Coordinated by Nofima, iFOODnet aimed to establish world-class research and education in food science—in marine and agricultural sectors—through a robust, long-term international partnership with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and two leading universities in Japan: Tokyo University of Agriculture (TokyoNODAI) and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT).
The project aimed to build collaboration on four strategically crucial Cross-disciplinary Innovation Pillars (CIPs): [CIP#1] Bioprospection of Novel Biomolecules & Microbiome Sequencing; [CIP#2] Innovative Food Processing and Functionality; [CIP#3] Biomaterials and Smart Packaging; and [CIP#4] Food Waste Biorefinery. These pillars served as the foundation for research and educational initiatives, including annual Training Schools, student mobility, and strong industry engagement. The Training School was organized by NTNU in 2021, TUMSAT in 2022, and NOFIMA in 2023, with in total 93 students participating. The CIP platform also set the framework for student mobility under partnership supervision. In total 12 students (BSc. MSc and PhD) benefited from iFOODnet mobility, enabling them to gain international experience, participate in joint research and collaborate across CIPs. The duration of research stay varied from 2 weeks and up to 3 months.
In addition, we organized a series of open (to external relevant stakeholders), multi-thematic workshop and symposium to discuss collaboration (2023), reflect on established collaboration as project team (2023), and to promote and celebrate joint collaboration with another INTPART project (IntER-Cold) and newly JSPS funded METIS program at TUMSAT (2024). Both students and researchers actively participated in innovation-driven activities, completing over 15 industry visits across both countries to strengthen the research-education-innovation interface.
The project further solidified its long-term sustainability by formalizing partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a Joint Declaration of Cooperation, including between TUMSAT and the University of Stavanger (UiS). A series of workshops and meetings were also held to map the structure of the study programs at the different universities and later to co-develop joint student exchange programs.
To maximize its long-term impact, iFOODnet prioritized continuous engagement with partners and strategic dissemination efforts. This included 3 social media posts (Instagram, LinkedIn), 2 communications through partner channels, 2 conferences, and 16 student interviews, alongside 5 reports published on the project website.
Due to the global pandemic and associated travel restrictions, several modifications were made to the project plan and budget. Planned student mobility in 2021, along with innovation and dissemination activities, was postponed to 2022. Additionally, approval for a project extension and associated budget adjustments was sought in 2023.
Throughout its tenure, iFOODnet resulted in significant academic contributions: 2 peer-reviewed articles, 13 conference presentations, and 11 grant applications—6 of which were successfully approved. In conclusion, iFOODnet has been instrumental in establishing and solidifying international collaboration and interdisciplinary research on sustainable food systems with Japan. Looking ahead, the focus will be on extending partnerships through funded projects (such as the JSPS METIS program and NFR Research Project, WelTuna and JSPS Collaborative project, OECD Co-operative Research Programme), expanding student mobility, and further enhancing the global relevance of our research initiatives.
The collaborative efforts within iFOODnet has led to the production of 2 peer-reviewed articles, 1 popular science article, 13 conference presentations, 5 MSc/BSc theses co-supervised under the project, 11 grant applications (6 approved, 5 not funded). They highlight the successful research collaboration among iFOODnet partners, facilitated by student and researcher mobility (WP1.2), as well as the wide range of training opportunities (WP3.2) provided to participating students. The numerous grant applications stemming from the iFOODnet partnership demonstrate ongoing efforts to sustain and strengthen the collaboration beyond the project’s duration. Furthermore, two social media posts by the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo highlighted our visits, showcasing the significance of our work and extending the geographical reach of iFOODnet. Overall, iFOODnet has been instrumental in establishing and solidifying international collaboration and interdisciplinary research on sustainable food systems with Japan. Looking ahead, the focus will be on extending partnerships through funded projects (such as the JSPS METIS program and NFR Research Project, WelTuna and JSPS Collaborative project, OECD Co-operative Research Programme) expanding student mobility, and further enhancing the global relevance of our research initiatives.
iFOODnet will develop world-class research and education in Norway through long-term partnership with Japan (JP), upon four cross-disciplinary/sectoral innovation pillars (CIPs) advancing next-generation sustainable, resource-efficient, zero-waste food systems rooted in UN SDGs. (Inter)national partnership consisting of NO food research institute and university teaming up with 2 JP universities specialised in agriculture and marine science will greatly advance NO knowledge-base and innovation capacity within EU/NRC high-priority cooperation areas:
1) Bioprospection of Novel Biomolecules & Microbiome Sequencing, with metagenome screening & omics tools for unlocking new genetic resources, microbiomes & biomolecules
2) Innovative Food Processing and Functionality, with emerging technologies and functional ingredients to ensure diverse, safe, high-quality & nutritious foods
3) Biomaterials and Smart Packaging, with new-generation biomaterials and smart food (nano) packaging
4) Food Waste Biorefinery, for valorisation of food waste & underutilised resources into food bioactives and biopolymers.
iFOODnet‘s Training Research & Innovation Programme (ITP) will combine CIP-centred /student) mobility with innovation-orineted activities and annual Training School designed to boost entrepreneurial mind-set, holistic problem-solving skills and multidisciplinary competences. A dedicated WP will ensure long-term institutional partnership upon bilateral agreements, accreditation of iFOODnet training programme and co-development of joint programme and infrastructure, involving key academic and administrative staff members at NO and JP universities. Framed by RRI strategy, iFOODnet will provide a unique research-education-innovation interface through open multi-thematic workshops and network-wide dissemination/training events which will further reinforce the quality and relevance of iFOODnet research & ITP, while enlarging project impact and int’l visibility of partner institutions.
