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Newsletter: September 2024
Welcome to the latest edition of the Exeter Food Research Network newsletter.
Have you recently published work on a food-related theme, completed a project, or been awarded a grant? Are you planning an event that colleagues should know about, or have you heard of such events elsewhere? Are you aware of opportunities or resources that might be of interest to other network members? Please email Exeter Food.
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
NEWS
The Round Table: Reimagining the Rural Economy- new publication
What does a thriving rural economy that benefits both people and the planet look like today? In her latest article, Exeter Food Network member Dr. Fatma Sabet explores this question through interviews with a diverse group of growers, artisans, farmers, and community project leaders. Together, they share insights on building a sustainable, resilient rural economy that supports local communities and environmental well-being.
To dive deeper into their stories and learn more about innovative rural initiatives, read Fatma’s full article here.
Exeter Food LinkedIn account
Have you seen our new Exeter Food LinkedIn account?! We have been posting about publications, job opportunities, events and resources. If you’re on LinkedIn, give us a follow! Please feel free to send any news or items you would like us to share on LinkedIn to ExeterFood@exeter.ac.uk, or simply tag us on your own LinkedIn posts for us to repost.
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
PIVOT-RP has replaced Research Professional as a place to search for research funding. PIVOT-RP can help you to access over 35,000 funding opportunities and £101.56 billion in available funding. You can use advanced search options, searching by keyword or funder, discover internal opportunities, share and track funding with colleagues, and explore the funding discovery wheel. It can help you: stay informed with research news; access Funding Insight articles; subscribe to digital magazines; search for upcoming conferences ;and search for calls for papers.
Create your user account today at pivot.proquest.com and streamline your research funding journey. If you have any feedback or queries, or want to discuss how to engage your teams, please get in touch with Suzanne at researchprofessional@exeter.ac.uk. PIVOT-RP will be formally rolled out at the end of October, so please look out for communications over the forthcoming weeks.
New Profiles System - ‘label’ your Research Networks!
All University of Exeter staff and PGRs can now access the new university profiles system based in Symplectic Elements. The new single system replaces the five previous databases in use across the university and will provide you with a more visible and searchable online presence. These improvements also mean that it will be possible to include enhanced information about the Exeter Research Networks and their members on network webpages. All staff and PGRs are asked to log onto Symplectic Elements to update their profile in the new system. Please visit the Profiles SharePoint site for more information and guidance.
As a member of the Exeter Food Research Network, your profile should already contain a ‘label’ showing this. When you review your profile, please do check that this has been applied for you. There is guidance available here which explains how to add any missing labels. This label enables you to be identified (including by people outside the university) as a member of a research network (and will allow this information to be reflected on networks’ websites) but is not linked to your communication preferences. Therefore, if you remove this label from your profile, you will continue to receive communications from the network, but will not be visible as a member outside the network.
New members will need to manually add the label to their profiles in order to have visibility as part of the network – instructions about this will be issued to new members on sign-up. If you have any questions, please contact researchnetworks@exeter.ac.uk in the first instance.
EVENTS
First Exeter Food Network Mezze Seminar
Thursday, 10 October, from 9:45 to 11:15 online via TEAMS
You are invited to join the first Exeter Food Network short form seminar event of the 2024-2025 academic year! Moving away from the traditional pechakucha format, our seminars are now a playful blend of short presentations, much like a mezze—a mixed offering of small but insightful ideas.
The event provides an opportunity to hear about food-related research across the university, offer feedback, and discuss collaborative projects. Presentations will be brief (7-8 minutes), followed by discussions. Speakers and Topics:
· Prof. Anni Vanhatalo (Human Physiology): Title TBA
· Dr. Laura Colomboi (Management Studies): Scaling Post-Growth Organisations – Insights from Italian Social Agricultural Cooperatives
· Dr. Alex Hayward (BBSRC David Phillips Fellow): Title TBA
· Dr. Paul Cleave (Rural Policy Research): Devon’s Evolving Food History
We look forward to seeing you there!
Understanding the Biophysical Processes and Extension Mechanisms of Natural Farming- Dr Sarah Duddigan talk
Wednesday, 23rd October 10:45am- 12:15pm in Forum Seminar Room 4, Streatham Campus or online via TEAMS
Exeter Food and Global Community Food for Human Nutrition and Planetary Health in Small Islands (Global CFaH) are excited to host a talk by Dr. Sarah Duddigan, Lecturer in Environmental Science at the University of Reading.
Dr. Duddigan’s research focuses on zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) in Andhra Pradesh, India, which promotes chemical-free, regenerative agriculture. Her interdisciplinary study investigates how ZBNF enhances soil health through microbial activity and nutrient availability, while supporting farmers by reducing input costs and improving yields.
This event is open to all students and staff. Feel free to share this with colleagues and networks!
Save the Date- Chef Michael Caines to Speak at Exeter Food Event
A date for your diaries. On Tuesday 26th November at 6:30pm, Michael Caines MBE, local celebrity chef and food campaigner will be speaking in the Alumni Auditorium, The Forum, Streatham Campus on the theme of re-diversifying and rebalancing what we eat in order to address challenges in our contemporary food system. Prior to the talk from 12pm in collaboration with Food Drink Devon there will be a food market on Forum Street featuring a range of local food producers. We will share more information and a registration link shortly.
Centre for Rural Policy Research 2024/25 Seminar Series
The CRPR are pleased to invite you to their upcoming seminar series:
· Billy Van Pelt National Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Advisor, American Farmland Trust. No Farms No Food
8th October 2:30- 4:40pm Byrne House boardroom or via TEAMS
· Robin Ravilious Country Lives in Close-Up: The photographs of James Ravilious
9th October 10:45- 12:15 Byrne House boardroom or via TEAMS
30th October 10:45- 12:15 Byrne House boardroom or via TEAMS
Please use the links above for more information, or contact CRPR@Exeter.ac.uk
Sidmouth Science Festival hosts screening of Six Inches of Soil
Friday 4th October 7-9:45pm at All Saints Church Hall, All Saints Rd, Sidmouth EX10 8ES
Six Inches of Soil is an inspiring documentary which follows young British farmers challenging the industrial food system. Learn how these farmers are transforming their practices to heal the soil, improve health, and strengthen local communities.
The event includes a Q&A session with Devon-based food producers, chaired by Dr. Emma Pilgrim. Enjoy locally produced food and drink – don't forget to bring your own cup!
The screening is free, though donations are welcomed to cover costs. The film runs for 96 minutes and offers a hopeful look at regenerative farming practices that promote soil health and sustainability. Booking via Eventbrite is essential due to limited capacity.
The Sidmouth Science Festival runs from 4th- 13th October and includes a wide range of events and talks to suit all ages and interests. The purpose is to inform, inspire, promote and advance public education in scientific disciplines, showing how they impact on our everyday lives. For more information and the festival programme visit the festival website.
CRIPACC ‘Long Lunch’ Seminar: New Research on Food Insecurity
Wednesday, 16th October 2024, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm (hybrid format).
The Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), University of Hertfordshire, invites you to the fifth seminar in the ‘Long Lunch’ series.
This session will explore household food insecurity from local, national, and international perspectives, featuring:
- Maria Waling and Cecilia Olsson (Umeå University) on food insecurity in Sweden.
- Dr. Will Baker (University of Bristol) on the rise of charitable food aid in English schools.
- Faith Eddleston (Public Health, Hertfordshire) and Rachel Loopstra (University of Liverpool) sharing findings on food insecurity in Hertfordshire.
The event will be held in Hatfield, Hertfordshire and on Zoom, with an optional light lunch for in-person attendees from 12:00 pm. Sign up via TicketTailor.
Future of Food Competition 2024
The Future of Food competition is a not-for-profit, fully inclusive event and it is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging entrepreneurial minds to devise solutions for tomorrow’s food challenges. In the face of significant global changes and rapidly evolving megatrends, they seek to emphasise the opportunities and issues within the food industry.
This free event is scheduled for Tuesday 26th November 2024 at the Royal Geographical Society in London from 12-5pm. Visit www.futureoffood.org.uk to register your attendance.
OPPORTUNITIES
Exeter Food is keen to support members in the development of research proposals. If you have an idea that you would like to explore in a “sandpit” with colleagues and potential partners, or a draft proposal on which you would like feedback from colleagues, please contact the network lead, Harry G West.
NIHR 24/ 78 Ultra- Processed Foods Funding opportunity
The Public Health Research (PHR) Programme is accepting Stage 1 applications for their commissioned workstream for this topic. For more information, including a commissioning brief, guidance notes, and supporting information visit the NIHR website.
A webinar to support applications to this funding opportunity is being held on Wednesday 9th October 2024, 11:15 - 12:30pm. Complete the form here to register. The stage 1 submission deadline is 13th December at 1pm and the study start date is February/March 2026
Worldwide Universities Network Research Development Fund 2024
The 2024 WUN RDF Call is now open! Proposals should align with the WUN Strategic Plan 2023-2026, focusing on sustainable development in areas such as social justice and human rights, urbanisation, mental health and ethical AI. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for project teams engaging with at least three WUN members although non-members can also be included. Early Career Researchers will be prioritised. More detailed guidelines available online here https://wun.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2040613-WUN-RDF-2024-Guidelines.pdf
Exeter staff interested in applying should please contact researchnetworks@exeter.ac.uk initially as restrictions are in place regarding the number of applications per institution.
The deadline for applications is Friday 18th October at 21.00 UK time.
SCI Seed-corn Funding Call 2024/25
The Societies and Cultures Institute (SCI) are pleased to announce that their Seed-corn funding Call for academic year 2024/25 is now open for applications.
The aims of the Seed-corn Fund are to support HASS led challenge-facing and innovative research projects, where there is a clear and convincing pathway to an externally funded research project application.
Priority will be given to those project proposals with the ambition to develop research practice that reaches beyond the conventions of the base discipline, drawing on exciting and novel knowledge, methods and specialist skills.
Please email societiesandcultures@exeter.ac.uk to request a Seed-corn Funding Application Form and for any queries. Deadline for applications: 12pm, Monday 25th November.
OpenAgri Open Call Launched – Apply Now!
The OpenAgri Open Call, seeks small consortia of two entities: an Agricultural Digital Solutions (ADS) provider (e.g., SME, university) and an end-user (e.g., farm or agrifood organisation). The aim is to co-create new Open Source ADSs, building on existing cloud solutions and testing both Edge and Cloud versions in areas with low connectivity.
The call will select nine new projects focused on countries, crops, and technologies not yet covered. The deadline for submission of proposals is 2nd December at 5pm. For more details, visit the OpenAgri website.
Defra and UKRI Launch Competitions for Innovative Farming Research
Defra has partnered with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to offer over £14 million in funding for research into innovative farming solutions through the Farming Innovation Programme. These competitions are open to farmers, growers, foresters, research organisations, and businesses in agriculture to collaborate on projects focused on nutrient management and net zero farming.
Two competitions, focused on feasibility studies (up to £500,000) and industry research (up to £1 million), are now accepting proposals. These projects aim to increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve farming resilience. Phase 2 is expected to launch in autumn 2024. Additional funding for on-farm experiments and trials will be available through the ADOPT programme, with £43 million allocated until 2028.
For more information on eligibility and deadlines, visit the UKRI website.
FSA Science Advisory Committees: Positions Available
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is recruiting members for its Science Advisory Committees. They are seeking both full members and associate members, with the latter aimed at early career researchers (ECRs). This is an excellent opportunity for professionals passionate about food safety and science to contribute to policy-making and guidance.
The committees play a key role in shaping food safety standards in the UK by providing scientific advice on a range of critical issues. If you're interested in joining, applications are open until October 7th, 2024. For full details, visit FSA Science Advisory Committees Recruitment.
Food Matters is Seeking Trustees!
Are you passionate about food, social justice, and creating a fairer society? Food Matters, a vibrant charity, is looking for new trustees to help drive its mission of ensuring healthy, sustainable, and equitable food for all. They are seeking individuals with skills in food systems, diversity & inclusion, policy, fundraising, and more. Personal experience is just as valuable as professional! No prior trustee experience is required—they offer inductions and flexible meeting schedules. For more information and to apply, visit the Food Matters website The deadline for applications is 7th October.
AUR Seeks Adjunct Instructor for Food Studies Course
The American University of Rome (AUR) is seeking an adjunct instructor for the graduate-level course, "Social and Cultural Dimensions of Food and Eating," as part of its Food Studies, Policies for Sustainable Production and Consumption programme. The course will run from late January to mid-May 2025, covering 45 contact hours.
Key learning objectives include: examining food systems from socio-cultural perspectives, analysing global and local eating practices, and exploring contemporary foodscapes. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as anthropology or sociology, possess teaching experience and familiarity with North American programmes is desirable. To apply, send a covering letter, CV, and references to applications@aur.edu by 4th November. The position starts on 20th January 2025.
RESOURCES
Waste not, want not: Food as a major sustainability lever?
Explore the latest insights from Hospitality Net World Panel experts as they examine the two crucial topics of eliminating food waste and transforming diets for socio-economic, climate, and biodiversity benefits. Despite widespread recognition of the need for sustainability, many individuals and hospitality managers struggle to translate intention into action. Discover the barriers hindering progress and uncover practical solutions in the experts' analysis. Access the full article, "Waste not, want not: Food as a major sustainability lever?" from the Hospitality Net website.
New report: The Politics of Protein
The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) has released a new report assessing the sustainability of livestock, fish, and alternative proteins, debunking misleading claims and false solutions. The report highlights that public discussions focus disproportionately on ‘protein’ without considering production system and regional differences, leading to flawed solutions. Major meat, dairy and fish companies promote technologies like plant-based alternatives, lab-grown meat and precision farming, often backed by governments, despite being responsible for current unsustainable practices. The report calls for shifting from ‘protein transition’ to sustainable food system transition, focusing on regional sustainability, reclaiming resources from 'big protein,' and prioritising public-good innovations. Read the full report on the IPES website.
Unintended consequences of environmentally friendly diets
Amid worldwide concerns about health, climate change, and biodiversity, attention has turned to the pivotal role of our diets. Unhealthy eating habits contribute significantly to global disease, while food systems worsen climate change and environmental degradation. Efforts continue to develop sustainable food systems, but a recent review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition warns of potential trade offs, including potential nutrient shortages despite the environmental gains. This Food Tank article underscores the necessity of collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and programme implementers to create food systems that prioritise both sustainability and nutrition for people and the planet.
Exeter Food is coordinated by Professor Harry West
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