FOOJI – HUJI Center for Sustainable Food Systems in collaboration with GFI Israel, Tnuva, The Kitchen Hub, Aquacultech, Facultech, HUJI Innovate and Food Tech Nation held the first annual Brian Y. Davidson Food Systems Conference on Building Food Systems for Efficiency and Sustainability in a Changing World
https://fooji.huji.ac.il/
FOOJI – HUJI Center for Sustainable Food Systems, in partnership with leading industry players and academic institutions, held last week the inaugural Brian Y. Davidson Food Systems Conference. The conference brought together experts, entrepreneurs, and researchers to explore building sustainable and efficient food systems, addressing the urgent challenges of a changing world.
The conference featured a keynote address by Prof. Ariel Lindner, Research Director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and Co-Founder and Vice-Director of the Centre for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI). Prof. Lindner discussed cutting-edge innovations and the role of research in shaping the future of food systems.
The day also included an academic session featuring presentations from leading academic institutions on sustainable food system innovations, as well as a prize-winning competition for promising young graduate students.
A key highlight of the event was a central panel moderated by Prof. Zvi Hayouka, Director of FOOJI, and Dr. Dorit Rozner, CTO of the Kitchen Hub. The panel featured experts and entrepreneurs discussing the building of partnerships in food systems in Israel and around the world.
Prof. Zvi Hayouka shared, “Building sustainable and innovative food systems is not just about technology; it's about creating solutions that will nourish both people and the planet for generations to come.”
The conference concluded with a panel of startup companies offering insights on translating research into successful industry applications, featuring companies from diverse sectors of the food tech ecosystem. This panel was moderated by FOOJI’s Head of Science and Technology – Dr. Keren Kles who shared: “I am truly excited about the stimulating conversations this conference will spark, paving the way for transformative dialogue and action in the realm of sustainable food systems."
This multidisciplinary conference took a holistic approach to sustainable food systems, examining their impact on global challenges such as climate change, economic viability, food security, and biodiversity.
Why Building Efficient and Sustainable Food Systems is Crucial:
The need for sustainable food systems has never been more urgent, driven by the following factors:
1. Climate Change and Environmental Impact: Reducing carbon footprints and conserving precious resources like water and farmland is essential for tackling the growing environmental crisis.
2. Global Demographic Growth: Feeding a growing population of nearly 10 billion by 2050 requires innovative solutions to boost food production without further environmental harm.
3. Economic Viability: Addressing food waste and optimizing food systems can reduce costs, save resources, and increase profitability while ensuring broader accessibility.
4. Food Security and Equity: Ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all, especially marginalized communities, is vital for reducing inequalities and combating food insecurity.
5. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: Shifting to sustainable practices ensures ecosystem preservation and long-term food security.
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.