A £3m fund has been unveiled to target diet and health innovation with the aim of delivering healthier, more sustainable, and high-quality food for consumers.
Launched by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the money will be injected into a new Diet and Health Collaborative Research and Development programme which is jointly funded by the parties.
The programme is designed to accelerate the translation of the UK’s world-class bioscience into real-world solutions by fostering strong collaboration between academia and industry.
As such, it will support the development of novel food products and innovations in food processing that deliver better food for consumers.
Projects funded through the new programme must address one or more of the following priority areas:
- Improving the nutrition of food and drink products for populations at higher risk of malnutrition or muscle loss, including older people, those using GLP-1 drugs, and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds
- Assessing and improving the impact of food processing and final product composition on health, including the effects of additives and emulsifiers, and developing sustainable alternatives
- Improving environmental outcomes for food and drink innovation, including through circular economy approaches to reduce food loss and waste.
This could include biofortification, reformulation, and processing innovations, improving the affordability and accessibility of nutritious food, understanding consumer behaviour, and strengthening the resilience of the UK food supply chain.
“We’re working to develop a food strategy that delivers for people, businesses and the environment,” said Minister for Food Security, Dame Angela Eagle. “This investment will bring together our brightest researchers with industry expertise to drive the food innovations that will improve health outcomes, reduce environmental impact and support a thriving UK food industry.”
The partnership brings together bioscience innovation with Defra’s policy priorities, supporting delivery against the Good Food Cycle through a holistic approach that integrates sustainability, resilience, and economic growth.
It builds on UK Research and Innovation’s previous commitments in this area including the £15m Diet and Health Open Innovation Research Club, which has already brought together partners from across the food innovation ecosystem.
Applicants will also be expected to demonstrate how their proposals contribute to the Good Food Cycle by supporting a healthier population, a thriving food sector, improved environmental outcomes, and a more resilient supply chain.
Applicants can find out more and apply via the UKRI Funding Finder.
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