A Year of Progress, A Future of Promise

As I write this final President’s Message, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community, and for the remarkable progress we’ve made together. This past year has been marked by rapid change, persistent challenges, and yet, a shared sense of purpose that continues to unite us. IFT has once again shown what’s possible when we come together in service of a common mission.

That spirit was on full display last month at IFT FIRST. Thousands came together to explore some of the most pressing issues facing the food system today. From our new Community Conversations, which fostered honest dialogue, to sessions tackling regulatory shifts and the agility required to respond—IFT FIRST was more than a conference. It was a catalyst for connection, discovery, and action.

Among the many highlights was the launch of CoDeveloper, a significant milestone in our commitment to preparing our community for the future. This isn’t just another tech solution, it’s a virtual assistant built by food scientists, for food scientists. Powered by artificial intelligence and backed by 85 years of IFT’s knowledge, CoDeveloper reimagines how we approach food innovation.

But amid all this progress, the true heart of IFT remains our people—including the incredible students who represent the future of our profession. This year, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the outstanding leaders of the IFT Student Association (IFTSA), both at IFT FIRST and through-out the year. From the energy of student competitions to thought-ful conversations, their drive and vision continue to inspire confidence in the future of food.

The best way to protect the future of our profession is to help young people see themselves in it.

Christopher R. Daubert

President, IFT

One moment that especially stood out came earlier this year during a visit to the Kansas City Section. At that event, I had the opportunity to meet several new IFTSA members and personally invited a few to attend IFT FIRST. I was delighted to spot familiar faces in the crowd last month—now more engaged than ever. It’s always exciting to see growing interest and passion for food science, particularly among students who are just beginning to find their place in the field. And, helping the next generation on that journey has been one of the most rewarding parts of my presidency.

As I prepare to transition into the role of past president, my commitment to supporting the next generation remains as strong as ever. To those of you who lead teams, mentor emerging professionals, or hire interns and early-career scientists—here’s my call to action: Hire food science and engineering students. Pay them fairly. Provide them with the mentorship, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. If students don’t see a viable path forward in food science, they’ll pursue other careers. And if interest wanes, so will the academic programs that bring them to us in the first place. The best way to protect the future of our profession is to help young people see themselves in it.

Next month I will proudly pass the president’s torch to Dr. Peggy Poole. Peggy and I have worked together for years, and I’ve seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to IFT and the food science community. Like me, she first discovered IFT as a student—presenting her research at a student night with the New York IFT Section—and she’s been involved ever since. Peggy is a people person. She’s exceptional at building relationships and fostering connections, and I know those skills will serve her, and IFT, well in the year ahead.

To the IFT Board of Directors, members, students, staff, and partners: thank you. Your energy, passion, and dedication have made this a truly transformative year. The work we’ve done together matters, and I believe the best for IFT is yet to come.

As I pass the torch, I do so with full confidence in our community—and in what we will achieve together. Let’s keep feeding the minds that feed the world.ft