In September, SCAF hosted a workshop at the RSE Curious Festival in Edinburgh. “From Field to Forks: Innovating our Food Future through Research”, invited participants to consider the challenges and opportunities surrounding different food topics, from ultra-processed foods, to food habits and mindset, the role of plant-based foods, and the role of industry in changing what and how food is produced. Thanks to the team (Dr Michael Pierre Johnson, Dr Benjamin Jackson, Dr Lindsay Middleton, Dr Tess Davis, Prof Emilie Combet and Prof Derek Stewart) who spoke at the event and shared their perspectives on interdisciplinarity and navigating polarising topics around food. The interactive part of the workshop was facilitated by a conversation template designed by Michael, which we look forward to using in future events. 

We also were able to represent SCAF to different audiences, including:  

  • The audience at the first Scottish Pantry Network Conference ‘Building tomorrows legacy today – The Future of Scotland’s Food Sector’, an opportunity for local networks and grassroots organisations to engage and network. Dr Ada Garcia specifically represented Theme 4, and the challenges faced by communities experiencing food insecurity from a research perspective. 

We submitted our annual report to the Scottish Funding Council which was a great opportunity to look back on the work of the alliance over the last 15 months. We are continuing to shape our activity programme for 2025, meeting with the other SFC-funded alliances (brain health, quantum technology and energy, homes and livelihoods) and are looking for suggestions from members. Please submit any activity ideas here. 

We close the chapter on September with the receipt of ten collaborative, cross-disciplines, cross-institution applications for funding, in the second round of our pump-priming awards, currently being reviewed by SCAF members. Outcomes will be announced in October! 

First published: 3 October 2024

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