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Newsletter: July 2025
Welcome to the July edition of the Exeter Food Research Network newsletter
Have you recently published food-related work, completed a project, or received a grant? Are you planning an event or know of relevant opportunities or resources?
Please email us at Exeter Food or follow us on LinkedIn and tag us in your posts for resharing!
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS| OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
Call for Speakers – Volunteer for Next Year’s Exeter Food Mezze Seminars
Have you enjoyed this year’s Exeter Food Mezze Seminars? We’re now seeking speakers for next year’s series! These short, informal presentations (7–8 minutes) are a great opportunity to share your food-related research, receive constructive feedback, and spark interdisciplinary connections across the university. Whether your work is complete, ongoing, or just beginning, we welcome your contribution to this vibrant academic community. If you’d like to volunteer as a speaker for the 2025/ 26 seminars, please get in touch—we’re looking forward to hearing your ideas and to continue building momentum around food-focused research.
Pioneering Simulator Transforms Plant Climate Research
A new facility at the University of Exeter is enabling scientists to simulate wind, rain, and humidity to study climate impacts on plants. The £1.5 million Global Meteorological Simulator (GMS), one of the world’s most advanced of its kind, features four chambers mimicking diverse weather conditions. It will help researchers understand how environmental factors affect crop diseases, pests, pollinators, and plant development—crucial for global food security. Funded by BBRSC’s ALERT infrastructure funding scheme and the University, GMS is also open to the global research community, offering a powerful tool to combat the agricultural challenges of climate change. For more information contact the project lead Professor Ivana Gudelj.
Soil Health for Agriculture Workshop
In June, the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) hosted a two-day Soil Health for Agriculture workshop on the Cornwall campus. The event brought together farmers, advisors, supply chain workers, and researchers from Exeter and Falmouth universities. Discussions spanned biodiversity and crop yield, the socio-economic implications of regenerative farming, and ensuring a just transition. Key themes included microbe-plant-soil interactions, links between soil health and food security, and differing perspectives between farmers and academics. The workshop highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to support sustainable agricultural futures. For more information, or to continue the conversations please contact: esidirector@exeter.ac.uk
Epic Cycle Across England’s Farming Heartlands
Congratulations to Veronica White, Exeter PhD student and Exeter Food member, who has cycled over 2,000 miles for her PhD exploring the future of farming. Starting from Land’s End on 12th April, Veronica interviewed women working across England’s farms—ranging from local market gardens to large-scale commercial agriculture. Her 85-day journey, the Farming Futures Cycle Tour, concluded on Saturday 5th July, at Gretna Green on the Scottish border. Along the way, she gathered stories of resilience, innovation, and vision from women shaping the future of food and farming across the country’s diverse agricultural landscapes.
Sequestering Carbon Without Cutting Food Output: The Promise of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
A new study in Ecological Economics highlights how recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) can offset carbon leakage caused by UK afforestation targets. While creating 30,000 hectares of woodland annually could reduce domestic food output and raise overseas emissions, RAS offers a solution by boosting local, low-impact seafood production—especially warmwater prawns.
RAS was found viable on 1.6% of GB farmland and could replace 28% of current prawn imports. When powered by anaerobic digesters and supported with low-interest financing, RAS becomes even more impactful.
Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108692
Reviving British Territorial Cheeses
On 1–2nd July, Harry G West, Exeter Food Network Lead, joined a London meeting hosted by Neal's Yard Dairy to address the decline of British territorial cheeses like Cheshire, Red Leicester, and Wensleydale. Once central to British cheese culture, these regional varieties lost prestige during WWII when mass production altered their character. Today, consumers often know only the bland supermarket versions, making it hard for artisan producers to compete. The group explored ways to reintroduce the public to the rich heritage and flavour of traditional farmhouse cheeses and inspire renewed appreciation for these historic British foods. The conversations continue, contact h.g.west@exeter.ac.uk for more information.
When Farmers and Scientists Collaborate, Nature Thrives
The Burren Life programme in Ireland shows how farming and biodiversity can thrive together. Farmers and researchers from the University of Exeter’s interdisciplinary RENEW project co-design environmental plans, set shared targets, and tailor practices to specific landscapes. Unlike UK schemes that often overlook farmer knowledge, Burren Life uses it—leading to habitat restoration and long-term behaviour change. With 70% of UK land used for farming, involving farmers is essential. The Burren model shows that conservation farming works—ecologically, economically, and culturally. Read the full article on the Conversation Website.
Systematic Conservation Planning for Nature Recovery
A new paper in BioScience co-authored by Exeter Food members David Baker, Kevin Gaston, Kristian Metcalfe, and Ilya Maclean, advocates for using systematic conservation planning to guide nature recovery. The authors show how established frameworks can be adapted by integrating ecological, social, and economic forecasting with spatial prioritisation tools. This approach enables more effective targeting of conservation resources, ensuring maximum impact for biodiversity. Their work highlights how data-driven, forward-looking planning can support sustainable outcomes. Read the full article on the BioScience website.
Exeter Botanical Heritage Workshop
Join the Heritage @Exeter Research Network on – 23rd July 2025 at the University of Exeter’s Digital Maker Space, for the Exeter Botanical Heritage Workshop, a one-day event exploring the intersections of archives, natural history, and artistic practice. Highlights include a guided tour of the Streatham campus grounds, sessions on local and global botanical heritage, and digital storytelling.
Speakers include researchers, archivists, artists, and horticultural experts from Exeter, Kew Gardens, and the RHS. Organised by Dr. Semih Celik and supported by the Heritage @ Exeter Network, the event runs from 11:00 to 16:30. All are welcome to explore how the past shapes our botanical future.
Medical School Inaugural Lecture Series- Professor Kate Ellacott – Food, Fun, and Failure
Join Exeter Medical School for this month’s Inaugural Lecture with Professor Kate Ellacott, Professor of Biomedical Neuroscience in Clinical and Biomedical Sciences. With over 20 years of experience in the USA and UK, Professor Ellacott will share insights from her research on how the brain controls food intake and body weight, along with reflections on the highs and lows of her academic journey.
It's taking place on Wednesday 23rd July 17:15–18:15 in EMS/G18, St Luke’s Campus and is followed by a drinks reception. Please register here to attend and email HLS-events@exeter.ac.uk with any questions.
Exciting Training Opportunity for Academics & Researchers!
Are you an academic passionate about sustainable food systems? Do you conduct agricultural or environmental research that is relevant for sustainable food production? Don’t miss Bridging Fields—a charitably funded, FREE CPD programme designed to help UK-based researchers co-design, co-produce, and collaborate with farmers more effectively.
Join the Royal Agricultural University, Cotswolds for an immersive 2-night residency from Tuesday 26th – Thurs 28th August, focused on soil and regenerative agriculture—featuring farm visits, pioneering farmers, and practical workshops.
Spaces still available—contact lisa.morgans@rau.ac.uk
Phytochemicals and Health Symposium 2025 – Registration Open
The Phytochemicals and Health Symposium 2025 will take place at the University of Exeter Peter Chalk building on 1st–2nd September.
Organised by the Phytochemicals Special Interest Group of the Nutrition Society, this conference offers a friendly and supportive forum for researchers, nutritionists, dietitians and allied health professionals to share their work, network, and receive constructive feedback. The programme will be of interest to anyone working in the fields of nutrition, dietetics, public health, food science, or biomedical research, particularly those with an interest in the role of phytochemicals in health and disease.
For more information and to register visit the Event Page. The full programme will be available soon.
2025 European Regenerative Agriculture Summit
The University of Exeter will be represented at the 2025 European Regenerative Agriculture Summit, a key event uniting academics, farmers, and corporate stakeholders across the food system. It’s taking place from 8th- 10th September in Amsterdam. With a
strong focus on innovation and cross-sector collaboration, the summit offers opportunities to explore sustainable practices and supply chain transformation.
Staff and students are encouraged share thoughts or questions to help shape the University’s engagement at the event. What insights or contacts should we seek? What questions should we ask? Please view the Summit programme and email your input to D.Bloomfield@exeter.ac.uk
Exploring Women’s History Through Food: WESWWHN 32nd Annual Conference
Join the West of England & South Wales Women’s History Network for its 32nd Annual Conference: Historical Perspectives on Women and Food, on Saturday 11 October from 9:15am- 5pm, at the University of Exeter, Forum Building, EX4 4PY. In partnership with the Exeter Food Network, this full-day event features keynote speaker Polly Russell (British Library), expert panels exploring women’s roles in food production, cookery books, colonialism, and activism, plus a special session with the University’s Hypatia Collection. Engage with vibrant discussions on how food intersects with gender, power, and history. For full programme and details, visit weswwomenshistorynetwork.co.uk.
FUTURES Festival 2025: Connecting Research with Community
FUTURES Festival returns this October to celebrate cutting-edge research across the South West. Hosted at Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, EX4 3LS, the main event is on Sunday 12th October, with workshops and walkie-talkies on Saturday 11th. The free event invites everyone to explore interactive stalls, workshops, and walking tours led by University of Exeter researchers. Designed to connect academia with the public, FUTURES welcomes contributions from researchers at all career stages. Can’t attend in person? Volunteers can present your display. From science demos to storytelling, there’s space for every discipline. Join us in making research accessible, engaging, and fun for all ages. Interested in taking part? Contact per@exeter.ac.uk or sign up via the Expression of Interest Form.
Save the Date for the Agriculture, Food & Human Values Society 2026 Conference
AFHVS is an international community of scholars, practitioners, and students exploring the ethical, social, and ecological dimensions of food and agriculture. With roots in philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, AFHVS now spans disciplines from nutrition policy to environmental science. Members engage through annual conferences, networking, and the journal Agriculture and Human Values.
To sign up for membership visit the AFHVS website www.afhvs.org and save the date for their 2026 ASFS/AFHVS Conference 7th–10th June 2026 at the University of
Vermont
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.
Call for Papers: IHR Food History Seminar 2025–26 (Online)
The Institute of Historical Research invite paper proposals for the Food History Seminar series for the 2025–26 academic year. This inclusive online series brings together scholars of all levels to explore the history of food and drink across periods and geographies. Proposals are welcomed for 30-minute papers, joint 15-minute presentations, and five-minute lightning talks by emerging researchers. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 31st July.
Apply here or contact foodhistoryseminar@gmail.com with any questions.
Seminars are held via Zoom, with flexible scheduling for global participation. For more information about the series and an archive of previous seminars, visit the IHR website.
UKRI Policy Internships Scheme Now Open
UKRI’s Policy Internships scheme offers UKRI-funded PhD students a unique opportunity to spend three months embedded in leading policy organisations. Interns gain first-hand experience translating research into policy by producing briefing papers, participating in inquiries, or organising policy events. The scheme, supporting around 125 placements annually, helps students develop valuable skills for diverse career paths. Open to doctoral students funded by any UKRI research council, the 2025 round is open from 2nd June to 8th September. For more information and to apply, visit the UKRI website or email researchcareers@nerc.ukri.org
Applications Open: 2025 CHNY Scholars’ Grants in Culinary History
The Culinary Historians of New York (CHNY) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Scholars’ Grants, funded by the Julia Child Foundation. Three grants—$3,500, $2,500, and $1,500—will support original research in culinary history. Open to applicants aged 18 and over, these awards fund scholarly projects such as books, articles, films, or papers. The deadline to apply is August 22nd 2025. Winners will be announced in November. Learn more and apply at culinaryhistoriansny.org under the “Scholars’ Grant” tab.
Any questions? Please contact Christine Dzujna at cadzujna@gmail.com
Images of Research Competition Open to ECRs and PGRs
The Images of Research competition offers University of Exeter Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and, for the first time, Postgraduate Research Students, the chance to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience through powerful images and clear, engaging descriptions. Over the years, the competition has attracted hundreds of entries, highlighting the breadth of research at the university. Entries will be showcased online this autumn, with winners promoted via social media. The closing date is Monday 8th September. For guidance on how to enter, submission tips, and to view past entries, please visit the competition webpage.
Apply Now: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2026
The British Academy invites applications for its 2026 International Interdisciplinary Research Projects programme, supporting collaborations led by UK-based humanities and social sciences researchers with international partners. Projects must address one or more transnational and planetary challenges: climate governance, digital tech, global health, or space governance.
Awards of up to £300,000 over two years are available. Projects must begin in March /April 2026. Applications close on 17th September 2025. Apply now and find more details here.
For queries, contact: internationalchallenges@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.
Help Study the Effects of Food Tracking on Eating Behaviour
Exeter Food members Prof. Natalia Lawrence and Dr. Cassandra Lowe are seeking volunteers for a study exploring how tracking food intake influences eating habits. Participants will use either a new AI-powered app or complete a food diary for seven days. The study includes two short surveys and free buffet lunches at the start and end. The project aims to better understand the role of food tracking in diet choices. To learn more and sign up, visit: https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQfhWElCUm7pANw
Enter Capturing Ecology 2025 – Call for Entries!
The British Ecological Society’s Capturing Ecology photography competition is back! Showcasing global stories of ecological beauty, struggle, and survival, they invite photographers to submit their most striking images of the natural world. Entries are open until Tuesday 30th September 2025.
With more categories than ever — from animals and plants, behaviour, mobile ecology and ecologists in action— this year’s contest offers a top prize of £750 and 12 months free BES membership. To learn more and submit your image visit the BES website
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
The University is a subscriber to PIVOT-RP, a comprehensive searchable online database of research funders and schemes, accessible to all colleagues and postgraduate researchers. To get started look at the Training and Guidance. Users can search for external and internal calls; create tailored searches, set up funding alerts, track opportunities, share, and collaborate with colleagues, and search for conference / paper calls PIVOT-RP
Explore Hundreds of Opportunities with Funding Finder
Dr Andrew Cunliffe’s Funding Finder platform signposts a wide range of funding opportunities for research, fieldwork, conferences, and exchanges. With awards from £100 to £10 million, it’s relevant to individuals at all levels—from undergraduates to senior academics. With searchable listings and awards ranging from £100 to £10 million, it's designed to support global collaboration and research engagement.
Explore Funding Finder and share with your networks. Over 6,000 users from 90 countries have already accessed the tool, and around 400 more awards are expected to be added by August.
Thank You for Joining the Exeter Food Mezze Seminar – Recording Available
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the third Exeter Food Mezze Seminar. We enjoyed a lively and engaging session exploring topics from wheat yield modelling and Roman food fraud to zero-waste food systems and genomic approaches to food security. Special thanks to our speakers: Lirong You, Claire Holleran, Jenny Tunley-Price, and Alex Hayward for their thought-provoking presentations.
If you missed it—or would like to revisit the talks—you can access the full recording and the resources shared from the Exeter Food Members Area.
Discover the Exeter Innovation Ideas Hub
The Exeter Innovation Ideas Hub is a dedicated SharePoint site designed to support academics at any career stage with Knowledge Exchange (KE) and Business Engagement (BE). Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen existing partnerships, the Hub offers guidance on applying your research beyond academia and working effectively with businesses, government bodies, charities, and NGOs.
Explore the Business Engagement Toolkit and access a wide range of Training, events and resources to support your KE journey. Visit the Ideas Hub to find out more and start building impactful external collaborations. Or Gemma Mendham is our Exeter Food EI contact and is happy to answer questions.
Useful Resources from Researcher Development
Explore a range of tools and support available to help you navigate research funding and project development:
- Applications Library - Home– Browse successful past applications for inspiration and guidance.
- Finding Funding Opportunities (PIVOT-RP) – Discover upcoming calls.
- The Research Lifecycle – Access support at every project stage, including Worktribe guidance and financial planning.
For queries or support, contact Karolina Jaworek, Research Development Manager.
Digesting Journeys: Exploring the Gut Through the Senses
As part of Glasgow Science Festival’s 2025 Science on the Sofa strand, Digesting Journeys is an online sensory exploration of our physical, emotional, and linguistic relationships with the gut. Featuring Bee Farrell’s Zine About TOUCH, Kirsty Hendry’s short film Human Nature, and a rich reading list spanning microbiome science, disability studies, and food culture, the project invites you to consider: what happens when we take the outside world in? Engage at your own pace and discover how texture, taste, and thought intertwine in the everyday act of eating.
A Citizen Mandate for Change: What the UK Really Wants from Food
Following two years of national dialogue, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission’s (FFCC) Food Conversation reveals five citizen-driven priorities for transforming the UK food system: strong, joined-up food leadership; equitable access to nourishing food; high public food standards and less waste; fairer deals for farmers; and support for local food networks.
This work challenges long-held policy assumptions that the public wants cheap food and limited regulation. Citizens across the UK are calling for bold government action, systemic change and shared responsibility—showing a clear mandate for a fairer, healthier, more sustainable food future. The full report is available from the FFCC website.
Corporate Lobbying: The Dark Side of the Plate
UK dietary health is in crisis, with rising rates of diet-related illness threatening the NHS, economic growth, and food sector sustainability. New research from The Food Foundation highlights how corporate lobbying and conflicts of interest are undermining effective food policy. While lobbying can play a legitimate role in democratic policymaking, a lack of transparency and entrenched power imbalances in the food system are distorting policy outcomes. This briefing explores the scale of food industry influence and urges investors, policymakers, and the public to scrutinise corporate actions—both public and behind closed doors—to drive meaningful change. Read the full report on the Food Foundation website.
Making Nature Count: Valuing Nature in Food Systems
Nature is being degraded at alarming rates, with biodiversity loss and climate change threatening the foundations of our food systems. A key issue is that nature’s value is often overlooked in economic and policy decisions. While most economists agree this is a major driver of environmental decline, they disagree on how nature’s value should be measured—whether in monetary, intrinsic, or rights-based terms. These differing approaches have real implications for food system reform. Explore the debate and its impact on food policy in this discussion paper: Making Nature Count.
The EF newsletter is taking a break now until September. Have a great summer!
Exeter Food is coordinated by Professor Harry West
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