A new partnership - IUFoST and HAAS sign Joint Research Center cooperation agreement
This week IUFoST and HAAS (Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences) signed a partnership agreement paving the way for global participation in a multi-faced programme through the Joint Research Center of IUFoST AND HAAS. The Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (HAAS) has long engaged in foundational, frontier, and public-interest research in the fields of food basic science, food equipment science, and food safety science. It is dedicated to extending and integrating upstream and downstream value chains in agricultural and food processing industries, contributing significantly to rural revitalization and high-quality development. Located in Hunan, a leading hub of agricultural innovation, HUNAAS has established a strong research foundation and robust industrial clusters in areas such as high-value utilization of fruit and vegetable resources, green manufacturing, and innovation in health-promoting foods. IUFoST will be working with HAAS to deliver joint research opportunities between IUFoST members in the area of novel food development and fruits and vegetables. International exchanges, regulatory framework training programmes will form part of this Center's work.
Welcoming Uruguay
IUFoST welcomes Uruguay's new Adhering Body, bringing The Food Engineering Program at the University of the Republic (IA-UdelaR) and the Food Engineers Association of Uruguay (AIALU)'s strong academic–professional partnership to advance food science and technology at national and regional levels. Their coordinated efforts in research, education, professional development, and public engagement strengthen Uruguay’s contribution to scientific progress, innovation, and sustainable growth within the global food sector.
Codex and Global Dialogue on Food Classification
At the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) 48th Session, IUFoST tabled a Conference Room Document (CRD26) and gave several interventions on the subject "Advancing Science-Based Food Classification: The Case for Codex Leadership in Addressing the "Ultra-Processed Discourse". IUFoST asked for Codex guidance and leadership as the appropriate forum for addressing terminology and classification systems related to food, including the evolving discussion on ultra-processed foods. Through its Framework for Food Classification Systems, IUFoST continues to advocate for evidence-based, inclusive, and internationally coherent approaches. The CRD, interventions and video responses to member questions offer further insight for those wishing to engage in the next steps. Learn more about the IUFoST Framework for Food Classification Systems and join us in IUFoST to contribute to advancing evidence-based international deliberations by emailing us to: secretariat@iufost.org.
Turning Waste into High-Value Nutrition - IAFoST Showcases Innovation at the Upcycling Scientific Roundtable
The IUFoST Academy Council will host a Scientific Roundtable Discussion (SRD) titled Upcycling for a Sustainable Food Future: Turning Waste into High-Value Nutrition on 10 December at 07:00 ET (12:00 UTC time). The session will examine how fermentation, innovative extraction, and biotransformation technologies are transforming nutrient-rich agricultural, fisheries, and food-processing byproducts into valuable components for foods and nutraceuticals. World-leading experts Professor Kazau Miyashita, Japan; Professor Huang Dejian, Singapore; Professor Nandika Bandara, Canada and Dr. Zhuliang Tan, Canada will explore how these advances support sustainability, reduce waste, and strengthen circular food systems worldwide. Discussions will be moderated by Professor Fereidoon Shahidi, IAFoST President and Professor Cesarettin Alasalvar, IAFoST Council, beginning 07.00 ET (UTC-5). To Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Gp9WZ-ePQgmCXdty-DK-Fg
Reconnecting the IUFoST Community in Brazil
From left to right - IUFoST Lifetime Achievement Award winners and Academy Presidents, Prof. Delia Rodriguez-Amaya and Dr. Fereidoon Shahidi,
with IAFoST Fellows Dr. Glaucia Pastore and Dr. Jaime Amaya-Farfan
Members of the global IUFoST community recently reconnected in Brazil, rekindling memories of the outstanding congress held in Iguassu Falls, and celebrating the enduring spirit of scientific collaboration and friendship that binds our profession together. The 16th Latin American Symposium on Food Science and Nutrition (SLACAN 2025) attracted more than 1200 participants. In addition to oral presentations, more than 1000 posters were presented. During the conference, Professor Glaucia Pastore, SLACAN Chair, presented Professor Delia Rodriguez-Amaya and Professor Jaime Amaya-Farfan with special awards honouring their lifelong contributions to Food Science and Technology.
Abstracts opening soon for the 23rd World Congress of Food Science and Technology
Preparations are advancing for the 23rd World Congress of Food Science and Technology in the distinguished city of KAOHSIUNG*, Taiwan, China. The Congress, with the theme “Empowering the Future of Food: Innovation for Safety, Resilience, Sustainability and Global Health in a Changing World" will will offer an exceptional forum that brings together advanced scientific developments, highlights innovation, and recognizes leadership across generations, complemented by the warm hospitality of TAFST. Abstract submissions open next week.
*As a global, non-aligned scientific organization and elected member of the International Science Council, IUFoST reaffirms its adherence to the One China Policy while maintaining its commitment to the free movement of scientists in all activities.
NIFST at 49: Experts Urge Investment in Research, Innovation to Tackle Nigeria's Food Insecurity
"Dr Bola Osinowo, President of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and Chairman of its Governing Council, made the call at the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) 49th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting last month. With the theme “Next Generation Food Science and Technology for Nation Building, "Osinowo said Nigeria must chart a new path driven by research and the education of young food scientists to achieve sustainable food security.
"Speaking in the same vein, Emeritus Professor Charles Ogugua of the University of Ibadan’s Department of Food Technology and Past President IAFoST said the conference marked a defining moment for the sector, challenging the next generation to build on past gains. “What we have not been able to do in the last 49 years, we must now encourage the next generation to tackle in new ways. “We spend almost $10 billion every year importing food. That’s a disgrace, because Nigeria has the potential to feed itself if we strengthen our agricultural value chain,” he said.
Engaging Members in Global Scientific Leadership
IUFoST Members are encouraged to mobilize in support of scientific excellence and non-aligned scientific engagement, including by contributing to the IUFoST response to the current WHO invitation opportunity for comment on THE COMPOSITION OF THE WHO GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT GROUP ON “ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS”, which is open until 30 November. For more information on responses, please see this article and if you would like to discuss, join us on Friday, November 28th at 07.00 and 08.00 ET (Toronto-New York) UTC-5 for a ZOOM chat.
Nominations are now invited for the IUFoST Lifetime Achievement Award, the Young Researcher Award, the Distinguished Lecturer, and the 2026 roster of Academy Fellows. Expressions of Interest to host a future IUFoST World Congress are welcome.
Make your voices heard
Make your voices heard by joining IUFoST as a national scientific body (Adhering Body), associate or affiliate based on the guiding principles of the International Union of Food Science and Technology, which are to advance science-based knowledge to stimulate the ongoing exchange of knowledge in those scientific disciplines and technologies relating to the expansion, improvement, distribution and conservation of the world’s food supply.
