Webinar description


Crops delivering protein to the UK population have not changed significantly over the last 50 years. Wheat continues to be a dominant source of plant-based proteins in our diets. Changing dietary patterns to more plant-based diets and environmental pressures both on meat and intensive agriculture are driving opportunities to diversify protein crops in the UK. However, market adoption and integration into new products are major barriers to these changes.

Join us for our next Science of Alt Protein seminar where Dr. John Hammond, Professor at the University of Reading, will share the current challenges facing protein crops in the UK and a project his team is embarking upon to address this hurdle. Opportunities to address these challenges through changes in cropping systems and the integration of bean flour into bakery products to replace imported soy flour will be discussed.

Image of people talking inside and outside a computer

Join us after this event

After the seminar, we encourage you to join our optional networking event for alternative protein enthusiasts! You can talk about your research, your company, any challenges you’re facing in your work, or your reflections on the webinar. The networking session starts at 10:15am EDT and requires a separate registration. We hope to see you there!

Meet the speaker

Sci22039 webinar graphics science of alt protein august callout

Dr. John Hammond

PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF READING

John Hammond is a Professor of Crop Science in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development and leads the University of Reading’s research into Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. He has published over 80 academic papers during his career and regularly contributes to discussions on the sustainability of our food production systems. Professor Hammond’s research has spanned a range of crops and has focused on the sustainability of their production. Fertilizer inputs to crops and adaptations to heat and drought stress are focal points of his research.

Professor Hammond graduated from the University of York with a 1st Class BSc in Applied and Environmental Biology (2000). He then continued his studies and completed a Ph.D. in Plant and Crop Science (2004) at the University of Nottingham. Undertaking a post-doc at the University of Warwick and then taking on a Group Leadership position there, he led research into nutrient management of horticultural crops until 2010. In 2011, he was awarded an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship at the University of Western Australia. He then returned to the UK in 2013 to take his current position at the University of Reading.

Upcoming events

View all events
An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Javits Center

Plant Based World Expo

Join GFI’s Corporate Engagement Manager Abby Sewell at Plant Based World Expo, the only professional 100% plant-based trade event in the U.S.

An illustrative graphic of a microscope on a stack of books

The 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit

GFI’s Elliot Swartz, Ph.D., will share insights at the 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit in Boston. Join Elliot and other experts as they discuss R&D innovations that can…

Https://gfi. Org/wp content/uploads/2025/09/sci25055 ap pipeline webinar graphics october header featured
Virtual Event

Alt Protein Pipelines: Training for commercialization with production facility partnerships

Join us to explore an innovative partnership that is helping students turn classroom learning into commercial-ready innovation.

Https://gfi. Org/wp content/uploads/2025/11/sci25061 soap webinar graphics dec header featured
Virtual Event

The Science of Alt Protein: Glycoengineering fungal cell factories — Implications for recombinant protein production

Join us to learn how using advanced gene-editing tools to reprogram fungi opens new possibilities for recombinant protein production.

An illustration depicting people in science, industry, and academic settings
Virtual Event

Building Your Alt Protein Career: Shaping the Future of Food as a Plant Protein Scientist

Explore the path from food science to product innovation in this conversation on building a purpose-driven career in alternative proteins.

Gfi knowledge partner icon
Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center

Foods of the Future: Science and Engineering Approaches (Gordon Research Conference)

The focus of this conference is to bring the multi-disciplinary future food community under one roof with a singular focus: collaboratively advancing the science and engineering of safe and scalable…