This conference held by the Royal Society brought together leading experts from industry, government and the wider scientific community to discuss the future of food sources and the human diet in decades to come. Future food: health and sustainability focussed on three broad themes: the sustainability and health benefits of plant-based foods, alternative food sources and the application of synthetic biology in food production. The UK’s current standing in terms of food research, changing consumer preferences and public perception, regulation, safety and ethical issues was also explored.
This conference is part of a series organised by the Royal Society entitled Breakthrough science and technologies: Transforming our future, which addresses the major scientific and technical challenges of the next decade. Each conference covers key issues including the current state of the UK industry sector, the future direction of research and the wider social and economic implications.