The Science of Alt Protein: Crafting aroma authenticity in plant-based salmon
Event speaker:
Dr. Sirli Rosenvald
CSO of Food Research at TFTAK
Co-founder and CEO at Funki Foods
Webinar description
The concerns arising from overfishing and the depletion of global fish stocks underscore the need to reevaluate the sustainability of conventional fishing practices. Fish alternatives offer a more sustainable solution to meet the growing global demand for seafood while mitigating the environmental impact on marine ecosystems. Although fish alternatives represent one of the fastest-growing categories in the alternative protein space, several challenges remain associated with replicating the sensory properties of plant-based fish alternatives.
Dr. Rosenvald and her research team are actively addressing these challenges to create a plant-protein-based salmon fillet that achieves sensory parity with its animal-origin counterpart. This seminar will specifically focus on the crucial aspect of salmon aroma, a pivotal factor in achieving a high-quality fish alternative. Attendees can expect an in-depth exploration of the molecular composition of salmon, an examination of the primary challenges in the development process, and insights into future perspectives aimed at successfully mimicking the aroma of fish.
Meet the speaker
Dr. Sirli Rosenvald
CSO OF FOOD RESEARCH AT TFTAK
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO AT FUNKI FOODS
Dr. Rosenvald is a highly experienced scientist and executive in the alternative protein space. She has a Ph.D. in food technologies specializing in the molecules behind the taste and aroma of food. For the last ten years, she has been running multiple research projects and leading research teams in TFTAK. In recent years she has been focusing on protein research and meat alternative developments helping to develop and commercialize multiple alternative protein products. Her team has been granted two GFI research grants and is currently participating as a finalist in the XPrize Feed the Next Billion competition. Sirli is also co-founder and CEO of FUNKI. FUNKI provides tasty and healthy high-protein food products from mycoprotein to diversify people’s everyday food choices and nudge their consumption habits towards more sustainable baths. As a flavor scientist, she is passionate about bringing to the market sustainable products that people love for their good taste.
Upcoming events
View all events
Cell growth modeling review for cultivated meat production: Recommendations to improve techno-economic models
Join report authors to learn what current data reveal, where critical gaps remain, and the research priorities shaping more accurate and scalable techno-economic models for cultivated meat production.
California Circular Bioeconomy Summit (BioCirCA)
Join GFI’s Jeremy Eltz at BioCirCA for forward-looking conversations on transforming waste into opportunity—and unlocking the power of bio-based innovation.
COP30: United Nations Climate Change Conference
COP30 Belém brings the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action. Join GFI and other alternative protein experts at this historic event!
Supporting growers and rural communities: resilience through protein diversification
Event description This fall, GFI and Pulse Canada are partnering to launch The Pulse Chain: From Growers to Global Protein Markets, an interactive webinar series that brings growers and food…
Growing the Future: How New Farming Frontiers Are Transforming Protein
Join GFI’s Adam Leman for a look at how next-gen protein technologies—from precision fermentation to cultivated meat—are reshaping the future of sustainable food.
The Science of Alt Protein: Application-driven design of plant protein gels
Discover how application-driven design of plant protein gels can unlock new possibilities in texture, mouthfeel, and nutrition.
New Proteins webinar
Join GFI’s Abby Sewell for a look at how hybrid and diversified protein strategies are shaping the future of food.
Future of Food: Engaging Agriculture and Education in the Protein Transition
GFI’s Jeremy Eltz and Janie Butler are heading to Tuskegee to lead a dynamic workshop at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference.
