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Protein Division
Protein Division is a platform for science of food professionals and students to connect, collaborate, and learn the science and technology of proteins including animal-, plant-, cellular-, biomass-, and precision fermentation-based. We thrive to connect our community and develop tools and resources to educate professionals and students who are interested in the science and technology of proteins.
Chairperson
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1250+
Members
2015
Year Founded
Protein
The word protein has been used since 1883.
Noteworthy Programs
Proteins of the Future Challenge Competition
Infographics
Check out infographics created by the Protein Division, published in Food Technology.
(1) U.S. Consumer’s Appetite for Plant-Based Proteins
(2) How Protein Sources Measure Up
Division Accomplishments/Recognitions
The Outstanding Volunteer award honors a current Division member who provided exemplary volunteer work to the Division in the current year. The 2024-2025 recipient is Thilini Dissanayake.
The Outstanding Service award honors current Division members who have demonstrated a history of service to the Division or field. The 2024-2025 recipient is Serap Vatansever.
Division Oral Competition Finalists
First: Thilini Dissanayake, University of Manitoba, Canada: Low Temperature Induced Hemp Protein Gels as Encapsulation Wall Materials: Effects of Crosslinkers, Pre-Treatment, and Protein Extraction Techniques
Second: Ramdattu Santhapur, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Formation and Characterization of Mycelium-Potato Protein Hybrid Materials for Application in Meat Analogs or Substitutes
Third: Disha Jayakumar, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Fabrication of Mycelium-Gellan Gum Hybrids as Next Generation Alternative Protein Foods Produced by Fermentation
Proteins of the Future Challenge Winners
First Place Winners:
Jared Lou Rivera, Kansas State UniversityRania Buenavista, Kansas State UniversityRoselle Barretto, Kansas State UniversitySuhan Bheemaiah, Kansas State University
Second Place Winners:
Zainab Husain, University of ManitobaVidheesha Abeysinghe, University of ManitobaChamali Kodikara, University of ManitobaVictoria Mizrachi Chavez, University of ManitobaThilini Dissanayake, University of Manitoba
Third Place Winners:
Bingqi Chen, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleElizabeth Cathey, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleAbby Rodriguez, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleJulia Prince, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
InfoFoodrafic: A Global Infographic Competition
First Place Winners:
Brandon Freire, Louisiana State UniversityIvannova Lituma, Louisiana State University
Second Place Winner:
Tharindu Trishan Dapana Durage, Louisiana State University
Third Place Winners:
Imroati Fatimatuzzahra, IPB UniversityLathifa Novianti Lyantin, IPB University
Ready to Join IFT?
Gain access to an invaluable network, resources, and insights to help you make greater contributions through your work and to the future of food.
Upcoming Events
May 5, 2026
Northern California Section IFT (NCIFT) Suppliers Night
Join us for an afternoon and evening of education and expo time. The symposium team is building an interesting and educational event, but continues to confirm speakers so more on that as it develops. We're confident that you'll find it great. With almost 250 exhibitors, you'll want to wear your comfortable shoes! In addition, this will be our second year providing a poster competition for our students. Be sure to look over the posters and ask the presenters some questions.
Section Event
April 29, 2026
IFT Event logo Maryland Section IFT Suppliers Night
Join us for the 2026 Maryland IFT Suppliers Night! The Maryland IFT Suppliers Night is a key networking event for food and beverage professionals across the Mid-Atlantic region. It brings together food manufacturers, beverage companies, ingredient suppliers, R&D specialists, and quality assurance experts for an evening focused on innovation and collaboration. Attendees can connect with peers, explore new products and technologies, and discover solutions that support product development and food safety.
Section Event
April 20, 2026
Aksarben Section IFT Suppliers Expo
One benefit of joining Aksarben IFT Section is being part of a vibrant community. During our events, you can connect with others in the food and beverage industry, keep up to date with rising market and technological trends, and together explore the possibilities and the future of food.
Section Event
April 16, 2026
New York Section IFT Suppliers Day
Join us for a morning of Technical Seminars and an afternoon of nearly 200 exhibitors. End the day with networking, appetizers, and cash bar in Birchwood Manor's West Lounge and covered outdoor terrace.
Section Event
How to Join a Division
Joining a Division is easy! Signing up for a Division gives you access to the Division’s IFT Connect Community, signs you up for their newsletter, and gives you access to Subject Matter Experts in the field. To sign up for a Division, visit IFT-Divisions. After signing into your account, check the boxes of the Divisions you would like to be involved with and click save.
Noteworthy Programs
Proteins of the Future Challenge Competition
Infographics
Check out infographics created by the Protein Division, published in Food Technology.
(1) U.S. Consumer’s Appetite for Plant-Based Proteins
(2) How Protein Sources Measure Up