Collaborating on alternative proteins research
A new £38m centre dedicated to developing planet-friendly alternatives to animal proteins has officially launched at the University of Leeds.
The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) celebrated its highly anticipated formal launch with over 250 delegates including academics, industry, investors, funders, and policymakers.
The event signalled the beginning of an ambitious mission to transform the alternative protein landscape and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
A groundbreaking step forward for the sector.
The launch event featured a keynote address by Professor Tim Benton of Chatham House, and Professor of Population Ecology in the School of Biology, who gave his insights into the critical role of alternative proteins in creating a sustainable food system.
Outlining the opportunities and challenges this emerging sector presents, he explained the benefits of transforming food systems, such as mitigating climate change, ensuring global food security and reducing the public health crisis of poor diets.
Delegates also heard from Professor Anwesha Sarkar (University of Leeds, NAPIC Project Leader and Co-Director of the PERFORM Pillar) and Professor Karen Polizzi (Imperial College London, Co-Director of the PROCESS Pillar) who provided an engaging overview of NAPIC’s vision, performance indicators and upcoming funding calls.
Professor Sarkar emphasized NAPIC's commitment to fostering a robust, sustainable platform of open innovation and responsible data exchange that mitigates risks while addressing the concerns of consumers and producers.
Challenges and opportunities in alternative proteins
A panel discussion featuring representatives from the James Hutton Institute, University of Sheffield, Food Standards Agency, Good Food Institute, Plant Futures, and Innovate UK, was an opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities for open innovation in the alternative protein sector and offer valuable insights that will shape the upcoming funding calls.
Pillars of knowledge
NAPIC, co-led by the University of Leeds, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, and the James Hutton Institute, has announced its readiness to welcome applications addressing challenges across all four core pillars—PRODUCE, PROCESS, PERFORM, and PEOPLE.
These pillars encompass the entire value chain of alternative proteins, focusing on translating transformative technologies into effective, safe solutions that unlock the full potential of this sector.
Dr Gesa Reiss, an expert in agri food in the School of Biology, will co-lead activities related to policy and regulations. Through a series of workshops, the team of researchers aim to identify industry challenges for alternative proteins, as well gaps in training needs for researchers to help them inform policy development at local, national and international level.
The centre’s establishment has been made possible through funding from BBSRC and Innovate UK, alongside vital support from stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
