An investment of £3 million will be allocated to a new Diet and Health Collaborative Research and Development programme, designed to accelerate the transition of bioscience concepts and pilots from the UK into practical solutions within the food and beverage industry.
This initiative aims to foster stronger collaborations between academia and industry. Furthermore, it will support the development of innovative food products and processing technologies that promote healthier, more sustainable options, addressing current food manufacturing trends and increasing the quality of food available to consumers.
Co-developed and jointly funded by BBSRC and Defra, this partnership aligns bioscience innovation with Defra’s policy objectives. The programme aims to contribute to the Good Food Cycle, and applicants must illustrate how their proposals bolster this vital cycle.
Priority areas for the project encompass:
- Enhancing the nutritional profile of food and drink products, particularly for populations at higher risk of malnutrition or muscle loss
- Evaluating and improving the impact of food processing and product composition on health, including the effects of emulsifiers
- Boosting environmental outcomes in food and drink, utilizing circular economy approaches
Projects may also delve into areas like biofortification, reformulation strategies, innovations in food processing technology, enhancing the affordability and accessibility of nutritious food, understanding consumer behavior, or strengthening the resilience of the UK food distribution network.
“This new investment reflects the power of partnerships in translating world-leading bioscience into tangible benefits for people, the economy, and the environment. By bringing together researchers and industry, BBSRC and Defra are working together to deliver outcomes that can improve nutrition, reduce food inequalities, and help build a more resilient and sustainable food system,” commented professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC executive chair.
Building upon UKRI’s robust foundations in diet and health research, this programme will create real-world impact, enhancing lives and livelihoods throughout the UK, while addressing food and drink sustainability.
This latest investment expands upon prior commitments from UK Research and Innovation, including the £15 million Diet and Health Open Innovation Research Club. This initiative has fostered numerous partnerships within the industry and led to groundbreaking projects such as the world’s first omega-3 enriched tomatoes and inulin-infused tea.
Interested applicants can submit their proposals through the UKRI Funding Finder. A notification of intent will be required prior to the submission of a full application.