New database launched to drive innovation in Sustainable Food Systems

Designed to empower researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, the free-to-access platform brings cutting-edge food science to the forefront, making it accessible and discoverable by consolidating valuable research in one centralized and user-friendly location, said IFIS Publishing a not-for-profit publisher and educational charity.

The launch comes at a critical time for the food system, which is facing myriad challenges as innovators work to transition toward sustainable methods of production and consumption.

“The most pressing sustainability challenge for the F&B industry is for companies and organizations to establish, and continually update, the evidence base for the most sustainable ingredients, processes, and products​," said Professor Colin Dennis, chairman of IFIS Publishing and the Leadership Development Committee at IFT.

With over 10,000 meticulously vetted records, its dynamic A&I database is updated weekly, providing users with a dynamic and comprehensive overview of the last 6 months' worth of scientific literature and insights carefully curated and indexed by an expert team of food and data scientists to exclude ‘junk science’ and ‘predatory content’, allowing decision-makers to base their strategies on trustworthy information.

IFIS Sustainability said the ambition is to promote a holistic understanding of sustainable food practices, and takes a multidisciplinary approach, allowing users to explore diverse perspectives, from economics and food policy to ecology and agriculture.

Cindy Steward (PhD), Global Innovation and R&D Executive and a former IFT President, said: “It is absolutely critical that F&B innovators have access to the latest, trustworthy science to learn from and build on the work of others and bring people together in collaborative efforts. The solutions require multi-disciplinary approaches. It’s great to have a focused database for scientists and others to easily access sound science. IFIS Sustainability is easy to navigate and pulls up topics of interest​.”

Key research themes include:​

IFIS Sustainability allows food sector stakeholders to stay at the forefront of food sustainability and explore top research themes from ground-breaking innovations to emerging challenges. Keyword analysis of the 10,000+ articles contained in IFIS Sustainability paints a vivid picture of current innovation trends in the food industry. These themes include:

• The economics of sustainability:​ Practical approaches acknowledging the need for solutions in the broader context of the food market.
• Technological Advancements:​ Leveraging technology for more efficient and sustainable practices in food processing, packaging, and other areas.
• Policy-Driven Sustainability:​ Emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks in achieving sustainability goals.
• Ecological Concerns:​ Understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of food production.
• Consumer-Centric Approaches:​ Exploring how consumer behavior can be influenced to support sustainable choices.
• Innovations in Agriculture:​ Promoting sustainable farming practices and ensuring food security.
• Plant-Based Solutions:​ Exploring the environmental benefits of plant-based diets and sustainable plant-based products.

Dennis added: “It is essential that innovators have access to the latest trustworthy science and technology to avoid wasting resources on re-inventing what is already known. IFIS Sustainability provides access to a professionally curated and highly searchable database of trustworthy science and technology and is an excellent resource for such a purpose​.”