Join us for the launch of the “Microbial Food as a Sustainable, Healthy, and Resilient Source of Nutrients for the UK” Briefing Paper, a key event that aligns with Imperial College London’s commitment to pioneering sustainable food technologies. This event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and the general public to explore the potential of microbial food as a sustainable and resilient solution to food security challenges in the UK.
About the Briefing Paper
The paper covers the need for investment in alternative and sustainable food solutions to provide better choices for consumers. Microbial foods present an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of our diets while, in parallel, meeting the nutritional needs of the wider population, and minimising the UK’s dependency on imports.
A cross sectoral panel will discuss the potential of microbial foods as an alternative to animal food products, as well as the current state of investment in research and infrastructure, and the regulations required to obtain market approval in the UK.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday 1 May 2025
- Time: 16.15 – 20.00
- Location: CAGB Lecture Theatre 200 & Main Entrance, Imperial College London
- Organised by: The School of Convergence – Sustainability and the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein
This event will be hybrid.
Programme Overview
Main Exhibition & Networking (Main Entrance)
- 16:15 – Exhibition Opens (Start-ups and Student Research Posters)
- 16:30 – Lightning Talks: 9 Companies Present Innovative Ideas (5-minute presentations)
- 17:15 – Networking and Discussion
Briefing Paper Launch & Panel Discussion (CAGB Lecture Theatre 200)
Please note that this section of the day will be live streamed and recorded.
- 17:30 – Welcome and Introduction
- 17:35 – Author Presentation: Key Findings by Dr Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro
- 17:50 – Panel Discussion Featuring Experts from Academia, Industry & Policy
- 18:30 – Audience Q&A
- 18:50 – Closing Remarks
- 19:00 – Networking Drinks Reception & Exhibition (Main Entrance)
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to a broad audience, including industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, students, and the general public with an interest in food innovation, sustainability, and policy development.
Ticket types
Please note that there are two ticket types online and in-person. Those joining online will only be able to view the author presentation and panel discussion. Unfortunately you will not be able to attend the networking activities if you are attending online.
About the Organisers
About the School of Sustainability
The Imperial Futures’ Schools of Convergence Science are launching in 2025 to build on disciplinary strengths and interdisciplinary culture. Designed to become a new portal for external partners, supporters and stakeholders, the schools will include more effective routes to Imperial’s research, education and innovation.
The School of Sustainability will be a platform to showcase Imperial’s expertise, amplify convening power, enhance interdisciplinary research, train the next generation of research leaders and focus on a greener future. The School of Sustainability has the vision to provide evidence and tools to create a world in which people can live in harmony with the planet.
Contact us: sustainable-convergence@imperial.ac.uk
About the The Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at Imperial College London
The Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at Imperial College London is at the forefront of the alternative protein revolution, using advanced Engineering Biology to address global challenges in sustainability, food security, and climate change. The Centre reimagines the global food system to make it more sustainable, healthy, equitable, and resilient while accelerating the transition to alternative proteins. The Bezos Centre at Imperial, with a European reach, works in close collaboration with the Bezos Centres in the USA and Singapore to address international challenges.
The Microbial Food Hub at Imperial College London revolutionizes food production through cutting-edge fermentation technologies. This £14m initiative funded by UKRI unites academia and industry to create sustainable, nutritious, and scalable microbial foods, addressing critical challenges in health, sustainability, and food security while accelerating the transition to innovative and resilient food systems.
If you have any questions about accessibility requirements please email l.adamson@imperial.ac.uk (Leah Adamson IMSE Events and Communications Manager)