Food Matters Live 2017 provided the perfect occasion for the launch of the Institute to an external audience. The cross-sector event – bringing together the food and drink industry, retailers, foodservice providers, government and those working in nutrition – took place from the 21st – 23rd November at ExCeL in central London. This annual exhibition was attended by thousands of visitors and we were able to promote the Institute and the broad range of expertise and services at the University to a wide range of professionals across the food and drink sector. Effective collaboration between colleagues from the Knowledge Transfer Centre, Research Communications and Engagement Team, and the Institute led to a successful and very busy 3 days. Many people took part in our vote, to identify the biggest future food challenge. Sustainability was the top issue on people’s minds, but it was a close call, with many also feeling that issues relating to human health, consumer trust and food quality are key priorities moving forward. Food Matters Live provided a great platform for positioning the University as the go-to place for industry-academia collaboration.