Brussels, 9 May 2024

Europe’s food system is affected by complex challenges, such as meeting the demands for sustainable food production, distribution and consumption, and associated nutrition, social and environmental challenges. This complexity requires a multifaceted response that goes beyond traditional approaches. Aligned with the European Commission’s view of science-policy-society for sustainable food systems, the new EU-funded project FoSSNet, led by Roskilde University, aims to bridge these gaps and foster meaningful change by establishing a long-lasting pan-European network for Food Systems Science focused on advancing open and inclusive science and education for food systems transformation. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, the project aims to rethink the European Research Area's Knowledge and Innovation system, enabling it to rise to the food system's challenges and accelerate a sustainable transformation.

''FoSSNet provides the opportunity to bring together researchers across Europe who are studying the food system as a dynamic system. That means exploring the various activities, outcomes, drivers and feedbacks that we see in food systems science as an integrative discipline.'' Said John Ingram from University of Oxford, one of the partners in the project.

The project will develop clearer and more effective processes and practices for food systems science and transformation using several strategies. These include:

• building an inclusive inter- and transdisciplinary permanent pan-European academic network;
• integrating knowledge from different fields (e.g. from biology, nutrition and engineering to economics and law), fostering collaboration among all food system actors to ensure an effective and systemic approach;
• actively seeking to reach and tap into underrepresented geographic regions, such as Eastern Europe, to broaden the expertise and knowledge of the FoSSNet project;
• organising yearly conferences to build and showcase project results and promote networking activities, as well as an event in Poland focusing on expanding the network in Eastern Europe;
• creating and promoting learning opportunities in food system thinking for future researchers and professionals through an Academy, summer schools, hackathons and the design of new curricula.

Inclusivity at the heart of FoSSNet & Europe Day
''Across all FoSSNet activities, there is a strong focus on how to build structures for inclusion in both science and education to ensure closer collaboration between food system scientists and promote connections with policy and society.'' Said Stine Rosenlund Hansen from Roskilde University and project coordinator of FoSSNet.

FoSSNet’s inclusive approach and vision of a pan-European academic network for food system science are particularly relevant in the context of Europe Day celebrations. The project connects and promotes collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders from all over Europe, including researchers, citizens and policymakers. Therefore, FoSSNet strengthens the European Research Area and will contribute to a united and integrated response to achieve food systems transformation in Europe.

ENDS

About FoSSNet:
FoSSNet is an EU-funded project dedicated to revolutionizing Europe's food systems through collaborative research, inclusive engagement, and transformative governance.

For more information and updates on the latest activities and developments of FoSSNet:
CORDIS page – Pan-European Food Systems Science Network
FoSSNet LinkedIn page

Contacts:
Matteo Sabini, Camila Massri and Sofia Mendes, FoSSNet communication managers (matteo.sabini@eufic.org; camila.massri@eufic.org; sofia.mendes@eufic.org)