The University of Nebraska Alt Protein Project

About

Our team is motivated by the opportunity to advance plant protein production and innovation as scalable, science-based solutions to improve global food systems. We aim to promote the development of new ingredients and technologies, particularly in plant proteins and fermentation, as complementary approaches within the broader food landscape. Our vision is to build a multidisciplinary, student-driven community at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that increases awareness of alternative proteins while highlighting their potential alongside existing food systems. We will focus on three main pillars: education (through seminars and workshops), career pathways (connecting students with research and industry opportunities), and innovation (supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and student-led projects).

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we have a strong foundation in agricultural sciences, food science, plant biology, and biochemistry. UNL is ranked in the top 10% of institutions globally for excellence in agriculture and natural resources. As a land-grant university, UNL has a clear mission aligned with sustainability, food security, and innovation in food systems. Several faculty members are already engaged in related fields and would be strong potential collaborators for interdisciplinary projects. Many groups at UNL, including the Plant Science Innovation (PSI) Center, Nebraska Food for Health Center (NFHC), Doctor of Plant Health: CROPS (Collective Research Organization of Plant Scientists), and the Food Science Club, among others, would be highly interested in engaging with the Alt Protein Project. Additionally, UNL’s proximity to a major agricultural economy creates unique opportunities to connect alternative protein innovation with real-world applications.