The upcoming IDF Symposium on the Role of Dairy in Sustainable Diets in Seville, 1st and 2nd February 2018, will demonstrate the role on dairy as part of a nutritious diet.

Dr Ian Givens, professor of food chain nutrition at Reading University, will discuss whether dairy products increase the risk of death from any cause and from either serious heart problems or cardiovascular disease. Dr Givens studies the relationship between consumption of animal-derived foods across the key life stages, nutrient supply and chronic disease risk with particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease and dairy foods, saturated, trans and n-3 fatty acids. Read more

2017 was a very busy and productive year. We supported University colleagues to submit proposals to EIT Food’s first call for projects; we recruited core IFNH staff members; we launched our website; we held a formal, internal launch for University colleagues in October.

In addition we promoted the work and expertise of the University across the food value chain at Food Matters Live in November; and we delivered a scoping project for the Climate-KIC (on behalf of the Climate-KIC, EIT Health and EIT Food) on climate change adaptation challenges in Europe.

2018 promises to be equally exciting and myself and the team look forward to working with many of you to drive forward innovation and collaboration.

Innovative projects to change the way we produce, distribute, consume and value food will kick off this month as part of the University’s engagement with EIT Food – the EU innovation programme and consortium.

EIT Food comprises more than 50 partners from businesses, research centres and universities across 13 countries. The University’s engagement in this initiative is managed through the IFNH.

The next call for EIT Food projects

The dates are still to be confirmed by EIT Food but we expect the next call for projects to be in line with draft dates below:

• Early February 2018 – Call for EIT Food projects released
• 16^th March 2018 – Deadline for Stage 1 submissions
• Late April – Feedback on Stage 2 submissions
• Late April – Stage 2 application process opens
• 1 June 2018 – Deadline for final applications
• Late July/Early August – Feedback on final applications
• 1 January 2019 – Projects start

We have 2 workshops (half-day sessions) planned to support colleagues develop project submissions. The first workshop will take place on Tuesday 13^th February at 10.00 – 12.00 in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Frank Parkinson room, and will be focused on colleagues who are familiar with the EIT Food application process and who have either submitted projects in 2017 and/or are already advanced in their discussions with other EIT Food partners about potential project applications. Invitations will be issued for this workshop. The other workshop will be held on Wednesday 14^th February in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, room 1L08 at 09.30 – 12.00 to support colleagues who are newer to EIT Food, who wish to explore possible ideas for projects. Places at this workshop will be limited (due to room capacity) but please contact us at ifnh@reading.ac.uk by 1^st February if you are interested in attending.

To discuss any ideas for the next call or any questions about EIT Food, please email Kate Green, KIC Partnerships Manager. For more information on EIT Food, please see www.eitfood.eu. You can also sign up for EIT Food newsletter.

On the 21st and 22nd February the EIT Food Innovation Marketplace will be taking place in Reading (at the Madejski Stadium). This is an opportunity for all EIT Food partners to come together to discuss and develop ideas for the next project call as well as to hear important, formal updates from the EIT Food Management Team. Each partner can identify 4 individuals to attend this 2-day event, to represent the organisation. These individuals will act as ambassadors for colleagues across the University.

All EIT Food partners have received an invitation to visit the University on Friday 23 Feb when we will facilitate further networking/meeting opportunities. We will also be offering interested partners the chance to have a tour of key facilities. This additional meeting day will be of particular value to those partner consortiums who are already delivering 2018 projects, as well as those who have already initiated discussions with partners about future project ideas and who could use the opportunity to develop their project plans and proposals. If you are working with EIT Food partners and would like the opportunity to meet, please contact us (ifnh@reading.ac.uk) and we can help arrange a meeting time and space for your group. All EIT Food partners have been sent the invitation to the Innovation Marketplace – together with the additional invite to the University for Feb 23, but you may also want to contact your project partners directly to make sure they plan their visit to include the Friday as well.

The new Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH) will be showcasing the University’s world-class research at the Food Matters Live exhibition at Excel, London 21-23 November.

The Institute aims to harness the University’s extensive expertise and support effective and long-lasting collaborations with external partner organisations. The Food Matters Live exhibition will give hundreds of food sector companies and organisations the chance to learn about the breadth of expertise and the world-leading facilities available at the University and explore the opportunities for impactful collaboration.

Food companies will have the opportunity to hear from some of the University of Reading’s leading experts who are participating in the seminar series:

Academics speaking at Food Matters Live will be:

• Professor Parveen Yaqoob: “Healthy ageing: latest research”, Tuesday 21 November, 10:30-12:00, Room 7
• Dr Lisa Methven: “The future of fat: latest research and recommendations”, Tuesday 21 November, 14:15-15:45, Room 4
• Professor Ian Givens: “The role of food tech innovation shaping the food and drink industry and supporting consumer trends”, Wednesday 22 November, 16:00-17:00, Room 3

For researchers thinking of attending Food Matters Live (which is free), please visit the IFNH exhibition stand, number 710, where we will be showcasing our work and aiming to create connections with potential partner organisations.

To find out more about the Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health please visit the website