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Our vision

“The establishment of the University of Nottingham Food Systems Institute comes at a critical moment. Food production has outstripped a growing global population, dramatically reducing hunger. However, that bounty has come with a cost, contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss as well as rising obesity and diet-related chronic diseases.

The food system is wildly complex and needs a more holistic, coordinated approach to these challenges. Our vision is to rethink how food is farmed, processed, transported and consumed and to develop new technological and economic models that drive positive change.By enabling transdisciplinary research, the Food Systems Institute will allow experts to share knowledge and insights and secure a future where sustainable food production feeds the world, preserves our natural resources and protects the delicate balance of our planet.”

- Jack Bobo, Inaugural Director, the University of Nottingham Food Systems Institute

Our mission

To accelerate the translation of research knowledge and innovation from across the University of Nottingham Food Systems portfolio into our local, national and global food systems. We will do this through strategic Centres of Excellence that bring together expertise from across disciplines and act as a trusted knowledge source that can work with industry and policymakers, to deliver healthy and sustainable food system solutions for people and the planet.

Launched in 2023 at a time when the food system is confronted by pressures at local, national and global levels, we strive to develop long-term solutions that are environmentally positive, economically sustainable and societally beneficial. In doing this, we recognise that there is no single tool that can solve the multifaceted challenges of the food system alone. The diversity of the food system is also its strength, and system-wide challenges require system-wide solutions.

This means that all of the elements and actors that are part of the food system - the environment, technology, industry, policy and people - have key interconnected roles to play in enabling sustainable food production that feeds the world, preserves our natural resources and protects the delicate balance of our planet.

Our governance

Leadership and oversight

The FSI is led by Dr Peter Noy, the Institute’s former Asscoiate Director of Research. The Director reports to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science, Professor Zoe Wilson.

FSI is supported by Ms Maimuna Jeng (Communications and Engagement Manager); and Ms Joanna Smuga-Lumatz (Senior Administrator); who are part of the Faculty of Science Research and Knowledge Exchange team that report into Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange, Ms Sophie Richardson.

The Institute's leadership and activities are overseen and held to account by an independent external advisory board, which meets two times per year. FSI also convenes an academic steering group from across the University that meets quarterly.

Research culture

The Food Systems Institute operates as an open, transdisciplinary research platform, promoting world-leading research both nationally and internationally that contributes positive change in global food systems.

The FSI’s research is fully aligned with the University of Nottingham’s current Research Strategic Delivery Plan. Our research culture is inclusive, supportive and diverse; strives to be of the highest quality and ambition; and ensures delivery of high-quality discoveries that will positively transform lives and societies.

Our research culture follows the University of Nottingham’s Code of Research Conduct and Research Ethics.

Equality Impact Assessments

The Food Systems Institute recognises that Equality Impact Assessments are an essential part of the university’s approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and ensure that the consideration of protected characteristics is embedded throughout all of the FSI’s decision-making, programmes, projects, policies and practices.

The EDI Committee has oversight of the Equality Impact Assessment process.

Ethical Framework

The Food Systems Institute follows the University of Nottingham’s Ethical Framework (approved in 2012 and last updated in June 2022). The University Executive Board plays the central oversight role in relation to ethical issues and is responsible for the operation and review of the Ethical Framework.

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