FoSSNet: Pan-European Food Systems Science Network

What is the role of science in food systems transformation? How to ensure collaboration between different disciplines to address challenges requiring a systemic approach?

The need for transformation has been commonly voiced and acting on these pressing questions is an important step to achieve a healthier, fairer, and sustainable food system.

During its four-year course, FoSSNet aims to establish a long-lasting pan-European network for Food Systems Science, advancing open and inclusive science and education to address the demand for a sustainable transformation. Altogether, this will contribute directly to the European Commission policy objectives contained in the EU Green Deal, the Farm to Fork strategy, and in the FOOD2030 priorities.

The current Knowledge and Innovation system in the European Research Area falls short in meeting the demands for understanding and navigating the complexities in transformation to sustainable food production, distribution and consumption, as well as associated nutrition, social and environmental challenges. FoSSNet will therefore support a new Knowledge and Innovation governance structure for Food System Science. By integrating diversity of knowledge and perspectives (e.g. from biology, nutrition, engineering to economics, law, etc.) while fostering the collaboration among all food system actors, FoSSNet’s transdisciplinary and systemic approach ensures that these complex challenges can be addressed in an effective way.

The development of an improved governance structure for food system science and advancing food system transformation will involve several strategies. FoSSNet strategies will include:

• Developing a conceptual framework to provide a better picture of the drivers, actors, outcomes and relations in the EU food system;
• Creating an inclusive inter- and transdisciplinary permanent pan-European academic network;
• Addressing power and exclusion in academia and food systems science to develop more inclusive research practice;
• Collaboration with existing networks of scientists and science institutions working in the field of food systems, aiming to engage and include them in a broader network, where they can share data, knowledge and build new collaborations;
• Promoting learning opportunities to prepare future researchers and professionals for impactful careers, through the creation of an Academy, organization of summer schools and hackathons, and the design of new curricula;
• Organisation of conferences to showcase the project’s results and promote networking activities.

FoSSNet consortium is composed by 15 key partners from 12 European countries, including UK, led by Roskilde University (Denmark).

EUFIC will be responsible for the communication and dissemination of the FoSSNet activities. EUFIC will also facilitate the collaboration with key stakeholders in Europe and support the definition of learning opportunities for young researchers. More specific, EUFIC will:

• Define and implement the communication strategy, being responsible for the project brand identity, design of visuals, development and management of the FoSSNet website, social media and other activities and tools to ensure FoSSNet’s visibility;
• Support the establishment of the pan-European network with and between other relevant EU and national networks and initiatives, as well as other publicly funded projects;
• Organise FoSSNet conferences, aimed at sharing data and knowledge among researchers;
• Support the organisation of summer schools, hackathons and other learning opportunities for students and young researchers.

• Camila Massri, Collaborative Projects – Senior Manager (camila.massri@eufic.org)
• Sofia Mendes, Collaborative Projects – Manager (sofia.mendes@eufic.org)
• Matteo Sabini, Area Leader Collaborative Projects (matteo.sabini@eufic.org)

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