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New hub to help develop North East food industry

A new hub has been set up at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to support and promote food professionals across the North East.

The North Eastern Hub of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) will build upon the expertise of academics at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to foster local networking and engage and support local schools and universities. IFST is the independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe. Its membership is drawn from all over the world from backgrounds including industry, universities, government, research and development and food law enforcement.

IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge relating to food science and technology and promoting its application. Another important element of its work is to promote and uphold standards amongst food professionals.

The hub will help develop activities across the region, which will include: • organising local networking or short technical meetings and briefings • providing support for local schools, colleges and universities • facilitating technical factory or laboratory visits • collaborating with other local food science based organisations.

Jon Poole, the Chief Executive of the IFST, said: 'It’s very important that we engage with our members across the UK and it’s great to be able to launch this hub at º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

'It will provide a centre where members can engage and share knowledge. Being based at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ gives us the perfect opportunity to bring together people from across the area.'

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has a strong reputation for its range of graduate and post-graduate qualifications in food science and nutrition.

Nigel Atkinson, course leader BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition, said: 'This hub is a recognition of the growth of food courses at º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

'We have a strong focus on employability at the University and building networks across the region is an important way for students to develop their professional ambitions.

'The hub will not purely be for those involved in the food industry, we’ll also be looking wider to increase community engagement.'

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