Our Story
Transformation of the global food system towards more sustainable and equitable outcomes is urgently needed, requiring an evidence-based food systems approach.
The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems encompasses a research programme of oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and social sciences across the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB). The Co-Centre presents a unique opportunity to rapidly develop innovative and transformative solutions to transition the food system and position Ireland and the UK as a research and innovation global leader for positive and sustainable change in the transition to climate-neutrality by 2050.
54 Investigators
62 Researchers
16 Institutions
3 Jurisdictions
Co-Centre Vision
Sustainable and fair food systems, producing safe, nutritious and affordable foods, driving a healthier population and planet.
While this vision cannot be achieved by the Co-Centre alone, we recognise ourselves as a significant contributor through our research and innovation. We seek to drive transformational change, not only through basic and applied research, but also by engaging stakeholders, educating and collaborating with the public and empowering new talent into food systems careers. Our specific contribution to the above vision is outlined in our mission. Once external stakeholders are invested in our vision, our mission should make clear to them what we do and why our work is so important.
Co-Centre Mission
To develop and promote innovative and transformative interventions that will encourage a move towards healthier diets and significantly enhance environmental, economic, safe and equitable food system outcomes by 2050. We aim to position Ireland and the UK as global leaders in research and innovation for positive and sustainable change.
We know that impact can be defined as the good researchers do in the world, with demonstrable benefits to individuals, groups, organisations and society that are causally linked to the research (Reed et al., 2021), but there is now a need to ensure we can succinctly measure and articulate the impact of any work we complete. Within the scope of our Co-Centre, we aim to have broad impacts across economic, policy, social, environmental, and wellbeing domains, but we need to ensure this is not just a nominal or hypothetical impact, but is targeted, strategic and evidence based.
