Future Food is one of our six Beacons of Excellence — transdisciplinary areas of world-leading research that address global challenges.

Our Beacons of Excellence were unveiled at the Royal Society in London at the launch of the University of Nottingham’s Research Vision, a landmark investment of  more than £200m in our people and our research.

Our ambition is for our University to be recognised as among the very best in the world. Our Beacons of Excellence are at the core of this global vision.

The beacons will drive significant inward investment into our internationally-renowned research areas, and support our ambitious vision by increasing collaboration, strengthening networks and partnerships, attracting diverse funding, and raising the reputation of our world-changing research.

Each beacon addresses a key global challenge and collectively they address all 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Following introductions to Propulsion Futures, the Rights Lab, and Precision Imaging, the spotlight now falls on Future Food.

This beacon addresses the challenge of feeding a growing population in a changing world.

In the face of climate change we must develop new, resilient crops. Better access to healthier, safer, more nutritious food is needed in all countries due the growing prevalence of pollutants, nutrient deficiencies and over-processed foods.

All these challenges must be met in sustainable ways that do not put additional strain on the planet.

Our researchers have expertise across the food chain — from soil to molecule to meal — to deliver solutions to these global challenges.

• Find out more about the Future of Food Beacon of Excellence
• Perfecting the Pipers crisp: How a leading manufacturer turned to food experts at the University of Nottingham to learn about the science of the perfect crisp.

Over the coming weeks we will introduce the remaining two Beacons of Excellence — Green Chemicals and Smart Industrial Systems — while highlighting how our investment is supporting all researchers in the delivery of exceptional discoveries.

What our Research Vision means for you

We cannot achieve the ambitious goals of our Research Vision without the support of researchers and all colleagues working across the University.

Research colleagues should have received a guide, ‘What our Research Vision means for you’. This guide outlines the opportunities available, and where to go for help and support. You can also access the guide on the dedicated Research Vision Workspace.

A guide to the opportunities our research investment offers to Professional Services and support staff is also available on the Research Vision Workspace.

Our beacons are just part of a significant investment in the resources, people, infrastructure and environment essential to delivering our world-leading discoveries — and your input, support and engagement is invaluable.

We will be holding further research roadshows over the summer for you to hear Professor Dame Jessica Corner outline what the Research Vision means for you, and how you can get involved to support and shape the future of research at our University.

Look out for more roadshow dates in the coming weeks.