The 6th Leeds Industry Day: Food in a Changing World
The School of Food Science and Nutrition hosted industry and academic experts from around the world to collaborate on cutting-edge food research and innovation.
Professor Nick Plant: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation welcomed guests from the food industries alongside academics from the University of Leeds on June 26, 2024.
Guests joined from Eat Well Global, Sainsbury’s, Good Food Institute Europe and many more organisations.
Professors Michelle Morris and Nik Watson delivered the first keynote speech, ‘Data and Food – A Vision for the University of Leeds.’ In it, they explored their current research on data and artificial intelligence in food science.
Professor Watson gave an overview of his development of digital solutions for sustainable food systems. Professor Morris detailed her work on food systems and data, representing a move towards more novel approaches.
Both discussed their interdisciplinary research across various departments and initiatives within and outside of the University, looking to the future to achieve their visionary strategy.
Christoph Bolten from Nestlé gave the second keynote speech, ‘Food in a Changing World – Meeting Needs and Embracing Opportunities: An Industry Perspective.’
He shared his perspective on how centralised research in critical areas can lead to regional, agile innovation through category-focused development, allowing industries to make the most of their expertise and ensure it is targeted to where it is needed most.
For example, Nestlé’s much-publicised work to develop paper wrappers for Quality Street means that all the packaging is now recyclable.
He also discussed the opportunities, benefits and drawbacks of various novel approaches to guide research and development focuses.
Throughout the busy day, fascinating talks and lively panels explored healthy and sustainable diets, alternative proteins and industry-academic collaboration.
Leeds academics discussed their ongoing work, such as waste valorisation, which could offer an innovative solution for animal feed. 15 PhD researchers gave flash talks about their research.
Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Director of Research and Innovation: Food Science and Nutrition gave closing remarks at the end of the day. She said: “As the world changes around us, we must change with it. We would love to build new relationships, or strengthen new ones, to help ensure that the food supply for our changing world is sustainable, safe, abundant and healthy, for all.”
In the feedback survey, 100% of respondents said that the Industry Day was “Excellent” or “Good”. 72% of respondents said the speakers were “very engaging” and a further 17% selected “extremely engaging”.
Guests said, “it was well prepared [and] a fantastic day. I really enjoyed it!” “a great day all round” and “such a diverse mix of academia and industry.”
The day offered delegates a unique opportunity to connect with the whole spectrum of the ground-breaking multidisciplinary research at Leeds, from food science to nutrition and beyond.
Industries shared their ongoing work and future possibilities in finding a joint approach to the challenges and opportunities of food in a changing world.
