Industrialised animal agriculture is among the most significant contributors to environmental issues including greenhouse gas emissions, degradation of air and water quality and biodiversity loss.
Alternative proteins (plant-based meat, cultivated meat, fermentation) offer an opportunity to mitigate the environmental impact of our food system without relying on mass changes in consumer behaviour. However, the development and manufacture of alternative protein products is not keeping pace with the need to produce food for a world population that is predicted to grow to 10 billion in 2058.
Interdisciplinary academic research presents an opportunity for open innovation and talent development that would enormously benefit the development of alternative protein technologies.
In line with increasing government support for alternative protein research through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this workshop brought together researchers from the University of Cambridge and further afield, as well as representatives from business and funding bodies, with the following goals:
- To develop proposals for alternative protein research projects, including collaborators within and outside the university.
- To facilitate a network between academics interested in alternative protein research across the University’s different schools.
- To build a roadmap for how initial research projects could progress into a world-leading Centre for Alternative Protein Research.
This workshop was hosted by the Cambridge Global Food Security in collaboration with the Cambridge University Alternative Protein Project, Cambridge Zero and the Good Food Institute.
Building on the interest in the alternative protein workshop, the GFS and collaborators envision to continue to grow the interdisciplinary Cambridge Alternative Protein Network and spark research projects and collaborations.
Date: Friday, 10th March, 2023 - 9:00 to 14:00
Event location: Jesus College Cambridge
Feedback from workshop attendees:
‘The alternative proteins workshop was a fantastic event, bringing together researchers from across multiple departments and disciplines to identify how Cambridge can become a world leader in these research fields. It is clear that there is both the desire and expertise to build on this momentum, and I look forward to seeing this realised in the coming months.’ Seren Kell, Senior Science and Technology Manager GFI Europe
‘This was a valuable opportunity for researchers working on sustainable protein innovations to come together across disciplines and we look forward to seeing new projects come out of these collaborations. To foster further research and development in the sector, the Coller Startup Competition has partnered with the Cambridge Judge Business School and Creator Fund to offer a £100,000 investment into the winning venture.’ Coller Foundation
‘The Alternative Proteins Association (APA) believes there is a great opportunity for the UK to lead the alternative protein sector, leveraging its strong heritage of academic excellence. The APA found the University of Cambridge event to be a valuable opportunity for industry and leading academics to foster collaboration, and we look forward to seeing new projects emerge.’ Alternative Proteins Association
