Transforming food and farming systems
The University of Reading is internationally recognised for its leadership in agriculture, food, nutrition and environmental science, with a long-standing commitment to improving global food security and addressing the drivers and consequences of malnutrition. We approach nutrition and food security through targeted research across the entire food system: sustainable production, resilient supply chains, consumer behaviour and food choice, and social equity.
“To beat the twin problems of hunger and obesity, we need to improve the whole system of how we grow, eat and think about food. Through the Agrifood Futures strategy, we want to ensure everyone globally has access to a sufficient, healthy, sustainable diet that leaves the lightest possible footprint on the planet. The UK needs to maintain its leadership and investment in food and nutrition research if we want to continue to help people eat and live well, wherever they live.”
Professor Parveen Yaqoob OBE, Deputy Vice‑Chancellor and Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Research & Innovation
Why food system change is needed
National and global challenges in our food system include climate-driven disruption of food production, rising levels of malnutrition and hunger, and the degradation of natural resources. We bring together world-leading researchers with governments, industry and communities to co-create processes and solutions that support lasting change.
At the heart of this ambition is Agrifood Futures, the University’s new research strategy designed to transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food by 2050. Grounded in systems thinking and co-created with partners from across the agrifood sector, Agrifood Futures provides a framework for tackling food insecurity, multiple forms of malnutrition and associated diet-related disease – alongside interconnected challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and economic and social inequalities.
Food that nourishes people and the planet 
Through strong and inclusive research partnerships, we will play a role in creating a global food system that delivers desirable, healthy and sustainable food for everyone.
A resilient food system for everyone
Practical insights for transforming food systems
Understanding today’s food, climate and health challenges means working across disciplines and with the people who experience these issues first‑hand. No single perspective can capture the full complexity of our food systems or the trade‑offs involved in making them fairer, greener and more resilient.
The Systems and Futures Hub, launched in 2025 as part of the University’s Agrifood Futures strategy, brings this approach to life. The Hub helps embed systems thinking and futures methods across our research, teaching and public engagement. Its work supports projects focused on food systems, climate, environment, inequality and health, grounded in collaboration with communities and practitioners.
