New food research initiative secures Government funding
QMU is pleased to announce that the Scottish Alliance for Food, Health, Equity and Sustainability (SCAF), of which QMU is a member, has secured funding from the Scottish Funding Council. The Alliance is a collaborative initiative bringing together perspectives from social, natural and applied sciences, arts and humanities with the aim of addressing emerging research questions related to the future of food.
Through its research activities, the SCAF is focused on developing competencies, fostering knowledge and supporting solutions to food issues that benefit the environment and society. Food is the cornerstone of Scottish society - it is central to not only health and wellbeing but also identity and culture. Scotland has a unique potential to generate answers to some of the most difficult issues surrounding food in the modern world by bringing together a broad range of perspectives.
Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “QMU is delighted to be a part of SCAF and our expertise will bring valuable knowledge, skills and thinking to this important multidisciplinary, cross sector group. From our degrees in dietetics, food science and gastronomy to our cutting-edge Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation, QMU hopes to use our expertise and facilities to help find solutions to the challenges of food sustainability and healthy ageing. Alongside partners at Glasgow University, Edinburgh University, University of St Andrews and others, QMU is pleased to play our part in this exciting new collaboration.”
This new research alliance is only part of QMU’s wider commitment towards food innovation, health, wellbeing and sustainability. QMU’s Innovation Hub, part of the Edinburgh Innovation Park, which is being developed in land around the campus (funded by Edinburgh City Region Deal) will support research, innovation and growth, particularly in the areas of food and drink and health technologies. The work of the Hub also aligns with QMU’s wider work across the areas of health and rehabilitation, wellbeing and sustainability.
Notes to Editor
For more information about The Scottish Alliance for Food, Health, Equity and Sustainability (SCAF) visit: http://www.sfc.ac.uk/research/research-collaboration/ARC-scottish-alliance-for-food.aspx#:~:text=The%20Scottish%20Alliance%20for%20Food,better%20food%20future%20for%20all
Proposal for the Edinburgh Innovation Park - https://www.edinburghinnovationpark.co.uk/
Land development project around QMU - https://www.qmu.ac.uk/land-development-project/
