Pan-European food systems science network

A new structure is required to address the emerging challenges of sustaining the European food system. The EU-funded FoSSNet project aims to establish and enhance a solid and sustainable academic network focused on food systems science throughout Europe. This network will support the creation of a new knowledge and innovation governance structure for Europe’s food system, in line with the EU’s farm-to-fork objectives and Food 2030 priorities. The development of the network and advancement of food systems science and education will be carried out with an inclusive approach to ensure participation from all relevant disciplines, researchers and non-academic actors in the advancement of food systems science.

Objective
The vision of FoSSNet is a strengthened and deepened academic network to support a new Knowledge and Innovation governance structure for Europe’s food system. A new structure is needed as the current Knowledge and Innovation system in the European Research Area is insufficient to address the emerging challenges of nourishing the European food system in a healthy, sustainable and fair way. The aim of FoSSNet is twofold, on one hand to establish a permanent pan-European network for Food System Science and on the other hand to advance inter- and transdisciplinary Food System Science and education. This will contribute directly to the farm to fork objectives and FOOD2030 priorities. Developing the network and advancing Food Systems Science and education will be underpinned by an inclusive approach to ensure engagement of all relevant disciplines, researchers and non-academic actors in advancing Food System Science.

In order to reach the vision and aim, FoSSNet will
1) develop a conceptual framework and a process for developing food system transformation pathways to create a common language and understanding among food system thinkers
2) establish, mobilise and consolidate an inclusive inter- and transdisciplinary pan-European academic network for food systems science to bring European food systems scientists and the science institutions together
3) enhance inclusivity of the Knowledge and Innovation system for a sustainability transformation of EU food systems by addressing sensitivities to power relations and inequities that pervade food systems and contested transformation processes
4) co-produce research for sustainable food system transformation to remove existing barriers to interdisciplinarity in food system science
5) build food systems capability through an academy and curricula to ensure the impact of future food system thinkers
6) create scientific, economic and societal impact by ensuring sustainability of the network.