dylai\u2019r gwaith hwn dawelu meddwl defnyddwyr, rydym hefyd yn ymwybodol o\u2019r pwysau sydd ar adnoddau awdurdodau lleol a\u2019r effaith y gallai hyn ei chael ar y gwaith hanfodol sy\u2019n cael ei wneud gan eu timau safonau masnach \u2013 pryder a amlygwyd y llynedd yn ein hadroddiad safonau bwyd."}, {"text_idx": "#000265", "text": "Os oes gennych wybodaeth am drosedd bwyd, cysylltwch a\u0302\u2019r NFCU drwy foodcrime@food.gov.uk, drwy ein llinell gymorth Trechu Trosedd Bwyd yn Gyfrinachol ar 020 7276 8246 neu drwy\u2019r ffurflen ar-lein ar ein gwefan."}, {"text_idx": "#000266", "text": "Neu, os oes gennych unrhyw sylwadau ar sut mae\u2019r system fwyd yn rheoli\u2019r risg o droseddau bwyd, hoffem glywed gennych. Rhowch wybod i ni yn yr adran sylwadau isod."}, {"text_idx": "#000268", "text": "\u201cI would just encourage anybody, if you\u2019ve got an opportunity, to go and do something like this!\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000269", "text": "The FSA in Northern Ireland is proud to be participating in the Boardroom Apprentice scheme. The scheme provides an apprentice with opportunities to learn about what goes into ensuring our food is safe, healthy, sustainable and is what it says it is. The programme has just expanded to include Great Britain after several successful years operating in Northern Ireland."}, {"text_idx": "#000271", "text": "It\u2019s been an eventful few months for Judith, starting with the death of Her Majesty the Queen and continuing with the complex situation around the Northern Ireland Protocol. Andy and Judith also touched on the theme of the week this year - \u201cSkills for Life\u201d - and talked through how an apprenticeship can help people develop the skills, knowledge and expertise needed for a rewarding career and help businesses discover new talent, build new partnerships and connect with the local community."}, {"text_idx": "#000272", "text": "As Judith explains, it has been a demanding but rewarding, worthwhile and enriching experience."}, {"text_idx": "#000274", "text": "\u201cI really valued the Lakeland Dairies visit as it brought to life the topics being discussed at recent Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC) meetings such as the Northern Ireland Protocol. It helped me to appreciate the complexities which businesses in Northern Ireland are having to consider. It was also wonderful to visit such a successful company catering to global customers, just down the road in Newtownards.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000275", "text": "The Board Meeting in December was held in London. Unfortunately, Judith could not attend in person due to illness but joined online."}, {"text_idx": "#000276", "text": "Judith says it has been a steep learning curve so far. \u201cI\u2019m starting to really understand the saying, 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable'! I have particularly felt this during the last couple of meetings, with substantial agenda items such as the Retained EU Law Bill and organisation in-year prioritisation.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000277", "text": "\u201cI picked the Food Standards Agency as my host board as it felt like the most natural fit due to my experience in nutrition and public health. I am quickly learning that, although an interest in the organisation\u2019s daily operations is valuable, there can be much more complex and crucial topics and decision-making involved in being a board member.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000278", "text": "There is also a learning day each month for all the NI Boardroom Apprentices. The last session was about governance, dealing with legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities as well as practical arrangements of boards. After Christmas, they will be looking at finance. Judith is hoping this will unlock more knowledge for her which she can then apply in upcoming board meetings."}, {"text_idx": "#000279", "text": "Meeting and mixing with the other apprentices has also been reassuring. \u201cWe are all in different organisations across the public and third sectors and it is great to share learning and experiences so far.\u201d"}, {"text_idx": "#000280", "text": "There is a Board retreat organised for this month in York for which Judith intends to travel."}, {"text_idx": "#000282", "text": "Food Hypersensitivity (FHS) is the collective term for a food allergy, intolerance and coeliac disease. Just over 3% of people in the UK have a FHS - figures from the Food and You 2 Wave 3 Survey show that there are approximately 800,000 people living with a clinically diagnosed food allergy, 300,000 with coeliac disease and 1.2 million living with food intolerance in the UK."}, {"text_idx": "#000283", "text": "FHS not only impacts public health but also has wider economic and societal impacts for individuals. To better understand the extent, scope and scale of these impacts, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) continues to invest in innovative economic research. The latest research looks at the costs of living with a FHS, and a further study aims to put a monetary value on how the impacts of financial, economic and quality of life can affect people living with a FHS. This blog will look at the studies in more detail."}, {"text_idx": "#000284", "text": "The first study - Estimating the Financial Costs to Individuals with a Food Hypersensitivity - looked at the additional financial burden faced by people with FHS. The research study is the first of its kind in the UK and specifically focused on costs associated with grocery shopping, eating out, time off work and the time invested in researching labels and meal preparation etc."}, {"text_idx": "#000285", "text": "The study found that for every \u00a31 a non-FHS household spends on weekly groceries, a household of someone with:"}, {"text_idx": "#000286", "text": "A food allergy spends an additional 14p\nCoeliac disease spends an additional 12p\nA food intolerance spends an additional 16p"}, {"text_idx": "#000287", "text": "In addition to this, a household with FHS would also:"}, {"text_idx": "#000288", "text": "Spend on average \u00a315 on monthly medical costs to manage the symptoms of their condition\nLose approximately three paid workdays and four unpaid days per year due to their FHS condition\nSpend 40 days per year on FHS-related activities including researching, shopping for suitable items and discussing their FHS condition"}, {"text_idx": "#000289", "text": "The second study - Impacts of Food Hypersensitivities (FHS) on Quality of Life in the UK and Willingness to Pay to remove those impacts - led by the University of Manchester, complements the first study by going beyond the scope of the financial costs research and valuing the intangible \u2013 how the quality of life impacts affect people with FHS. The research essentially involves getting individuals living with a food allergy, coeliac disease or food intolerance, to put a monetary value on how much they are willing to pay to remove their FHS."}, {"text_idx": "#000290", "text": "Key findings from the study found that to remove all symptoms and limitations of their FHS:"}, {"text_idx": "#000291", "text": "Adults with a food allergy would pay \u00a31064 per year\nAdults with coeliac disease would pay \u00a31342 per year\nAdults with food intolerances would pay \u00a3540 a year"}, {"text_idx": "#000292", "text": "The average money per year that parents would pay to remove all the symptoms and limitations of their children\u2019s FHS was even higher:"}, {"text_idx": "#000293", "text": "\u00a32766 for a child with a food allergy\nMore than \u00a31600 for a child with coeliac disease and food intolerance"}, {"text_idx": "#000295", "text": "The results show that adults with FHS, regardless of their FHS condition, face an increased financial burden compared to non-FHS households. With the rising cost of living, in particular food price inflation, it is inevitable that this could have a disproportionate impact on households with FHS, since as we now know, they already incur higher food costs."}, {"text_idx": "#000296", "text": "At the FSA we don\u2019t regulate food prices. We are aware that the causes of rising food costs are complex and go considerably beyond our remit. However, these experiences are critically relevant to our work as a regulator and to our mission to make sure people have food they can trust."}, {"text_idx": "#000297", "text": "New research enhancing our capability"}, {"text_idx": "#000298", "text": "The FSA continues to be a thought leader in this space and we have taken a proactive stance in helping shape and develop leading economic research in this area, adding significant new knowledge to an ever-critical evidence base. We hope that this research will help promote our work in ensuring that food is what it says it is and allow us to continue the development of research to keep food safe."}, {"text_idx": "#000300", "text": "Byw gyda Gorsensitifrwydd i Fwyd yn y DU \u2013 y costau a\u2019r effaith ar ansawdd bywyd person"}, {"text_idx": "#000302", "text": "Gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd yw\u2019r term cyfunol ar gyfer alergedd bwyd, anoddefiad bwyd a chlefyd seliag. Mae gan ychydig dros 3% o bobl yn y DU orsensitifrwydd i fwyd, ac yn o\u0302l Arolwg Bwyd a Chi 2 Cylch 3, mae tua 800,000 o bobl yn byw gydag alergedd bwyd drwy ddiagnosis clinigol, 800,000 a\u0302 chlefyd seliag a 300,000 miliwn ag anoddefiad bwyd yn y DU."}, {"text_idx": "#000303", "text": "Mae gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd yn effeithio ar iechyd y cyhoedd, ond mae hefyd yn esgor ar effeithiau economaidd a chymdeithasol ehangach i unigolion. Er mwyn deall maint, cwmpas a graddfa\u2019r effeithiau hyn yn well, mae\u2019r Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd (ASB) yn parhau i fuddsoddi mewn ymchwil economaidd arloesol. Mae\u2019r ymchwil ddiweddaraf yn edrych ar gostau byw gyda gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd; ac mae astudiaeth bellach yn ceisio rhoi gwerth ariannol ar sut y gall effeithiau ariannol, economaidd ac ansawdd bywyd effeithio ar bobl sy\u2019n byw a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd. Bydd y blog hwn yn edrych ar yr astudiaethau yn fwy manwl."}, {"text_idx": "#000305", "text": "Edrychodd yr astudiaeth gyntaf, Amcangyfrif y Costau Ariannol i Unigolion a\u0302 Gorsensitifrwydd i Fwyd, ar y baich ariannol ychwanegol y mae pobl a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd yn ei wynebu. Dyma\u2019r astudiaeth ymchwil gyntaf o\u2019i math yn y DU, ac mae\u2019n canolbwyntio\u2019n benodol ar gostau sy\u2019n gysylltiedig a\u0302 siopa bwyd, bwyta allan, amser i ffwrdd o\u2019r gwaith a\u2019r amser a dreulir yn ymchwilio i labeli a pharatoi prydau bwyd ac ati."}, {"text_idx": "#000306", "text": "Canfu\u2019r astudiaeth, ar gyfer bob \u00a31 y mae cartref heb unigolion a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd yn ei wario ar fwyd bob wythnos, bydd cartref gyda rhywun sydd ag:"}, {"text_idx": "#000307", "text": "Alergedd bwyd yn gwario 14c ychwanegol\nClefyd seliag yn gwario 12c yn ychwanegol\nAnoddefiad bwyd yn gwario 16c ychwanegol"}, {"text_idx": "#000308", "text": "Yn ogystal a\u0302 hyn, byddai cartrefi sydd ag unigolion sy\u2019n byw a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd yn:"}, {"text_idx": "#000309", "text": "Gwario \u00a315 ar gyfartaledd ar gostau meddygol misol i reoli symptomau eu cyflwr;\nColli tua thri diwrnod gwaith a\u0302 tha\u0302l a phedwar diwrnod di-da\u0302l y flwyddyn oherwydd eu gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd;\nTreulio 40 diwrnod y flwyddyn ar weithgareddau sy\u2019n ymwneud a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd gan gynnwys ymchwilio, siopa am eitemau addas a thrafod eu cyflwr."}, {"text_idx": "#000310", "text": "Mae\u2019r ail astudiaeth, Effeithiau Gorsensitifrwydd i Fwyd ar Ansawdd Bywyd yn y DU a Pharodrwydd i Dalu i ddileu\u2019r effeithiau hynny, a arweiniwyd gan Brifysgol Manceinion, yn ategu\u2019r astudiaeth gyntaf drwy fynd y tu hwnt i gwmpas yr ymchwil costau ariannol a rhoi gwerth ar yr anniriaethol \u2013 effeithiau ansawdd bywydau pobl sydd a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd. Mae\u2019r ymchwil yn ei hanfod yn ymwneud a\u0302 gofyn i unigolion sy\u2019n byw ag alergedd bwyd, clefyd seliag neu anoddefiad bwyd, i roi gwerth ariannol ar faint y byddent yn fodlon ei dalu i gael gwared ar eu gorsensitifrwydd."}, {"text_idx": "#000311", "text": "Canfu canfyddiadau allweddol o\u2019r astudiaeth, er mwyn cael gwared ar holl symptomau a chyfyngiadau eu cyflwr:"}, {"text_idx": "#000312", "text": "Byddai oedolion ag alergedd bwyd yn talu \u00a31064 y flwyddyn\nByddai oedolion a\u0302 chlefyd seliag yn talu \u00a31342 y flwyddyn\nByddai oedolion ag anoddefiad bwyd yn talu \u00a3540 y flwyddyn"}, {"text_idx": "#000313", "text": "Roedd cyfartaledd yr arian fesul flwyddyn y byddai rhieni yn ei dalu i gael gwared ar holl symptomau a chyfyngiadau gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd eu plant hyd yn oed yn uwch:"}, {"text_idx": "#000314", "text": "\u00a32766 i blentyn ag alergedd bwyd\nMwy na \u00a31600 ar gyfer plentyn a\u0302 chlefyd seliag ac anoddefiad bwyd"}, {"text_idx": "#000316", "text": "Mae\u2019r canlyniadau\u2019n dangos bod oedolion a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd, waeth beth fo\u2019u cyflwr, yn wynebu baich ariannol cynyddol o gymharu a chartrefi heb unigolion a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd. Gyda chostau byw cynyddol, yn enwedig chwyddiant prisiau bwyd, mae\u2019n anochel y gallai hyn gael effaith anghymesur ar gartrefi sydd a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd, oherwydd fel y gwyddom bellach, maent eisoes yn wynebu costau bwyd uwch."}, {"text_idx": "#000317", "text": "Nid ydym yn rheoleiddio prisiau bwyd fel rhan o waith yr ASB. Rydym yn ymwybodol iawn bod y ffactorau sy\u2019n achosi costau bwyd i gynyddu yn gymhleth ac yn mynd gryn dipyn y tu hwnt i\u2019n cylch gwaith. Fodd bynnag, mae\u2019r profiadau hyn yn hynod berthnasol i\u2019n gwaith fel rheoleiddiwr ac i\u2019n cenhadaeth i sicrhau bod gan bobl fwyd y gallant ymddiried ynddo."}, {"text_idx": "#000318", "text": "Ymchwil newydd yn gwella ein gallu"}, {"text_idx": "#000319", "text": "Mae\u2019r ASB yn parhau i fod yn arweinydd agweddau (thought leader) yn y maes hwn ac rydym wedi cymryd safiad rhagweithiol wrth helpu i lunio a datblygu ymchwil economaidd flaenllaw yn y maes, gan ychwanegu gwybodaeth newydd sylweddol at sylfaen dystiolaeth hollbwysig."}, {"text_idx": "#000320", "text": "Gobeithiwn y bydd yr ymchwil hon yn helpu i hyrwyddo ein gwaith i sicrhau bod bwyd yn cyd-fynd a\u0302\u2019r hyn sydd ar y label ac yn ein galluogi i barhau i ddatblygu ymchwil i gadw bwyd yn ddiogel."}, {"text_idx": "#000321", "text": "I weld rhagor o waith ymchwil yr ASB yn ymwneud a\u0302 gorsensitifrwydd i fwyd, ewch i\u2019n gwefan."}]