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Newsletter: June 2025
Welcome to the June 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
Gather Summit Unites South West’s Food and Drink Sector
Over 160 producers, retailers, academics, and hospitality professionals joined the inaugural Gather summit on Wednesday 11th June at the University of Exeter. Co-hosted by Exeter Food and Food Drink Devon, the one-day event offered expert-led workshops and inspiring talks from leaders including David Edwards, Toby Buckland, and Claire Burnet. Attendees engaged in lively discussion around sustainability, growth, and innovation.
The summit showcased the strength of the region’s food sector and sparked new collaborations. Plans are already underway to make Gather an annual fixture.
More info: fooddrinkdevon.co.uk/gather-event
Aligning Agri-Environment Schemes for Nature Recovery- publication
This paper from the Centre for Rural Policy Research team suggests agri-environment schemes (AES) can support nature recovery, but their impact is often limited by poor spatial targeting. In England, AES are typically designed at the individual farm level, which can lead to uneven distribution of conservation resources. To enhance effectiveness, strategic, landscape-scale targeting must be integrated with participatory approaches, setting clear goals, coordinating across farms, and adapting to local conditions and socio-economic factors. Systematic conservation planning offers a framework to align these elements. For AES to truly drive nature recovery, collaboration, shared knowledge, and flexible, targeted implementation are key to scaling up success. The paper is available in full from People and Nature website.
Women in Farming Wellbeing Survey Launches
A new survey launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, invites women in farming to share their experiences to help improve health and wellbeing support. Led by Rebecca Wheeler at the University of Exeter and The Farming Community Network (FCN), the study explores stressors, barriers to support, and positive aspects of farm life. The Economic and Social Research Council-funded study will support farming charities and inform public health bodies and policymakers. Open to women aged 18+ living or working on UK farms, the survey takes 15 minutes and offers a prize draw. Take part here: https://tinyurl.com/womeninfarming or find more information on the study website.
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 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.
Climate Change Threatens Future of Banana Export Industry
This paper from the Centre for Rural Policy Research team suggests agri-environment schemes (AES) can support nature recovery, but their impact is often limited by poor spatial targeting. In England, AES are typically designed at the individual farm level, which can lead to uneven distribution of conservation resources. To enhance effectiveness, strategic, landscape-scale targeting must be integrated with participatory approaches, setting clear goals, coordinating across farms, and adapting to local conditions and socio-economic factors. Systematic conservation planning offers a framework to align these elements. For AES to truly drive nature recovery, collaboration, shared knowledge, and flexible, targeted implementation are key to scaling up success. The paper is available in full from People and Nature website.
What’s Cooking? The Future of Food in Africa
Join What’s Cooking? The Future of Food on the African Continent on Saturday 21st June, 2–3pm. Part of the London School of Economics Festival: Visions for the Future. Hosted in-person and online, this panel explores African food systems, trade, climate risks, and cultural heritage, inspired by Professor David Luke’s new book How Africa Eats.
Speakers include Michelin-starred chef Joké Bakare, author Dipo Faloyin, WTO’s Edwini Kessie, and LSE academics Laura Mann and David Luke.
Co-hosted by LSE Press and the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa. Learn more and sign up via the LSE website.
Invitation: We Feed The UK – Full Collection of Photography & Poetry
We Feed The UK, a powerful storytelling campaign by The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and Gaia Foundation, brings together photographers and poets with the UK’s most inspiring food producers.
This full collection of ten stories, is on display at The Royal Photographic Society Gallery in Bristol from 3rd April – 22nd June. This special exhibition features the complete photographic and poetic works, alongside new pieces by Magnum’s Lúa Ribeira, documenting grain rebels in the southwest. For more details on the exhibition and related events, visit the RPS website.
TABLE Summer Webinar Series: Rethinking Alternative Proteins
Join TABLE’s three-part summer webinar series, “Alternative proteins and better food futures: moving beyond the binaries”, exploring the drivers, health, and
environmental dimensions of novel alternative proteins such as cultivated meat. In partnership with the UN Foundation and Food Standards Agency, the series brings together experts across sectors to foster inclusive, balanced dialogue.
Dates: 24th June, 30th June and 14th July.
Each session is 1.5 hours and features panels, discussion, and live Q&A.
Free to attend—register now. Questions? Contact taragarnett@tabledebates.org
CRPR Seminar: “Anything is Possible” – 10 Years of Community-Driven Development
Join the CRPR on Wednesday 25th June at 10:45am in Byrne House, Streatham Campus or via TEAMS LINK Meeting ID: 337 591 463 585 Passcode: 94pU77hM
The seminar features Clare Skivington (Gloucestershire Gateway Trust) and Professor Mary Brydon-Miller (University of Louisville). They will discuss the award-winning Gloucestershire Gateway Trust’s partnership with Gloucester Services and its support of local suppliers as a model of asset-based community development. The session will explore how participatory research informs capacity-building and decision-making.
All are welcome and invited to stay for a garden party immediately afterwards!
Contact crpr@exeter.ac.uk with any questions.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery: James Ravilious – An English Eye
From 10th May to 28th June the Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton presents an exhibition featuring the iconic work of James Ravilious, one of Devon’s beloved photographers. A selection of images from Ravilious’s extensive archive, including his renowned seventeen-year project for the Beaford Photographic Archive, captures the essence of rural life in Devon. This exhibition, on loan from The Burton at Bideford, showcases over 80,000 black and white images documenting farming, landscapes, and local communities. For more information visit the THG website.
Blessed Hands: Interactive Theatre & Vegan Sephardi Cooking
Blessed Hands is an interactive theatre piece and vegan cooking workshop rooted in five years of research into Sephardi Jewish identities and food by anthropologist and performer Dr. Michael Nahman. The show on the 13th July explores themes of authenticity, identity, and gender through embodied performance and culinary practice. Funded by a UKRI AHRC Impact Acceleration Award and the University of the West of England, Bristol, Blessed Hands invites audiences to engage sensorially and critically with culture and heritage. For more information and to register via EventBrite or email michael.nahman@uwe.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.
Abstract submissions are also open. Please send abstracts (up to 300 words) to SIGPhytochemicals@protonmail.com by 9th July.
University at 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
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.
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 Food Researchers: Multidisciplinary Catalyst Opportunity
UKRI and venture firm Zinc have launched the Multidisciplinary Food Systems Catalyst, a new programme supporting UK-based researchers to tackle food system challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Social scientists and bioscience experts are invited to apply for a dynamic 2-day Sandpit (2nd –3rd July in London), designed to spark bold, innovative ideas. Following the event, participants can apply for up to £100k in funding and join a 6-month support programme to translate research into real-world impact. Open to researchers across UK universities and institutions.
Register your interest here or contact Dr Sophie Attwood for more information.
Postgraduate Agriculture Bursary – apply now
The National Farming Union (NFU)’s Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary Award offers a bursary covering 75% of course fees for postgraduate agriculture students. The scheme supports future leaders in UK agriculture and is open to students beginning eligible postgraduate courses in autumn 2025. The application deadline is 30th June 2025.
Full details, including eligibility criteria and application form, can be found on the NFU Mutual Centenary Award webpage. Queries and completed applications should be sent to: centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk .
Please share with any prospective applicants in your groups.
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
Call for Advisory Board Members – Join TABLE
TABLE is a global platform that fosters dialogue on sustainable food futures, looking the evidence, values, and assumptions shaping food system debates. They are seeking a new advisory board members to help guide its mission of fostering inclusive dialogue on sustainable and resilient food futures. They are looking for individuals from academia, civil society, business, philanthropy, or media who bring diverse skills in strategy, communications, impact evaluation, or fundraising. Board members will meet quarterly online and provide input throughout the year.
This is a three-year, unpaid term. If you are interested in food systems and global collaboration, apply by July 10th 2025 with a cover letter to taragarnett@tabledebates.org Learn more at www.tabledebates.org.
Call for Applications: British Academy Interdisciplinary Research Grants 2026
The British Academy is inviting proposals for International Interdisciplinary Research Projects (2026), supporting work that explores transnational and planetary challenges through collaboration across SHAPE and STEM disciplines. Projects must be led by UK-based humanities or social sciences researchers and involve international partners. Up to £300,000 over two years is available (80% FEC).
The scheme opened on the 10th June 2025 and closes on 17th September 2025. The earliest start date is March/April 2026.
For full details and to apply visit The British Academy or 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
Exploring Biochar on Campus
Following March’s biochar seminar with Carol Morris, David Evans from the Estates team has shared plans to trial biochar use across the Exeter campus. Working with the Sustainability team, they aim to produce biochar on-site and test its benefits in the vegetable gardens, plant nursery, and even on grass sports pitches. The focus will be on soil and plant health, and potential reductions in fertiliser use.
If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact David at d.m.evans@exeter.ac.uk This could be of particular interest across the network—please do share with others!
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 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.
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
In October 2024, the University transitioned to Pivot-RP, a powerful online database for finding research funding. Users can search for external and internal funding calls, set up tailored searches, receive funding alerts, track opportunities, and collaborate with colleagues. The platform also provides updates on conferences, paper calls, and research news.
To maximise benefits, users should create an account, claim their profile, and join public groups for bi-weekly funding alerts. Training guides and access information are available on the RIME SharePoint: Finding Funding Opportunities (PIVOT-RP).
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.
Devon’s Good Food Strategy Annual Report 2024–2025 Now Available
Devon Food Partnership has released its second annual report, celebrating over two years of progress since launching Devon’s Good Food Strategy. The 2024–2025 report highlights a significant rise in activity and deeper collaboration across the county, particularly with Devon County Council. Key updates include work on the Peninsula Food Plan, the Every Bite Counts local food campaign, Community Hubs for Food Security, and the People Planet Profit business events series.
The Partnership continues to drive and support food system change across Devon. Read the full report on the Devon Food Partnership website.
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.
Exeter Food is coordinated by Professor Harry West
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EVENTS