Research and innovation

National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) is dedicated to developing acceptable, sustainable alternative proteins

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NAPIC co-directors. From left to right: Professor Karen Polizzi (Imperial College London) Professor Derek Stewart (James Hutton Institute) Professor Anwesha Sarkar (University of Leeds) Professor Louise Dye (University of Sheffield)
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Liver function discovery

Dr Laeticia Lichtenstein's discovery could lead to better cardiovascular disease treatments

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Someone in a white lab coat pointing to a model cross-section of a liver
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Global Food and Environment Institute

Researching sustainable solutions for the future of global food production

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food market
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School celebrates success at REF 2021

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Food science research experiment at the University of Leeds
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Research and innovation

We are recognised as world-leaders in food colloids and diet and health. We apply fundamental scientific principles to address issues of food quality, safety and sustainability, diet quality and consumer behaviour, from food production to the consumer’s plate. 

Our research is supported by dedicated and experienced technical staff and first-class facilities, allowing us to scientifically develop new processes and products and analyse the quality and composition of foods from the macro- to the nanoscale.

Our research activity is driven by three research groups: Food colloids and bioprocessing, Nutritional sciences and epidemiology and Sustainable food systems, and is delivered through interdisciplinary themes. View our Research Directory to see the depth and impact of our work.

We collaborate with the best researchers across campus and around the world to solve global challenges which are of concern to consumers, governments and industry, nationally and internationally. We have strong links with the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and the Global Food and Environment Institute.

100%

of our research

has either ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ impact, latest REF

Over 40

academic and research staff

working with over 70 PhD researchers to deliver high-impact research

91%

‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent'

Submitted research outputs - REF 2021

Collaborate with us

We are committed to sharing our world-leading knowledge, facilities, expertise and technologies with external academic and industrial collaborators.

We work alongside forward-thinking external partners to deliver impactful and innovative R&D projects. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for you to access our specialist expertise.

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Benefit from our wide range of specialist facilities, from specialised bubble-forming rigs and pressure-drop apparatus to wide angle X-ray scattering equipment.

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