IFT President Christopher Daubert to Discuss the Future of Food Science Education at Binsted Lecture in London

CHICAGO – January 28, 2025 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is proud to announce that IFT President, Christopher Daubert, PhD, Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri, will present the Binsted Lecture on “The Future of Food Science Education” at the Food and Drink Federation’s London office on January 30, 2025. The event is a collaboration between IFT’s British Section, the Food and Drink Federation, the Institute of Food Science and Technology, and Campden BRI, a global leader in food and drink science and research.

Daubert will address how to overcome the challenges of recruiting students into food-related subjects, the value of a food science education, as well as the growing need for food science students in addressing complex food system challenges.

“I am deeply honored to deliver this year’s Binsted Lecture and contribute to the global conversation about the future of food science education. Ensuring that food science remains a dynamic, accessible, and sustainable pathway for students is critical to meeting the challenges of our evolving food systems,” said IFT President Chris Daubert.

The lecture is named in honor of one of the founders of IFT, Raymond Binsted. IFT presidents have delivered the Binsted Lecture dating back to 1998, three years before Binsted’s passing. Binsted also helped found the IFT British Section. IFT Sections allow food science professionals to network with their local peers through a variety of events and opportunities. IFT has 47 Sections spread across the U.S., as well as Mexico, Japan, England, and Canada.

“At IFT, we are proud that our British Section leaders are at the forefront of global efforts to connect academia, industry, and government to shape the next generation of food science leaders. The Binsted Lecture is a cherished tradition reflecting our dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue that transcends borders, and I look forward to Chris Daubert sharing his insights that will not only help inspire our global community, but further our mission of advancing food science for a better world,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean.

Bertrand Emond, Membership Ambassador and Culture Excellence Lead at Campden BRI and IFT British Section member, will provide introductions and updates on the IFT British Section preceding and following Daubert’s lecture, respectively. Campden BRI recently hosted the two most recent winners of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) Graduate Research Video Competition, which is sponsored by Campden BRI. The 2023 winner (Jenna Fryer from Oregon State University) and 2024 winner (Ivannova Lituma from Louisiana State University) enjoyed a 10-day tour that included visits to key food manufacturers, retailers, research facilities, regulatory bodies, and events.

IFTSA is a mission-driven organization that supports student members and chapters and aims to develop the future leaders in the science of food. Its members compete in a variety of research and product development competitions that culminate in final competitions taking place at IFT FIRST, IFT’s annual event devoted to Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. IFTSA includes more than 2,300 student members spanning over 60 Chapters. Recently, five of those chapters celebrated their 50-year anniversary including the University of Missouri where the future food science leaders of tomorrow have been developed, in part, by Daubert.

Learn more about IFT.

About Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of approximately 11,000 individual members from more than 90 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the world’s greatest food challenges. IFT works to ensure that its members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and innovate to advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science and innovation is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.

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Institute of Food Technologists
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Institute of Food Technologists
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