New Report from IFT’s Feeding Tomorrow Fund Examines the State of Food Science Education

CHICAGO – October 16, 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, has published a new report on the state of food science education. Combining quantitative and aggregated institutional data from food science programs around the world, “Food Science Academic Knowledge Base 2025” covers application and enrollment trends, areas of growing and declining interest, as well as key influences. The report is based on a survey that was conducted by IFT’s Feeding Tomorrow Fund in partnership with the Council of Food Science Administrators and Higher Educational Review Board.

The student-based research report was first published in 2018 with 456 students participating across 16 domestic institutions. The second report, published in 2023, included participation from 757 students across 33 domestic and international institutions. This year’s report includes responses from 919 students across 42 institutions in 15 countries, including Canada, China, Ecuador, Honduras, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

“The Food Science Academic Knowledge Base is a valuable resource for the food community as it can inform program decisions to help recruit the most creative and innovative minds to study food science as well as inform strategies to strengthen the profession for years to come,” said Christina Ginardi, Director, Academic Engagement at IFT.

Among the findings of this year’s report, students are showing declining interest in working in academia, preferring to pursue roles in industry that include product development, food safety, quality assurance, and lab-based roles. Also, students are less confident about the job market than two years ago with economic headwinds and hiring freezes influencing sentiment.

“With more students and PhDs entering industry rather than academia, the 2025 data reveal a robust, globally diverse talent pipeline. That alignment of student interests with applied, product-driven roles offers opportunities for collaborative R&D projects, internships, and new innovations,” added Ginardi. “Meanwhile, declining confidence in job prospects underscores the need for career-readiness programs and stronger ties with industry. Lower job confidence is also an opportunity for employers to differentiate themselves through engagement, mentorship, and visible career pathways.”

The report also noted a shift in student major influences with friends and family replacing faculty as the top influencer, noting the importance of early STEM exposure. In addition, undergraduate students are discovering food science before the age of 18 at a higher rate as compared to master’s and PhD students who learned of food science later in their academic careers. To help encourage young minds to pursue careers in food science, IFT’s Feeding Tomorrow Fund has crafted a series of K-12 teaching resources.

IFT’s Feeding Tomorrow Fund encourages, promotes, and rewards the excellence of students pursuing careers in food science through various efforts including a variety of academic tuition scholarships. Every year, the Feeding Tomorrow Fund offers up to 40 undergraduate scholarships and 25 graduate scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in food science (View 2025 scholarship winners). Since 1985, IFT’s Feeding Tomorrow Fund has awarded more than 2,700 scholarships totaling over $3 million. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the food science profession, which can include, but is not limited to, membership in IFT.

IFT Student Association (IFTSA) is a student-governed community of IFT members. The mission-driven organization executes programming and competitions throughout the year, supports student members and chapters, and aims to develop the food science leaders of tomorrow. Student membership in IFT allows students to enhance their futures as part of the food science community through networking and leadership opportunities, as well as product development and research competitions.

Download the Academic Knowledge Base report.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.

Media Contact

Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists          
630-853-3022 
[email protected]