19 March 2026 - The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) is honored to be invited to participate in the prestigious Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum, a leading global platform for advancing dialogue on science, technology, and innovation.
The ZGC Forum, held in Beijing, is a national-level platform established to promote global exchange and cooperation in science and technology. Supported by China’s central government, key ministries, and the Beijing municipal government, the Forum reflects strong alignment across all levels of governance in advancing innovation-driven development. Since its launch in 2007, it has grown into a high-level, international, and interdisciplinary event that convenes leading scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to address emerging global challenges and shape future technological paradigms.
Its broad, cross-sector focus—spanning artificial intelligence, life sciences, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation—provides a powerful context for positioning food science and technology within the wider global innovation landscape. The Forum’s emphasis on integrating disciplines and accelerating the translation of science into practical solutions aligns closely with the evolving role of food systems in supporting health, sustainability, and economic development.
This invitation reflects the increasing recognition of food science and technology as a foundational discipline in addressing global challenges, including food security, public health, sustainability, and climate resilience. As the global voice of the food science community, IUFoST plays a pivotal role in connecting science, policy, and innovation to strengthen food systems worldwide.
At the ZGC Forum, opening on March 25, IUFoST will contribute expertise across critical domains such as food safety, nutrition, sustainable production, and emerging technologies. Its participation underscores the importance of integrating food science into broader innovation ecosystems, where advances in science and technology are reshaping how food is produced, processed, and delivered.
IUFoST continues to lead international efforts to promote science-based approaches that ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of food while enabling responsible innovation. Through its global network, the organization supports capacity building, fosters harmonization of standards, and facilitates collaboration among scientists, policy makers, regulators, industry, and academia.
Recent regional discussions, including those within the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA), have highlighted the rapid pace of innovation in areas such as functional ingredients and novel food systems, reinforcing the need for coherent, science-based frameworks that support innovation while maintaining consumer trust and public health protections.
Through its engagement at the ZGC Forum and other global platforms, IUFoST reaffirms its commitment to advancing food science and technology as a cornerstone of sustainable development and global well-being.
About IUFoST
The International Union of Food Science and Technology is the global scientific organization representing food scientists, technologists, engineers, and related disciplines and agencies in its work in more than 100 countries. IUFoST is dedicated to advancing food science and technology for the benefit of humanity through international collaboration, scientific excellence, and knowledge sharing.
Contacts:
International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) secretariat@iufost.org
Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) cifst@126.com
