Ending on a High Note

One of my favorite things about music is its unique power to transport us through time and space, instantly evoking memories of a specific place or moment in our lives. Some songs immediately bring me back to college. Taylor Swift’s songs make me think of my daughter. And I’m pretty sure I’ll never hear any of the songs Horn Funk played before the keynotes at IFT FIRST without fondly remembering my year as IFT president. And what a year it has been!

It has been an honor to serve this community as IFT president this year, collaborating closely with the Board of Directors and IFT staff to bring us closer to our vision of a world where science and innovation are connected and universally accepted as essential to improving food for everyone.

From resources and tools to net-working and advocacy, IFT is strategically, thoughtfully, and creatively facilitating so many opportunities for learning, connection, and growth for the benefit of the entire global food system. While IFT FIRST is my favorite professional event and encapsulates so many of these opportunities in one blockbuster week, there are many other examples. Here are a few that I’m particularly proud of.

I’ve had the privilege of representing IFT at events in South Africa, London, New York, and Japan, and my fellow board members attended several others, most of which were aligned with IFT sections. Our 47 regional and international sections are integral to the success of our global community, providing a local access point for skills development, networking, and career building throughout the year. I’m happy to say that our sections will be a key focus over the next few years, as we continue to seek ways to complement the work we are doing at the local level.

• We continue to increase our advocacy efforts on behalf of the global food system, with the aim of being a trusted resource shaping policy and cultural acceptance of food science innovations. Our recent efforts in this space include coordinating joint comments from six scientific associations to the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, engaging with the Foundation for Food and Ag Research (FFAR) on their workforce development strategy, and influencing draft legislation for the U.S. Farm Bill. Additionally, we have convened timely conversations around hot-button topics such as state-level additives regulations; the role of food science in global food and nutrition security; food safety; sustainable food systems; increased funding for food, agriculture, and nutrition research; and increasing representation of food scientists in key forums and appointments.

• It has been thrilling to see the rapid growth of IFT members and leaders sharing their perspectives in the media. And not just any media. It runs the gamut from food trades to top-tier outlets from around the world, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, The Atlantic, and more. With each interview conducted and story published, we are enhancing our collective credibility and significantly advancing efforts to help the media, and more importantly, their readers, better understand the crucial role this community plays in feeding the world. We are on track to be featured in more than 1,000 articles this year—reaching more than a billion people around the world.

While I celebrate all that this community accomplished this year, I am most excited about what lies ahead.

Sean Leighton

President, IFT

While I celebrate all that this community accomplished this year, I am most excited about what lies ahead. The most important work we are undertaking today is focused on paving the way for continued growth and impact in the future. Building on our 85-year legacy, we are embracing our role as a convener and advocate for a global community representing nearly three million people in more than 90 countries—all of whom are focused on improving the food system and feeding the world. Through our collective efforts, we are poised to continue uniting this community to solve the world’s food challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technology. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

As I reflect on my year as president and look to the future, I’m reminded of a song from one of my all-time favorite bands, Black Pumas. “Colors” is a soulful track that describes a vivid, colorful world, symbolizing diversity and the beauty found in different experiences and perspectives. These just happen to be a few of the things I love most about IFT.

I look forward to working with incoming President Chris Daubert, the IFT Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff to continue creating colorful tomorrows filled with safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president.ft