The Reading Alt Protein Project

About

The Reading Alt Protein Project, located at the University of Reading, is building a unified ecosystem for alternative protein research, innovation, and real-world impact. Our core mission is to bring together all existing research efforts across the university, from plant-based dairy and egg analogues to fermented proteins and cultivated meat, and create a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. Guided by our values of innovation, public good, and collaboration, we aim to connect students, researchers, and industry stakeholders to advance alt-protein science, secure funding, and build scalable solutions. We also raise alt protein awareness among the student community and mobilise action, empowering students to lead research, pursue entrepreneurial ventures, and shape policy conversations.

The University of Reading is uniquely positioned as a powerhouse in food science and nutrition. We host world-class research centres like the Food Processing Pilot Plant, Flavour Centre, and Sensory Science Centre, and produce ground-breaking research studies in nutrition and health focused on next-generation protein development. Our institutional ecosystem also includes Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), a subsidiary of Mondelez International, offering unparalleled access to applied food innovation. Faculty leaders like Prof. Dimitris Charalampopoulos, Dr. Sameer Ghawi, and Prof. Julie Lovegrove, among others, are already advancing work on plant-based proteins and fermentation, creating a strong foundation for our student group.

Though newly established, our group builds on a deep reservoir of leadership and field experience. Members of our team have led national and international initiatives—from coordinating food system strategy to running plant-based community projects in the UK. One of our proudest achievements is aligning diverse student interests—science, business, environmental studies—into a common purpose: building a future-fit food system. Our goal is to make Reading a flagship university for alt-protein innovation, not just in the UK, but across Europe.