Two-Day Food Science Symposium
Prague, April 27, 2026 – The DRIFT-FOOD Research Centre at the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, hosted a hybrid symposium “Innovative Pathways Toward Resilient Food Systems” on April 23–24, 2026. The two-day event brought together 24 leading experts from international universities, research organisations, and regulatory institutions.
The symposium focused on current challenges and emerging opportunities in food systems. Key themes included sustainability and climate change, health and nutrition, food safety and quality, and consumer preferences in the development of new food products.
Expert discussions explored, among other topics, the sustainability of emerging technologies for producing novel ingredients, the potential of using by-products to recover valuable compounds such as proteins while preserving their functional properties, and the potential benefits for human health.
The second day of the symposium featured a panel discussion on the use of insects in food. The discussion highlighted that while consumers recognise the environmental benefits of insects – such as their lower carbon footprint compared with conventional meat production – the acceptance of these innovations continues to be shaped by cultural habits and individual preferences.
Dr. Diana Baigts-Allende, the DRIFT-FOOD ERA-Chair holder, emphasized the importance of such events: “It is crucial to host these types of gatherings, as they connect researchers and facilitate knowledge-sharing. Additionally, they inspire young scientists and illuminate various professional paths they can explore.” The symposium reaffirmed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of food systems, while also underscoring the vital role of dialogue among science, industry, and society.
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