Work is underway to establish a new Agrifood Systems and Futures Hub, due to launch in 2025. This interdisciplinary initiative will be one of the enabling elements of the University of Reading’s Agrifood Futures Strategy.
The Hub will enhance our leadership in global food systems transformation research by drawing together and strengthening our capability and capacity in systems and futures research methodologies. This will build upon Reading’s strong track record for systems and futures research, both within agrifood-related disciplines and more broadly across the University. By joining up and strengthening our capacity, the Hub will ensure that systems and futures approaches are a key component of our distinctive Agrifood Futures research identity.
Purpose and Vision
The purpose of the Hub is to enhance the use of cutting-edge systems and futures approaches in agrifood-related research across the breadth of the University of Reading. It will foster collaboration, support sharing and upskilling in systems and futures research approaches, and develop novel approaches and methodologies for agrifood systems research.
Collaboration and Community
The Hub will bring together a community of researchers from across the University, and agrifood sector partners from the UK and beyond who share an interest in systems and futures thinking.
The Hub will undertake a range of activities to support and strengthen this community, including:
- Facilitating collaboration through networking and idea sharing events
- Promoting best practices and training in systems and futures approaches.
- Providing expert advice on agrifood projects using systems and futures frameworks.
- Supporting interdisciplinary funding bids.
- Driving innovation in research methodologies and engagement strategies.
- Publishing research on systems and futures innovations.
- Contributing to policy briefs, consultations, and position papers.
Implementation Timeline
Dr. Jim Woodhill will be joining the University in March 2025 as the inaugural Director of the Hub. The Hub will become operational in the first half of 2025 as Jim develops his plan of launch events and activities.