BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Good Food Institute - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://gfi.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Good Food Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231009T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231010T235959 DTSTAMP:20231006T150115Z CREATED:20231006T145726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231006T150115Z UID:10000506-1696809600-1696982399@gfi.org SUMMARY:Food | Ag | Ideas Week DESCRIPTION:Food | Ag | Ideas WeekPast\n\n\n\n\nGFI’s Dr. Priera Panescu will speak at Food | Ag | Ideas Week on Balancing the Plate with Conventional and Alternative Proteins in the Future Food. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nFood | Ag | Ideas\, led by Naturally MN and partners\, is an annual multi-day series of speakers\, events\, tours\, and demo showcases to highlight innovative ideas\, make connections across the sectors\, invite leaders to join Minnesota’s entrepreneur and innovation ecosystem\, and move our industry forward\, \n\n\n\nIn 2023\, the theme of FAI is focused on the Future of Food + Ag Innovation: Healthy People\, Planet. Centering the ways in which the food system operates is critical to ensure the future and sustainability of our value chain. \n\n\n\nCome ready to learn and network on October 9th and 10th for the two days of panels at the Minnesota History Center\, and don’t miss out on the array of pre-conference events and experiences starting on October 3rd. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriera Panescu\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nLEAD SCIENTIST\, PLANT-BASEDGFI \n\n\n\nPriera’s role at GFI focuses on accelerating the plant-based meat industry through analyzing their plant-based protein landscape\, identifying emerging technological solutions and bottlenecks\, and communicating with other scientists about advancing alternative protein research. Priera has bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and math from the University of California\, Santa Cruz as well as a master’s and a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of California\, Los Angeles. Prior to joining GFI\, Priera spent almost a decade focusing on polymer\, formulation\, and materials chemistry research. Particularly\, she honed these skills for food security applications by creating novel sustainable agriculture materials and compounds. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/food-ag-ideas-week/ CATEGORIES:External hybrid event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/food-ag-ideas-week/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231012T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231012T153000 DTSTAMP:20231010T144838Z CREATED:20231010T144835Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231010T144838Z UID:10000507-1697119200-1697124600@gfi.org SUMMARY:An Introduction to Precision Fermentation: Application and Challenges DESCRIPTION:An Introduction to Precision Fermentation: Application and ChallengesPast\n\n\n\n\nThe SOT Biotechnology and Food Safety Specialty Sections provide an in-depth exploration of the science behind precision fermentation\, the techno-economic challenges faced by this innovative approach\, and the regulatory and safety hurdles that must be navigated for its successful integration into the global market. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nPrecision fermentation is a rapidly emerging technology that promises to revolutionize various industries\, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. This 90-minute session\, hosted by The SOT Biotechnology and Food Safety Specialty Sections\, will provide an in-depth exploration of the science behind precision fermentation\, the techno-economic challenges faced by this innovative approach\, and the regulatory and safety hurdles that must be navigated for its successful integration into the global market. Furthermore\, the session will examine the sustainability outlook and potential challenges associated with implementing precision fermentation on a large scale. \n\n\n\nTopics: \n\n\n\n\nIntroduction to the Science and Techno-Economic Challenges\n\n\n\nRegulatory and Safety Challenges\n\n\n\nSustainability Outlook and Challenges\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdam Leman\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nLEAD SCIENTIST\, FERMENTATIONGFI \n\n\n\nAdam is a Lead Scientist\, Fermentation at GFI and is focused on the development of biomass fermentation and precision fermentation biotechnology for food protein. He earned a B.S. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. from Drexel University College of Medicine in Molecular Biology. Adam’s postdoctoral studies concentrated on fungal genetics and systems biology. During his time in biotech\, Adam implemented gene expression analyses in microbial\, agtech\, and human health studies to better characterize these systems and offer a deeper understanding for strain development and process improvement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/an-introduction-to-precision-fermentation-application-and-challenges/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/an-introduction-to-precision-fermentation-application-and-challenges/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231019T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231019T141500 DTSTAMP:20230912T191109Z CREATED:20230912T172027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T191109Z UID:10000502-1697720400-1697724900@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: Sustainable carbon and nitrogen sources for fermentative production of alternative proteins DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: Sustainable carbon and nitrogen sources for fermentative production of alternative proteinsPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI for our next Science of Alt Protein seminar to delve into Dr. Ujor’s research\, which has important implications for sustainable and cost-effective protein production via fermentation. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent speaker:Dr. Victor UjorAssistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nFermentation is an essential player in the quest for sustainable and economical production and formulation of alternative proteins that aptly mimic animal-derived proteins. Towards this goal\, cost-effective carbon and nitrogen sources derived from environmentally benign processes are essential. Notably\, lignocellulose-derived sugars represent renewable and cheaper alternatives to refined sugars and food sources as carbon sources. However\, successful deployment of lignocellulose-derived sugars in the fermentative production of proteins and additives used in formulating alternative proteins is plagued by the co-generation of inhibitory compounds accumulated during the deconstruction of lignocellulosic materials to release fermentable sugars.  \n\n\n\nTo address this challenge\, Dr. Ujor and his team employ adroit engineering of established microbial workhorses as well as screen for novel strains and species that can efficiently neutralize or break down these inhibitory compounds. To minimize reliance on synthetic ammonium—a product of the Haber-Bosch Process characterized by high energy input and emission of large amounts of CO2—they are exploring nitrogen-fixing bacteria as potential drivers of fermentative production of alternative proteins.  \n\n\n\nTheir results show that overexpression of inhibitor detoxifying enzymes arms select bacterial species for increased and rapid removal/tolerance to lignocellulose-derived inhibitory compounds. Similarly\, Dr. Ujor and his team have identified select bacterial species with the inherent ability to utilize the inhibitory compounds as carbon sources. These organisms represent exciting candidates for the fermentative production of alternative proteins\, as well as molecules used as binders and foaming agents during the formulation of alternative proteins. Furthermore\, creating an environment that supports fermentation and nitrogen fixation significantly minimizes the exogenous supply of synthetic ammonium during fermentation. \n\n\n\nJoin GFI for our next Science of Alt Protein seminar to delve into Dr. Ujor’s research\, which has important implications for sustainable and cost-effective protein production via fermentation. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Victor Ujor\n\n\n\nASSISTANT PROFESSOR\, DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE\, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON \n\n\n\nDr. Ujor obtained his bachelor’s degree in Applied Microbiology and Brewing from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology\, Enugu\, Nigeria. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Westminster in London\, UK\, in Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology. After a postdoctoral experience at Ohio State University\, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution before joining the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science in 2021. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-sustainable-carbon-and-nitrogen-sources-for-fermentative-production-of-alternative-proteins/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCI23067_webinar-graphics-science-of-alt-protein-October_header-featured.png LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-sustainable-carbon-and-nitrogen-sources-for-fermentative-production-of-alternative-proteins/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231024T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231026T180000 DTSTAMP:20230724T161900Z CREATED:20230724T161857Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230724T161900Z UID:10000493-1698132600-1698343200@gfi.org SUMMARY:VERGE 23 DESCRIPTION:VERGE 23Past\n\n\n\n\nVERGE 23 is a leading climate tech event focused on accelerating solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. Join over 5\,000 professionals working together to address the climate crisis. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nJoin more than 5\,000 professionals — leaders from business\, government\, solution providers\, and startups working to tackle the climate crisis. \n\n\n\nThe key programs that comprise VERGE 23 — Buildings\, Carbon\, Energy\, Food\, Startups and Transport  — focus on seizing opportunities to reimagine and redesign a more prosperous\, sustainable\, and resilient world. \n\n\n\nBy attending\, you’ll gain access to inspiring keynotes\, engaging breakout sessions and tutorials\, innovative exhibit displays\, networking events and more. \n\n\n\nGFI Startup Innovation Lead Audrey Spence will be speaking on a panel titled: The Alternative Protein Reset on Tuesday\, October 24. In this panel\, industry experts will provide an update on the state of the alternative protein market and discuss how lessons learned in the past year can inform business strategy. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAudrey Spence\n\n\n\nSTARTUP INNOVATION LEAD \n\n\n\nAudrey Spence serves as GFI’s Startup Innovation Lead\, supporting entrepreneurs and startups in the alternative protein sector and building open-access tools for the industry. \n\n\n\n\nGet in touch\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/verge23/ LOCATION:San Jose McEnery Convention Center\, 150 W San Carlos St\, San Jose\, California\, 95113\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231024T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231024T131500 DTSTAMP:20230929T145414Z CREATED:20230928T213536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230929T145414Z UID:10000503-1698148800-1698153300@gfi.org SUMMARY:Cultivating alternative proteins from commodity crop sidestreams DESCRIPTION:Cultivating alternative proteins from commodity crop sidestreamsPast\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar will highlight the exciting findings of GFI’s latest analysis identifying high-value crop “leftovers” or sidestreams with tremendous potential for maximizing food production via alternative proteins. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nJoin GFI for a webinar unveiling a groundbreaking report that identifies high-value agricultural sidestreams with tremendous potential for maximizing food production via alternative proteins while cutting the costs and environmental impacts of agricultural wastes. \n\n\n\nThis analysis identifies the optimal sidestreams candidates from North America’s top crops that could be valorized for protein concentrates for plant-based food ingredients\, protein hydrolysates for fermentation or cultivated meat media\, and lignocellulosic sugars for fermentation media.  \n\n\n\nThe webinar will address challenges\, including the need for research and development to optimize sidestream functionality\, alongside the establishment of robust supply chains and infrastructure. This analysis also outlines strategic geographic opportunity areas and the need for public-private partnerships to take full advantage of the economic and environmental potential sidestreams offer. \n\n\n\nKey recommendations will be discussed for the following stakeholders intent on capitalizing on the potential of sidestreams: \n\n\n\n\nIngredient manufacturers and agricultural players \n\n\n\nResearchers and alternative protein manufacturers\n\n\n\nPolicymakers\n\n\n\n\nJoin us to learn about the full potential of sidestream valorization\, paving the way for sustainable and efficient alternative protein production. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLucas Eastham\, M.Sc.\n\n\n\nSENIOR FERMENTATION SCIENTIST\, THE GOOD FOOD INSTITUTE \n\n\n\nLucas works with the SciTech team to analyze the technical landscape for proteins and ingredients derived from microbial fermentation\, identify key challenges\, and articulate solutions to accelerate the industry. Before GFI\, Lucas spent ten years at Algenol Biotech commercializing microbial-derived biofuels\, biofertilizers\, food ingredients\, and cosmetic ingredients. His expertise ranges across the bioprocess commercialization spectrum from strain development\, cultivation process development (USP)\, downstream process development (DSP)\, commercialization\, and GMP operations. Lucas holds a B.S. in Biology and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.S. in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBryan Quoc Le\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nFACULTY RESEARCH FELLOW\, PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY \n\n\n\nDr. Bryan Quoc Le is a food scientist\, consultant\, and author who holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin\, Madison. His doctoral research examined the biological effects of savory flavors from plant-based sources on mammalian cells. Presently a Faculty Research Fellow in the Department of Biology at Pacific Lutheran University\, he focuses on transforming food and agricultural waste into sustainable fermentation substrates for the alternative protein sector. He is the inventor of two patents and the recipient of the 2023 Food Science Consultant of the Year for the Global Vegan Awards. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/cultivating-alternative-proteins-from-commodity-crop-sidestreams/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SCI23036_Sidestreams-analysis-webinar-graphics_header-feature.jpg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/cultivating-alternative-proteins-from-commodity-crop-sidestreams/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231024T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231024T133000 DTSTAMP:20231020T164104Z CREATED:20231020T164100Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231020T164104Z UID:10000512-1698148800-1698154200@gfi.org SUMMARY:Cultivated Meat: Understanding the Science and Future Applications DESCRIPTION:Cultivated Meat: Understanding the Science and Future ApplicationsPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for this webinar hosted by the Research Chef’s Association where we will cover cultivated meat technology and describe how it’s made. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nThis webinar will cover cultivated meat technology and describe how it’s made. We will discuss the key technology-specific areas of the value chain that are critical for cultivated meat development\, walk through studies examining the costs and environmental impacts of cultivated meat\, touch on the regulation and food safety considerations\, and end with a glimpse into the future of the industry in the coming years and how your members can help shape the industry. During this webinar\, Dr. Claire Bomkamp\, GFI’s Cultivated Meat and Seafood Scientist\, and Marika Azoff\, GFI’s Corporate Engagement Lead\, will dive into the following topics: \n\n\n\n\nIntroduction to The Good Food Institute (GFI)\n\n\n\nWhat is cultivated meat\, and how is it made?\n\n\n\nThe technology value chain for cultivated meat production: cell lines\, cell culture media\, bioprocess design\, and scaffolds.\n\n\n\nThe environmental impacts of cultivated meat\n\n\n\nThe costs of cultivated meat production\n\n\n\nRegulation and food safety of cultivated meat\n\n\n\nThe commercial landscape; who is developing these products?\n\n\n\nThe future of the cultivated meat industry and the roles that chefs and food companies can play in the sector\n\n\n\nQ&A\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarika Azoff\n\n\n\nCORPORATE ENGAGEMENT LEAD – RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICE\, THE GOOD FOOD INSTITUTE \n\n\n\nMarika works with companies involved in food sales and distribution to increase their sales of and commitment to alternative proteins. Marika first joined GFI with a focus on alternative seafood. Through building relationships with the private sector\, she worked to accelerate the development of alternative seafood globally. Marika earned a BA in Animal Conservation from the University of Rochester and spent the last decade focused on animal conservation and strategic partnerships. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClaire Bomkamp\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nLEAD SCIENTIST\, CULTIVATED MEAT & SEAFOOD\, THE GOOD FOOD INSTITUTE \n\n\n\nClaire serves as Lead Scientist\, Cultivated Meat & Seafood and is a member of GFI’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative. She focuses on analyzing the technical landscape of the cultivated seafood industry\, identifying bottlenecks\, and engaging researchers in order to move cultivated seafood technology forward. She holds a PhD in neuroscience from the University of British Columbia and a bachelors in behavioral neuroscience from Western Washington University. Her academic research used both cell culture and computational techniques to understand molecular mechanisms of neuronal connectivity and function\, and she has also been heavily involved in youth science outreach programs. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/cultivated-meat-understanding-the-science-and-future-applications/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/cultivated-meat-understanding-the-science-and-future-applications/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231031T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231031T133000 DTSTAMP:20231018T153310Z CREATED:20231018T153307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231018T153310Z UID:10000511-1698753600-1698759000@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Business of Alt Protein: Accelerating foodservice and retail expansion through distributor partnerships DESCRIPTION:The Business of Alt Protein: Accelerating foodservice and retail expansion through distributor partnershipsPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI and industry leaders for a seminar focused on distribution. We’ll review the basics of distribution – what kinds of distributors there are\, why you should work with them\, and how partnerships can be most effective. We’ll then have a panel discussion with distributors where you can get your questions answered. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nDistributors are critical to expanding your company’s food service and retail footprint. Join GFI and industry leaders for a seminar focused on distribution. We’ll review the basics of distribution – what kinds of distributors there are\, why you should work with them\, and how to reach them. We’ll then have a panel discussion with distributors covering the following: \n\n\n\n\nHow to work effectively with distributors\n\n\n\nWhat are best practices and common mistakes to avoid when working with distributors\n\n\n\nWhy distributors are critical to your business success\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent speakers\n\n\n\nDavid Benzaquen\, Founder and CEO\, Mission:Plant \n\n\n\nMike Schall\, President\, Pod Foods \n\n\n\nBilly Bell\, Sr. Business Development Manager\, Dot Foods \n\n\n\nTor Newman\, CEO and Managing Partner\, Ace Natural \n\n\n\nAaron May\, Senior Manager\, UpNext Program at United Natural Foods \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-accelerating-foodservice-and-retail-expansion-through-distributor-partnerships/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/COR23035_webinar-graphics-business-of-alt-protein-October_header-featured.png LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-accelerating-foodservice-and-retail-expansion-through-distributor-partnerships/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231102T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231103T235959 DTSTAMP:20230907T211045Z CREATED:20230907T210912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230907T211045Z UID:10000500-1698883200-1699055999@gfi.org SUMMARY:Reuters Transform Food DESCRIPTION:Reuters Transform FoodPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI at Reuters Transform Food\, a conference focused on improving the resiliency of global food and agriculture systems. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\n120 of the world’s most influential food decision makers will come together to tackle the structural barriers impeding transformation at scale and unlock a viable roadmap to a net positive future for all. Use discount code GFI200 for $200 off any ticket type when you register. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/reuters-transform-food/ LOCATION:The Marquette Hotel\, 710 S Marquette Ave\, Minneapolis\, Minnesota\, 55402 CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231112T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231114T235959 DTSTAMP:20231024T204728Z CREATED:20231011T172604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231024T204728Z UID:10000508-1699747200-1700006399@gfi.org SUMMARY:Private Label Manufacturers Association 2023 Annual Private Label Trade Show DESCRIPTION:Private Label Manufacturers Association 2023 Annual Private Label Trade ShowPast\n\n\n\n\nAre you an alt-protein startup looking to meet potential contract manufacturing partner? The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) show is coming up and a fantastic opportunity to do so! \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe largest trade show of its kind\, the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is coming up and a great opportunity for alt protein startups to meet with potential contract manufacturing partners. \n\n\n\nThis trade show is a fantastic opportunity to connect with potential contract manufacturers as well as supermarkets\, wholesale clubs\, dollar and specialty stores\, mass merchandisers\, and e-commerce retailer. The show will also cover the latest in food products\, ingredients\, flavors\, packaging and supplier trends in the private label industry. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/private-label-manufacturers-association-2023-annual-private-label-trade-show/ LOCATION:Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Chicago\, 5555 N River Rd.\, Rosemont\, Illinois\, 60018\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231116T235959 DTSTAMP:20231017T193954Z CREATED:20231017T165927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231017T193954Z UID:10000510-1700006400-1700179199@gfi.org SUMMARY:Plant-based World Expo DESCRIPTION:Plant-based World ExpoPast\n\n\n\n\nDiscover the next generation of plant-based on November 15-16\, 2023. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nWant to take your business to the next level? Improved profitability\, menu items that capture new customers\, and progress toward lasting\, transformational change across the global food system. Plant-Based World Expo makes it all possible\, by bringing more than 5\,000 stakeholders together to spark new opportunities in a market projected to reach $162 billion by 2030 (Bloomberg\, 2021). \n\n\n\nAs the only 100% plant-based expo for retail and food service\, this is where buyers learn about the better-for-you options that consumers are craving\, where the companies creating the next wave of innovative and accessible products find their big breaks\, where the roadmap to sustainability evolves — and where the next era of plant-based begins. \n\n\n\nThis is Plant-Based 2.0. Are you ready? \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCarlotte Lucas\n\n\n\nSENIOR CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT MANAGER\, GFI EUROPE \n\n\n\nCarlotte leads GFI Europe’s corporate engagement work\, connecting with companies and investors across Europe to encourage investment and innovation in sustainable proteins. Her background is in change management consultancy with Deloitte\, supporting companies and stakeholders through large-scale transformations. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/plant-based-world-expo-london-2023/ LOCATION:ExCeL London\, Royal Victoria Dock\, 1 Western Gateway\, London\, E16 1XL\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T123000 DTSTAMP:20231107T213704Z CREATED:20231107T193853Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231107T213704Z UID:10000515-1700046000-1700051400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Cultivating careers in alternative proteins: the fermentation scientist perspective DESCRIPTION:Cultivating careers in alternative proteins: the fermentation scientist perspectivePast\n\n\n\n\nHear from fermentation scientists who will discuss their intriguing career paths and the need for microbiologists and biotechnologists in the alternative protein ecosystem. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nThe emerging field of alternative proteins is creating cutting-edge career and research opportunities for microbiologists and biotechnologists. Attendees will hear from Dr. Adam Leman\, Lead Scientist in Fermentation\, at The Good Food Institute\, Lucas Eastman\, Senior Scientist in Fermentation at The Good Food Institute\, and Hanlu Liu\, Fermentation Scientist at New Culture. In the webinar\, our speakers will discuss the case for reimagining meat production\, the need for microbiologists and biotechnologists in the alternative protein ecosystem\, technical challenges and opportunities\, and their professional paths into the alternative protein field. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdam Leman\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nLEAD SCIENTIST\, FERMENTATION \n\n\n\nAdam is a Lead Scientist\, Fermentation at GFI and is focused on the development of biomass fermentation and precision fermentation biotechnology for food protein. He earned a B.S. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. from Drexel University College of Medicine in Molecular Biology. Adam’s postdoctoral studies concentrated on fungal genetics and systems biology. During his time in biotech\, Adam implemented gene expression analyses in microbial\, agtech\, and human health studies to better characterize these systems and offer a deeper understanding for strain development and process improvement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLucas Eastham\, M.Sc.\n\n\n\nSENIOR FERMENTATION SCIENTIST \n\n\n\nLucas works with the SciTech team to analyze the technical landscape for proteins and ingredients derived from microbial fermentation\, identify key challenges\, and articulate solutions to accelerate the industry. Before GFI\, Lucas spent ten years at Algenol Biotech commercializing microbial-derived biofuels\, biofertilizers\, food ingredients\, and cosmetic ingredients. His expertise ranges across the bioprocess commercialization spectrum from strain development\, cultivation process development (USP)\, downstream process development (DSP)\, commercialization\, and GMP operations. Lucas holds a B.S. in Biology and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.S. in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/cultivating-careers-in-alternative-proteins-the-fermentation-scientist-perspective/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/cultivating-careers-in-alternative-proteins-the-fermentation-scientist-perspective/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T133000 DTSTAMP:20231106T214433Z CREATED:20231102T154611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T214433Z UID:10000514-1700049600-1700055000@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Business of Alt Protein: Side streams and upcycling for alternative proteins DESCRIPTION:The Business of Alt Protein: Side streams and upcycling for alternative proteinsPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI\, GEA\, and alternative protein business leaders from ENOUGH\, Hyfé\, and Protein Distillery for a seminar on upcycling and leveraging side streams within your alternative protein business. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nJoin GFI\, GEA\, and alternative protein business leaders from ENOUGH\, Hyfé\, and Protein Distillery for a seminar on upcycling and leveraging side streams within your alternative protein business. \n\n\n\nGEA\, one of the largest suppliers of food processing technology and of related sectors\, will share their experiences partnering with industry to develop solutions for valorization and upcycling of co-products and waste streams. We’ll then hear from industry experts about how they incorporate side streams into their business models\, lessons from other industries\, and common challenges. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\nArpad Csay\, Senior Director New Food North America\, GEA \n\n\n\nLucas Leão Camargo\, Global Business Development Manager\, GEA  \n\n\n\nTomas Kurz\, Co-Founder\, Product & Operations\, ProteinDistillery   \n\n\n\nAndrea Schoen\, CTO & Co-Founder\, Hyfé \n\n\n\nCraig Johnston\, Co-founder and CTO\, ENOUGH \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-side-streams-and-upcycling-for-alternative-proteins/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COR23036_webinar-graphics-business-of-alt-protein-November_header-featured.jpg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-side-streams-and-upcycling-for-alternative-proteins/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231116T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231116T141500 DTSTAMP:20231017T145729Z CREATED:20231005T185159Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231017T145729Z UID:10000505-1700139600-1700144100@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: The science\, technology and art of high protein plant-based cheese DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: The science\, technology and art of high protein plant-based cheesePast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI grantee Dr. Alejandro Marangoni to learn about his novel high-protein plant-based cheese made from waxy starch\, plant-protein isolate\, and coconut oil. This sustainable alternative made with simple ingredients exhibits melt and stretch properties 2-3 times greater than those observed for commercial plant-based cheeses. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent speaker:Dr. Alejandro G. Marangoni\, O.C.\, F.R.S.C.University of Guelph \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nAnimal proteins and by-products\, such as milk and cheese\, generate the greatest greenhouse gas emissions in the food sector. This\, coupled with the demonstrably worsening climate crisis\, means that there needs to be a shift to more sustainable alternatives in the form of plant-based foods. In particular\, the plant-based cheese industry is relevant\, as the products lack critical functionalities and nutrition compared to their dairy-based counterparts. \n\n\n\nWaxy starch\, plant-protein isolate\, and coconut oil were combined to create a novel high-protein (18% w/w) plant-based cheese. Dr. Marangoni and his team determined that by using native waxy starch\, they could enhance its existing viscoelastic properties by modulating gelatinization by adding plant protein and fat. Texture profile analysis indicated that the cheese analogues could reach hardness levels of 15-90N\, which allowed samples to be tailored to a broader range of dairy products. They determined that plant proteins and fat can behave as particulate fillers\, enhance network strength\, and create strategic junction points during starch retrogradation. \n\n\n\nThe degree of melt and stretch of the high protein plant-based analogues were 2-3 times greater than those observed for commercial plant-based cheeses and significantly more similar to dairy cheese. The rheological melting kinetics saw that the high protein plant-based cheese displayed more viscous properties with increasing temperature. The tan delta (G”/G’) at 80C was used as an indicator for sample meltability where higher values indicate better melt and more viscous systems. The high protein plant-based cheese reached tan values upwards to 0.7\, whereas commercial plant-based cheese only reached tan values around 0.1. Ultimately\, the novel high-protein plant-based cheese demonstrates the use of simple ingredients to form complex food systems. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Alejandro G. Marangoni\, O.C.\, F.R.S.C.\n\n\n\nPROFESSOR AND TIER 1 CANADA RESEARCH CHAIRUNIVERSITY OF GUELPH \n\n\n\nDr. Alejandro G. Marangoni is a Professor and Tier I Canada Research Chair in Food\, Health and Aging at the University of Guelph\, Canada. His work concentrates on the physical properties of food materials in foods\, cosmetics and biolubricants\, with particular emphasis on sustainability\, preservation of biodiversity and health. With an H-index of 88\, i-index of 415 and over 27\,500 citations of his work\, he has published over 500 refereed research articles\, 90 book chapters\, 18 books\, and over 40 patents. He is the recipient of the 2013 AOCS Stephen Chang award\, the 2014 IFT Chang Award in Lipid Science\, the 2014 AOCS Supelco/Nicholas Pelick Award\, the 2015 ISF Kaufmann Medal\, the 2017 AOCS Alton E. Bailey Medal\, and the 2019 European Lipid Technology Award from EuroFed Lipids. Marangoni is a fellow of the American Oil Chemists’ Society\, the Institute of Food Technologists and the Royal Society of Chemistry (U.K.). He is the Editor in Chief of both Current Opinion and Current Research in Food Science. Dr. Marangoni has also founded and commercialized three major technology platforms with global reach. Dr. Marangoni was honored as one of the ten most influential Hispanic Canadians in 2012\, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2018\, and an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2021. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-the-science-technology-and-art-of-high-protein-plant-based-cheese/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SCI23071_webinar-graphics-science-of-alt-protein-November_header-featured.jpg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-the-science-technology-and-art-of-high-protein-plant-based-cheese/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231127T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231128T235959 DTSTAMP:20231017T153044Z CREATED:20231017T153041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231017T153044Z UID:10000509-1701043200-1701215999@gfi.org SUMMARY:Dubai Future Forum 2023 DESCRIPTION:Dubai Future Forum 2023Past\n\n\n\n\nThe Dubai Future Forum\, in its second edition\, is the largest gathering of world’s top futurists who meet to anticipate challenges\, imagine opportunities\, and shape the future by challenging each other and translating their work in meaningful actions. This year the Forum takes place just days ahead of the UN COP28 and will see thought leaders from around the planet sharing views on four themes: Empowering Generation; Regenerating Nature; Transcending Collaboration; and Transforming Humanity. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe Dubai Future Forum is an annual event hosted by the Dubai Future Foundation at the iconic Museum of the Future that brings together futurists\, foresight practitioners\, thought leaders\, and experts from academia and various industries as well as government to anticipate challenges\, imagine opportunities\, share foresight\, and shape the future. The 2022 inaugural event brought together over 1000 such individuals and close to 50 foresight groups and organizations around four key themes: the Future of our World; Mitigating Existential Risk through Foresight; Value and Humanity; and Hedging our Bets through Foresight. \n\n\n\nIn 2023\, the Dubai Future Forum will once again seek to provide an international platform for futurists and thought leaders\, from diverse sectors\, to discuss insights and experiences\, inspire and challenge one another\, and build a long-lasting community by engaging on tomorrow’s most pressing issues; thus cementing Dubai’s position as a rising global hub for futures leadership and action. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER\, GFI \n\n\n\nBruce oversees GFI’s global strategy\, working with and across all of GFI’s international teams (Asia Pacific\, Brazil\, Europe\, India\, Israel\, and United States) to ensure that GFI is maximally effective at implementing programs that deliver mission-focused results. Bruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, 2021 “American Food Hero” (EatingWell Magazine)\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, ReCode Decode\, and other programs and podcasts. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed two million times and translated into dozens of languages. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/dubai-future-forum-2023/ LOCATION:Museum of The Future\, 67CP+H4Q Sheikh Zayed Rd\, Dubai\, United Arab Emirates CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231128T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231128T130000 DTSTAMP:20231005T153454Z CREATED:20231005T153110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231005T153454Z UID:10000504-1701171000-1701176400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Fish & CHIPS: Collaborative Huddle for Ideation & Problem Solving DESCRIPTION:Fish & CHIPS: Collaborative Huddle for Ideation & Problem SolvingPast\n\n\n\n\nCalling all cultivated seafood researchers and innovators! Join us for our next collaborative huddle on November 28th. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nJoin us for an engaging virtual collaborative huddle hosted by The Good Food Institute. This event aims to bring together cultivated seafood researchers and innovators from around the world\, providing them with a unique platform to connect\, network\, and tackle shared challenges head-on. \n\n\n\nDuring the registration process\, we encourage you to select specific topics of interest\, allowing us to create breakout groups that maximize the potential for productive discussions and innovative problem-solving. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues and expand your network at our next collaborative huddle! \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/fish-and-chips-collaborative-huddle/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SCI23072_webinar-graphics-fish-and-chips-Nov_featured.png LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/fish-and-chips-collaborative-huddle/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231130T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231212T235959 DTSTAMP:20231204T143745Z CREATED:20231024T173424Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231204T143745Z UID:10000513-1701302400-1702425599@gfi.org SUMMARY:COP28 (UN Climate Change Conference) DESCRIPTION:COP28 (UN Climate Change Conference)Past\n\n\n\n\nCOP28 UAE brings the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action. Join GFI and other alternative protein experts at this historic event! \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nA critical moment in global transformative climate action \n\n\n\nIn the three decades since the Rio Summit and the launch of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)\, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP) has convened member countries every year to determine ambition and responsibilities\, and identify and assess climate measures. The 21st session of the COP (COP21) led to the Paris Agreement\, which mobilized global collective action to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels by 2100\, and to act to adapt to the already existing effects of climate change. \n\n\n\nCheck out some of the ways we are engaging at COP28 to elevate alternative proteins as a climate solution. \n\n\n\n\nWe are partnering with Climate Action for the Agri-Food Systems Summit\, returning to COP28 in technical collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. GFI President and Founder Bruce Friedrich will speak on the panel\, “Health is Wealth: Prioritizing the Consumer” (December 8). Learn more here!\n\n\n\nGFI Brazil CEO Gus Guadagnini will convene government and industry leaders for “Unleashing the Power of Alternative Proteins for Climate Resilience and Food Security” (December 3)\, an official UNFCCC side event. Visit the COP28 side event schedule for details. Gus will also be speaking at “Unlocking the agri-food system transformation: Aligning regenerative farming with sustainable food choices” (December 10)\, a discussion hosted by the Food4Climate Pavilion.\n\n\n\nGFI President Bruce Friedrich will be speaking at several events\, including the Climate Leaders’s Assembly (November 30)\, World Agri-Tech Dubai (December 5)\, and a fireside chat on responsible consumption and sustainable production at the Food Pavilion (December 10).\n\n\n\nGFI Asia Pacific Managing Director Mirte Gosker will moderate a discussion on how governments can play a role in accelerating the product development and scale-up of future foods. “Connecting the Little Red Dots: Singapore’s Emerging Blueprint for Future-Proof Food” (December 10) will be hosted by the Singapore Pavilion.\n\n\n\nGFI India Policy Specialist Radhika Ramesh will speak on the panel “Brewing Protein Represents a Whole New Way to Address Food Security\, Overfishing\, Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity” (December 10). This conversation will be hosted by Unibio and the Danish government at the Danish Pavillion.\n\n\n\nGFI Director of International Engagement Stephanie von Stein will sit alongside industry leaders for a critical conversation. “Cultured Meats – a myth or reality?” (December 10) will take place at the Technology & Innovation Hub in the Green Zone.\n\n\n\nGFI Brazil Policy Analyst Mariana Bernal will speak on “Sustainable Snacking for Future Champions” (December 10) at the Children and Youth Pavilion.\n\n\n\nGFI India Acting Managing Director Sneha Singh will speak on the panel “Feeding the Future: Revolutionizing food systems through technology and innovation” (December 10) at the Swedish Pavilion\, Blue Zone.\n\n\n\n\nNote: Many COP28 events will be live-streamed. Check the host organization’s webpage for details. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER\, GFI \n\n\n\nBruce oversees GFI’s global strategy\, working with and across all of GFI’s international teams (Asia Pacific\, Brazil\, Europe\, India\, Israel\, and United States) to ensure that GFI is maximally effective at implementing programs that deliver mission-focused results. Bruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, 2021 “American Food Hero” (EatingWell Magazine)\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, ReCode Decode\, and other programs and podcasts. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed two million times and translated into dozens of languages. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMirte Gosker\n\n\n\nMANAGING DIRECTOR\, GFI APAC \n\n\n\nMirte lives in Singapore\, the first country in the world to approve the sales of a cultivated meat product. Prior to GFI\, she worked as a management consultant to startups\, and as a researcher in humanitarian logistics. She brings experience in startups\, international development and philanthropy. Mirte holds a MA in International Development from Wageningen University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGus Guadagnini\n\n\n\nCEO\, GFI BRAZIL \n\n\n\nGustavo lives and works in São Paulo\, Brazil and is focused on developing and promoting Brazil’s plant-based food industry. He has experience as a start-up strategist and is involved in the Brazilian entrepreneurship community. Gustavo worked with the Whirlpool Corporation for seven years\, and he has a background in project management\, product development\, and marketing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStephanie von Stein\n\n\n\nDIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT\, GFI \n\n\n\nWorking with team members from across GFI’s five international affiliate organizations\, Stephanie leads GFI’s strategic engagement with multilateral institutions\, helping secure support for alternative proteins as a key solution to the climate crisis\, antimicrobial resistance\, and food insecurity. Prior to GFI\, Stephanie spent two decades building strategic partnerships and managing international teams and programs across the private and non-profit sectors. An Asia specialist\, she founded and ran the Asian Waterkeeper network for the clean water advocacy organization\, Waterkeeper Alliance. Stephanie earned a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and an A.B. in History from Brown University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRadhika Ramesh\n\n\n\nPOLICY SPECIALIST\, GFI INDIA \n\n\n\nRadhika holds a degree in law\, having completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law with Political Science and International Law Honors from Alliance University\, Bangalore. As a student she interned in several litigation firms\, but deepened her passion for climate change and environmental protection after working with climate think tanks and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation where she studied the human influence on urban\, rural and wildlife geographies\, and worked on analyzing animal protection laws and suggesting reforms. Radhika’s keen interest in international trade law\, nutrition\, sustainability\, and policy led her to GFI India where she actively works to increase the policy pathways for the emerging area of food and biotechnology innovation in the smart protein sector. Passionate about creating opportunities for a just transition in India’s protein transformation\, she believes that GFI India’s work will bring India to the forefront of sustainable nutrition and a powerhouse of alternative protein production. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMariana Bernal\n\n\n\nPOLICY ANALYST\, GFI BRAZIL \n\n\n\nMariana Bernal is the policy analyst for GFI Brazil. She works directly with government agents and public policymakers\, to foster communication between the government and market agents and collaborate with local\, global and multilateral players to ensure that the current regulatory framework allows for the full development of Brazil’s alternative protein sector. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSneha Singh\n\n\n\nACTING MANAGING DIRECTOR\, GFI INDIA \n\n\n\nSneha is a CIPD qualified HR professional from Manchester Business School\, and has worked as an HR professional in the UK for eight years. Before joining GFI\, she was the strategic and operational HR Lead for London Wildlife Trust\, developing and implementing robust HR policies\, ensuring best practice HR and driving organizational change. Sneha is passionate about all things nature conservation\, sustainability\, and climate change\, which led her to working for GFI — as she continues on her journey of shaping the workforce for the greater good. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/cop28-un-climate-change-conference/ LOCATION:Expo City Dubai\, Al Wasl Avenue\, Dubai\, United Arab Emirates CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231208T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231208T235959 DTSTAMP:20231113T180651Z CREATED:20231109T183213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231113T180651Z UID:10000516-1701993600-1702079999@gfi.org SUMMARY:Agri-Food Systems Summit DESCRIPTION:Agri-Food Systems SummitPast\n\n\n\n\nGFI is pleased to partner with Climate Action for the Agri-Food Systems Summit\, returning to COP28 in technical collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Convening 400 global stakeholders from across the value chain\, the Summit will identify key pathways and innovations transforming our Agri-Food Systems. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe Agri-Food Systems Summit returns to COP28 in technical collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization\, convening 400 global stakeholders from across the value chain to identify key pathways and innovations transforming our Agri-Food Systems. \n\n\n\nTaking place on 8 December during COP28 within the Climate Action Innovation Zone at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai\, this strategic location offers easy access to the Forum without requiring COP28 Blue Zone accreditation\, ensuring an inclusive platform and gathering for all key stakeholders and decision-makers. \n\n\n\nWith 50 world-class speakers and 30 partners\, the Summit will be broadcast live from Dubai. The full day of content will delve into how we can build holistic\, sustainable food systems\, use innovation to optimize input efficiency into our agricultural systems\, connect the value chain and finance this transformation. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER\, GFI \n\n\n\nBruce oversees GFI’s global strategy\, working with and across all of GFI’s international teams (Asia Pacific\, Brazil\, Europe\, India\, Israel\, and United States) to ensure that GFI is maximally effective at implementing programs that deliver mission-focused results. Bruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, 2021 “American Food Hero” (EatingWell Magazine)\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, ReCode Decode\, and other programs and podcasts. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed two million times and translated into dozens of languages. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/agri-food-systems-summit/ LOCATION:Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre\, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St\, Dubai\, United Arab Emirates CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231213T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231213T133000 DTSTAMP:20231116T172124Z CREATED:20231116T165110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231116T172124Z UID:10000517-1702468800-1702474200@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Business of Alt Protein: Opportunities and nutritional considerations for alternative protein products DESCRIPTION:The Business of Alt Protein: Opportunities and nutritional considerations for alternative protein productsPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI and nutrition experts from dsm-firmenich\, an ingredient and solution supplier for the food and beverage industry\, for a seminar focused on nutritional considerations for alternative protein product development with a focus on micronutrients and protein. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nJoin GFI and nutrition experts from dsm-firmenich\, an ingredient and solution supplier for the food and beverage industry\, for a seminar focused on nutritional considerations for alternative protein product development with a focus on micronutrients and protein. In this seminar\, the panel of experts will:  \n\n\n\n\nReview fundamentals of nutrition science including general nutrition requirements for macro and micro nutrients.\n\n\n\nExplore consumer insights related to nutrition based on a global study of over 20\,000 adults.\n\n\n\nDive into product formulation considerations and opportunities for alternative protein meat\, seafood\, egg\, and dairy products.\n\n\n\nShare new tools and techniques available to streamline the product development process.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaaike Bruins\n\n\n\nLEAD SCIENTIST NUTRITION\, DSM-FIRMENICH \n\n\n\nMaaike Bruins holds a PhD in nutrition and works as a Lead Scientist Nutrition at dsm-firmenich. Maaike has 20 years of experience in nutrition research\, food ingredient innovation\, and nutritional science translation in solutions for foods & beverages. Her recent research focuses on nutrition solutions that address the most common population nutrition challenges. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmmy Nitert van Schijndel\n\n\n\nBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR MEAT & FISH ALTERNATIVES\, DSM-FIRMENICH \n\n\n\nEmmy Nitert van Schijndel joined dsm-firmenich in 2020 due to her interest in food ingredient innovation and a passion to make our food system healthier and more sustainable. With her background in strategy consulting\, she connects data-driven (consumer) insights and the strategic vision of the protein transition to tangible solutions for more appealing plant-based alternatives. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJulia Besselink\n\n\n\nNUTRITION APPLICATION SPECIALIST\, DSM-FIRMENICH \n\n\n\nJulia Besselink is passionate about improving health and sustainable food. Julia holds a MSc in Nutrition and Health from Wageningen University\, The Netherlands. In her role as a Nutrition Application Specialist for the Savory portfolio at dsm-firmenich\, she advocates for science-based nutritional solutions for savory products such as plant-based alternatives\, soups\, and sauces. Julia works in close collaboration with the application teams to develop products with the right taste\, texture\, and nutritional value. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRodolfo Garza\n\n\n\nGLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR MILK AND PLANT-BASED ALTERNATIVES TO MILK\, DSM-FIRMENICH \n\n\n\nRodolfo Garza is a passionate foodie and plant-based enthusiast. Rodolfo joined dsm-firmenich in September 2022 with more than 10 years of international experience within the food science\, manufacturing\, and biotechnology industries. Rodolfo has a background in food technology and engineering and specialized in industrial marketing helping manufacturers to innovate by connecting key market and consumer insights with ingredient solutions and biotechnology. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElisabetta Nisoli\n\n\n\nGLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER NUTRITION DAIRY & PLANT-BASED ALTERNATIVES TO DAIRY\, DSM-FIRMENICH \n\n\n\nElisabetta Nisoli has been with dsm-firmenich since 2013. Elisabetta has more than 25 years experience life sciences in different technical and development roles. Elisabetta is a chemist by education and passionate about people and food. Elisabetta brings it all together by working with customers and cross functional teams to create nutritional solutions to make delicious food more nutritious and appealing while addressing the unmet needs of consumers. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout dsm-firmenich\n\n\n\nAt dsm-firmenich\, we’re experts in everything from taste and ingredients to nutrition. With our solutions we help brands develop and innovate products that are delicious to eat and drink\, healthy for our bodies and planet alike\, and affordable even when the world has a lot on its plate. Together with our customers we create what is essential for life\, desirable for consumers\, and more sustainable for the planet. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-opportunities-and-nutritional-considerations-for-alternative-protein-products/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/COR23039_webinar-graphics-business-of-alt-protein-December_header-featured.png LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-opportunities-and-nutritional-considerations-for-alternative-protein-products/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231214T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231214T143000 DTSTAMP:20231116T172021Z CREATED:20231116T172019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231116T172021Z UID:10000518-1702558800-1702564200@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: Adipocyte bioprinting to improve the flavor of cultivated meat products DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: Adipocyte bioprinting to improve the flavor of cultivated meat productsPast\n\n\n\n\nLearn how Dr. Abbott and her team are 3D printing adipocytes into the intramuscular space to improve the flavor and texture of cultivated meat products. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker:Dr. Rosalyn AbbottAssistant Professor\, Biomedical EngineeringCarnegie Mellon University \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nCultured meat products that have the texture\, flavor\, and familiarity of conventional meat products are critical to consumer acceptance. Bioprinting can re-create the three-dimensional tissue structures of animal steaks\, especially with regard to the distribution of intramuscular fat. However\, bioprinting lipid-laden adipocytes has remained a challenge due to their high buoyancy\, fragility under shear stress\, and large size (on the order of 20-300 microns). To circumvent the challenges of printing mature adipocytes\, many groups have instead printed stem cells and focused on post-printing differentiation. However\, this strategy has its own challenges\, as cells will not reach full maturity (characterized as a single unilocular lipid droplet)\, and co-differentiation of tissues with multiple cell types (i.e. skeletal muscle) is not currently feasible. Dr. Abbott and her team are focusing on 3D printing adipocytes into the intramuscular space to establish tissue structures more similar to a steak. This will be important for recreating tissue flavor and texture\, with the ultimate goal of improving consumer acceptance. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-adipocyte-bioprinting-to-improve-the-flavor-of-cultivated-meat-products/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SCI23073_webinar-graphics-science-of-alt-protein-December_header-featured.jpg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-adipocyte-bioprinting-to-improve-the-flavor-of-cultivated-meat-products/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231214T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231214T163000 DTSTAMP:20231120T154528Z CREATED:20231120T154524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T154528Z UID:10000519-1702567800-1702571400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Reimagining meat: Career pathways for food and nutrition scientists in the alternative protein field DESCRIPTION:Reimagining meat: Career pathways for food and nutrition scientists in the alternative protein fieldPast\n\n\n\n\nThe IAFNS Innovation Showcase will feature a session describing career pathways for food and nutrition scientists in the alternative protein field. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nThis Innovation Showcase\, hosted by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences\, will bring together scientists from multiple sectors at all stages of their careers\, from graduate students to professors\, technical experts and CEOs. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue and discussion on the data\, technology\, and science being applied across the food and beverage ecosystem. \n\n\n\nGFI’s Simone Costa\, Ph.D.\, and Paragon Pure’s Chris Gregson\, Ph.D.\, will participate in a session describing career pathways for food and nutrition scientists in the alternative protein field. Tune in to learn more about the alternative protein ecosystem\, their career trajectories\, and opportunities for scientists to engage in alternative protein innovation. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimone Costa\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY & INNOVATION\, GFI \n\n\n\nSimone works with SciTech’s subject matter experts to chart a technical roadmap for alternative protein success and guide strategic planning for the SciTech department. Simone joined GFI with experience in commercial consulting for life sciences companies as well as in product development at an enzyme engineering startup. She holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Duke University and a B.S. in biology from Carnegie Mellon University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/reimagining-meat-career-pathways-for-food-and-nutrition-scientists-in-the-alternative-protein-field/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/reimagining-meat-career-pathways-for-food-and-nutrition-scientists-in-the-alternative-protein-field/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231220T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231220T140000 DTSTAMP:20231212T204654Z CREATED:20231207T145301Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231212T204654Z UID:10000527-1703077200-1703080800@gfi.org SUMMARY:Upcoming U.S. Department of Energy funding opportunities to decarbonize America’s industrial sector DESCRIPTION:Upcoming U.S. Department of Energy funding opportunities to decarbonize America’s industrial sectorPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) for a webinar covering an upcoming public funding opportunity. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nJoin GFI and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) for a webinar covering an upcoming public funding opportunity. \n\n\n\nOn November 17\, IEDO announced its intent to issue an $83 million funding opportunity that will decrease emissions in the hardest to decarbonize industrial subsectors.  \n\n\n\nThe “FY24 Energy- and Emissions-Intensive Industries FOA” will fund research\, development\, and prototype or pilot-scale technology validation and demonstration activities that will accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable technologies that increase efficiency and eliminate industrial greenhouse gas emissions for the most energy- and emissions-intensive industrial subsectors. Alternative protein companies are eligible to apply under topic 3: Decarbonizing Food and Beverage Products. Read more.  \n\n\n\nJoin GFI and IEDO for a webinar covering this upcoming funding opportunity. We’ll hear directly from Dr. Yaroslav Chudnovsky\, Senior Technology Manager\, IEDO\, for a presentation and audience Q&A.  \n\n\n\nAlternative protein companies of all stages are welcome and encouraged to join. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Yaroslav Chudnovsky\n\n\n\nSENIOR TECHNOLOGY MANAGER\, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY \n\n\n\nDr. Yaroslav Chudnovsky\, MBA is a Senior Technology Manager at the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO). He leads research\, development\, and technology deployment activities with a focus on deep decarbonization of the Food and Beverage and Forest Products industrial subsectors.  Dr. Chudnovsky has decades of basic and applied research\, high-risk innovative development\, and emerging technologies deployment experience in the areas of energy efficiency\, industrial combustion\, as well as advanced heat and water recovery across a wide spectrum of industries. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining the U.S. Department of Energy\, he spent over 25 years in different capacities at GTI Energy\, a not-for-profit organization that develops and delivers impactful innovative solutions and transformational technologies for energy markets worldwide. Yaroslav received a Ph.D. in Thermal Sciences\, M.S. in Cryogenic Engineering and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering – all from the Bauman Technical University. He is an ASME Fellow\, recipient of multiple professional awards and author (co-author) of over 200 professional publications\, including books\, archival articles\, conference proceedings\, technical reports\, and patents. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCaroline Bushnell\n\n\n\nSENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT\, GFI \n\n\n\nCaroline leads GFI’s corporate engagement team in their work with companies and investors across the globe to catalyze innovation and investment in alternative proteins. Prior to joining GFI\, Caroline served as the Director of Marketing for Celestial Seasonings at The Hain Celestial Group. She has also worked at Moet Hennessy and Janus Capital Group. With over 15 years of experience in CPG brand management\, finance\, and consulting\, she is deeply familiar with the food industry. Caroline also served as a governor-appointed member of the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council. She is a graduate of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/us-department-of-energy-opportunities-to-decarbonize-americas-industrial-sector/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/COR23029_DOE-LPO-webinar-graphics_featured.png LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/us-department-of-energy-opportunities-to-decarbonize-americas-industrial-sector/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231221T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231221T010000 DTSTAMP:20231218T143147Z CREATED:20231218T143143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231218T143147Z UID:10000530-1703116800-1703120400@gfi.org SUMMARY:Where does cultivated meat go next? DESCRIPTION:Where does cultivated meat go next?Past\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI’s lead scientist\, Dr. Elliot Swartz\, and other experts for a thought-provoking discussion on the current status and future opportunities in the cultivated meat space. This roundtable discussion\, hosted by the Cultivated Meat Modeling Consortium\, will address what’s next in research and investment. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nJoin GFI’s lead scientist\, Dr. Elliot Swartz\, and other experts for a thought-provoking discussion on the current status and future opportunities in the cultivated meat space. This roundtable discussion\, hosted by the Cultivated Meat Modeling Consortium\, will address what’s next in research and investment. \n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElliot Swartz\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nPRINCIPAL SCIENTIST\, CULTIVATED MEAT \n\n\n\nElliot’s work at GFI focuses on analyzing the technical and economic bottlenecks facing the cultivated meat industry\, identifying opportunities to accelerate the industry\, and educating scientists\, the public\, and other industry stakeholders. For the past five years\, Elliot has worked on projects ranging from food safety and environmental impact to in-depth analysis of the cultivated meat value chain. Elliot holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California\, Los Angeles (UCLA)\, where he worked with induced pluripotent stem cells to model neuromuscular disease. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/where-does-cultivated-meat-go-next/ CATEGORIES:External virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/where-does-cultivated-meat-go-next/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T164500 DTSTAMP:20231219T155039Z CREATED:20231219T154719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231219T155039Z UID:10000531-1704969000-1704991500@gfi.org SUMMARY:Cellular Agriculture Innovation Day 2024 DESCRIPTION:Cellular Agriculture Innovation Day 2024Past\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI Founder and President Bruce Friedrich at Cellular Agriculture Innovation Day 2024\, hosted by Tufts University! \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nJoin GFI Founder and President Bruce Friedrich at Cellular Agriculture Innovation Day 2024\, hosted by Tufts University! \n\n\n\nCheck out the impressive speaker lineup here. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER\, GFI \n\n\n\nBruce oversees GFI’s global strategy\, working with and across all of GFI’s international teams (Asia Pacific\, Brazil\, Europe\, India\, Israel\, and United States) to ensure that GFI is maximally effective at implementing programs that deliver mission-focused results. Bruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, 2021 “American Food Hero” (EatingWell Magazine)\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, ReCode Decode\, and other programs and podcasts. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed two million times and translated into dozens of languages. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/cellular-agriculture-innovation-day-2024/ LOCATION:Tufts University\, 419 Boston Ave\, Medford\, Massachusetts\, 02155 CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T143000 DTSTAMP:20240109T212603Z CREATED:20240109T212601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240109T212603Z UID:10000536-1705582800-1705588200@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: Accounting for land dictates the climate effects of alternative proteins DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: Accounting for land dictates the climate effects of alternative proteinsPast\n\n\n\n\nHow should land use be accounted for when calculating the climate impacts of alternative proteins? Attend our next Science of Alt Protein seminar on January 18th to learn more about this important and nuanced topic! \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent speaker:Tim SearchingerPrinceton UniversityWorld Resources Institute \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nThere is active debate about how land use should be factored into greenhouse gas accounting of food products. Many methods focus only on where agricultural products are generated\, not how much land is used. Other methods factor in the carbon lost on average from existing agricultural land\, known as the carbon opportunity cost of land. These accounting rules have profound significance for the extent and even whether alternative proteins are deemed to reduce emissions relative to animal products. Join us on January 18th to hear Tim Searchinger from Princeton University and World Resources Institute discuss correct carbon accounting as it relates to food production. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTim Searchinger\n\n\n\nSENIOR RESEARCH SCHOLAR\, PRINCETON UNIVERSITYTECHNICAL DIRECTOR FOR AGRICULTURE\, FORESTRY\, & ECOSYSTEMS AT WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE \n\n\n\nTim Searchinger is a Senior Research Scholar at the School of Public and International Affairs of Princeton University. He is also a Senior Fellow and the Technical Director for Agriculture\, Forestry & Ecosystems at the World Resources Institute. Searchinger’s work today combines ecology\, agronomy and economics to analyze the challenge of how to feed a growing world population while reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. His publications include many papers in Science and Nature addressing the greenhouse and other environmental implications of agriculture\, bioenergy\, forestry\, and nitrogen pollution. He is also the lead author of several major reports\, including Creating a Sustainable Food Future\, a comprehensive report addressing these issues published in 2019 by WRI\, the World Bank\, and the United Nations. His research ranges from global analyses to projects in countries around the world\, including Colombia\, Rwanda\, Zambia\, Vietnam\, and Denmark\, and focuses both on issues of science and public policy. For the first part of his career\, Searchinger worked as an environmental attorney\, primarily at the Environmental Defense Fund\, where he directed its work on agricultural policy\, wetlands\, and restoration of several major aquatic ecosystems. He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-accounting-for-land-dictates-the-climate-effects-of-alternative-proteins/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SCI24001_webinar-graphics-science-of-alt-protein-January_header-featured.jpg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-accounting-for-land-dictates-the-climate-effects-of-alternative-proteins/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240124T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240124T133000 DTSTAMP:20240117T150914Z CREATED:20240117T150123Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240117T150914Z UID:10000538-1706097600-1706103000@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Business of Alt Protein: 2024 alternative protein investment outlook DESCRIPTION:The Business of Alt Protein: 2024 alternative protein investment outlookPast\n\n\n\n\nJoin GFI and leading investors (who are also GFI mentors) for an insightful panel discussion about what’s on the horizon in the world of alternative protein investments. We’ll discuss the current funding environment and what we might expect to see change in 2024. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nJoin GFI and leading investors (who are also GFI mentors) for an insightful panel discussion about what’s on the horizon in the world of alternative protein investments. We’ll discuss the current funding environment and what we might expect to see change in 2024. Panelists will also share how startups can set themselves up for fundraising success. The seminar will leave ample time for audience Q&A. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSteve Molino\, GFI Mentor\n\n\n\nPRINCIPAL AT CLEAR CURRENT CAPITAL \n\n\n\nSteve Molino is a Principal at Clear Current Capital\, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on catalyzing sustainable change in the food system. With CCC\, Steve is responsible for leading new investment and diligence activities\, portfolio company support\, and internal portfolio management and operational needs. Steve has prior experience at leading mission-driven VC firms\, as well as in the alternative investments and strategy consulting spaces. He is a Board Member at Sundial Foods and is a mentor for various organizations\, including The Good Food Institute and ProVeg Incubator. He received his BS in Finance from The College of New Jersey (magna cum laude) and an MBA from Columbia Business School (Dean’s List). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNate Crosser\, GFI Mentor\n\n\n\nPRINCIPAL\, BLUE HORIZON \n\n\n\nNate is a Principal at Blue Horizon\, a global food and agriculture impact investment firm based in Zurich. To date\, they have deployed over $850 million in over 70 companies across 6 continents. Nate focuses on seed-stage venture capital investments and on the alternative protein industry. Nate also writes the environmental biotechnology newsletter\, Fifth Industrial\, and previously worked at the Good Food Institute\, a biotechnology incubator\, and as a lawyer. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShally Shanker\, GFI Mentor\n\n\n\nFOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER\, AIIM PARTNERS \n\n\n\nShally Shanker is the founder and managing partner of AiiM Partners\, which invests in businesses leveraging technology to address climate change and generate measurable social\, environmental\, and financial returns. A Chartered Financial Analyst®\, Shally has over 22 years of investment management experience structuring and stewarding global portfolios. She has been involved with the boards of 16 portfolio investments\, actively engaged in supporting emerging solutions ranging from using data for advocacy to using technology to scale innovations\, and\, over the last decade\, mentoring women entrepreneurs in more than half of her portfolio. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMatt Spence\n\n\n\nMANAGING DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF VENTURE CAPITAL BANKING\, BARCLAYS \n\n\n\nMatt Spence is a Managing Director and Head of Venture Capital Banking at Barclays. He was previously a partner at Andreessen Horowitz. He focuses on emerging technology companies\, including food technology and alternative proteins. Before entering the private sector\, Matt spent seven years in senior national security positions in the U.S. government. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy\, and at the National Security Council at the White House Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Economic Affairs and as Senior Advisor to two National Security Advisors. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmira Khatib\n\n\n\nVICE PRESIDENT\, BLUESTEIN VENTURES \n\n\n\nAmira is a Vice President at Bluestein Ventures. She is responsible for identifying and evaluating new investment opportunities\, developing investment theses and supporting Bluestein’s portfolio companies on their path to growth. While getting her MBA Candidate at Chicago Booth\, she was an investor at early-stage venture capital firms including Listen Ventures and Harlem Capital. Previously\, Amira held roles across the food ecosystem\, working in Marketing at Whole Foods Market and a natural beverage startup. She started her career at a marketing agency in New York City. Amira received her MBA Candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and graduated from the Greenlee School of Journalism at Iowa State University with a B.S. in Public Relations\, summa cum laude. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-2024-alternative-protein-investment-outlook/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/COR24002_webinar-graphics-business-of-alt-protein-January_header-featured.png LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-business-of-alt-protein-2024-alternative-protein-investment-outlook/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240202T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240204T235959 DTSTAMP:20231214T170248Z CREATED:20231214T170245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231214T170248Z UID:10000529-1706832000-1707091199@gfi.org SUMMARY:Warwick Economics Summit DESCRIPTION:Warwick Economics SummitPast\n\n\n\n\nThe Warwick Economics Summit is the largest student-run academic conference in Europe. The Summit’s forums cover a broad range of fields including economics\, politics\, and the wider social sciences. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe summit’s focus goes far beyond the field of economics\, encompassing ­­the broader spheres of the social sciences\, including development\, politics\, journalism\, and international relations. The summit exists to bring together world-leading and inspiring speakers with a passionate international student delegation. \n\n\n\nOver the last two decades\, the Warwick Economics Summit has had the pleasure of hosting distinguished speakers from across the world to provide a forum that encourages the exchange of stimulating and challenging ideas from people of diverse backgrounds. \n\n\n\nAs a student-led\, not-for-profit conference\, the summit’s commitments lay in curating a world-class centre of discussion where delegates can challenge\, and be challenged on internationally relevant topics. Through sparking conversations\, it will explore the perspectives that have had a significant impact on our world while inspiring thought on the ideas that will affect our future. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER\, GFI \n\n\n\nBruce oversees GFI’s global strategy\, working with and across all of GFI’s international teams (Asia Pacific\, Brazil\, Europe\, India\, Israel\, and United States) to ensure that GFI is maximally effective at implementing programs that deliver mission-focused results. Bruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, 2021 “American Food Hero” (EatingWell Magazine)\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, Foreign Policy\, CNN\, Nature Food\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, ReCode Decode\, and other programs and podcasts. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed 2.4 million times and translated into 30 languages. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeren Kell\n\n\n\nSENIOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGER\, GFI EUROPE \n\n\n\nSeren leads GFI Europe’s science and technology work\, collaborating with scientists\, academics and innovators to support advances in the science of sustainable protein and foster a thriving research ecosystem across Europe. Seren’s background is in biochemistry\, the cultivated meat space\, and open innovation. She also co-founded Cellular Agriculture UK. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/warwick-economics-summit/ LOCATION:University of Warwick\, The Slate\, Coventry CV4 7SH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:External hybrid event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240207T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240208T235959 DTSTAMP:20231205T161833Z CREATED:20231205T161830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231205T161833Z UID:10000523-1707264000-1707436799@gfi.org SUMMARY:Meat Evolution Leaders Summit DESCRIPTION:Meat Evolution Leaders SummitPast\n\n\n\n\nMEVO is a leaders summit that exclusively brings in-person up to 250 decision makers from prominent to small-sized manufacturers\, commercial producers\, investors\, cutting-edge technology providers\, intellectuals\, brands and future food vanguards who want to increase their knowledge and footprint in this lucrative growth market. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nMEVO is a leaders summit that exclusively brings in person up to 250 decision makers from prominent to small-sized manufacturers\, commercial producers\, investors\, cutting-edge technology providers\, intellectuals\, brands\, and future food vanguards who want to increase their knowledge and footprint in this lucrative growth market. \n\n\n\nIt’s not a question of if – but how we can make enough cultured meat affordable\, safe\, and tasty now!  \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBruce Friedrich\n\n\n\nPRESIDENT AND FOUNDER\, GFI \n\n\n\nBruce oversees GFI’s global strategy\, working with and across all of GFI’s international teams (Asia Pacific\, Brazil\, Europe\, India\, Israel\, and United States) to ensure that GFI is maximally effective at implementing programs that deliver mission-focused results. Bruce is a TED Fellow\, Y Combinator alum\, 2021 “American Food Hero” (EatingWell Magazine)\, and popular speaker on food innovation. He has penned op-eds for the Wall Street Journal\, USA Today\, Los Angeles Times\, Wired\, and many other publications. He has represented GFI on the TED Radio Hour\, New Yorker Radio Hour\, Ezra Klein Show\, Making Sense (Sam Harris)\, ReCode Decode\, and other programs and podcasts. Bruce’s 2019 TED talk has been viewed two million times and translated into dozens of languages. He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown Law and also holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/meat-evolution-leaders-summit/ LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower\, Avinguda de la Granvia de l’Hospitalet\, 144\, Barcelona\, Spain CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240213T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240215T235959 DTSTAMP:20231120T161723Z CREATED:20231120T161719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231120T161723Z UID:10000520-1707782400-1708041599@gfi.org SUMMARY:Fermentation-Enabled Alternative Proteins Summit DESCRIPTION:Fermentation-Enabled Alternative Proteins SummitPast\n\n\n\n\nAttend the summit with GFI’s Adam Leman\, Ph.D.\, for an in-depth exploration of the latest technical and commercial insights in the fermentation industry. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe 4th Fermentation-Enabled Alternative Protein Summit returns as a flagship forum to drill down into the end-to-end technical and strategic challenges of commercializing an alternative protein. This event brings together leading investors\, alternative protein producers\, CPGs\, retailers\, brand names\, ingredient providers\, media\, and equipment providers who are working together to unlock fermentation’s potential in the alternative protein space. \n\n\n\nGFI’s Lead Fermentation Scientist\, Adam Leman\, Ph.D.\, is chairing a portion of the conference focused on achieving global market access and longevity by overcoming funding bottlenecks and working collaboratively. He is also giving the event’s closing remarks. \n\n\n\nRegister now to join Adam in San Francisco for an in-depth exploration of the latest technical and commercial insights in the fermentation industry! \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdam Leman\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nLEAD SCIENTIST\, FERMENTATION\, GFI \n\n\n\nAdam is a Lead Scientist\, Fermentation at GFI and is focused on the development of biomass fermentation and precision fermentation biotechnology for food protein. He earned a B.S. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. from Drexel University College of Medicine in Molecular Biology. Adam’s postdoctoral studies concentrated on fungal genetics and systems biology. During his time in biotech\, Adam implemented gene expression analyses in microbial\, agtech\, and human health studies to better characterize these systems and offer a deeper understanding for strain development and process improvement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/fermentation-enabled-alternative-proteins-summit/ LOCATION:Grand Hyatt At SFO\, 55 S McDonnell Rd\, San Francisco\, California\, 94128\, United States CATEGORIES:External in-person event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240215T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240216T170000 DTSTAMP:20240118T162608Z CREATED:20240118T161849Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240118T162608Z UID:10000539-1707984000-1708102800@gfi.org SUMMARY:USDA’s 100th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum DESCRIPTION:USDA’s 100th Annual Agricultural Outlook ForumPast\n\n\n\n\nThe Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF) is USDA’s largest and premier annual gathering. More than a hundred experts from government\, industry\, and academia will share insights on topics including U.S. and global agricultural trade developments\, agricultural innovations\, climate change\, and the bioeconomy. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent description\n\n\n\nThe breadth and timeliness of the AOF programs have consistently drawn a diverse group of participants\, including producers\, processors\, policymakers\, government officials\, and non-governmental organizations. It routinely attracts upwards of 1\,800 people in person and 4\,000-5\,000 virtual attendees from the U.S. and around the world. \n\n\n\nThe 2024 Program will feature a keynote address by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack\, a presentation on the outlook for agricultural markets and trade by USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer\, a plenary panel of distinguished guest speakers\, and 30 breakout sessions covering a wide range of timely agricultural\, food market and environmental issues. More than a hundred experts from government\, industry\, and academia will share insights on topics such as commodity and food price outlooks\, U.S. and global agricultural trade developments\, agricultural innovations\, climate change\, and the bioeconomy. \n\n\n\nMadeline Cohen\, GFI Senior Regulatory Attorney\, will be speaking at a breakout session titled “Cell-Cultured Meat and Poultry: How Do We Label It?” on Friday\, February 16th from 10-11:30 a.m. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGFI speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMadeline Cohen\n\n\n\nSENIOR REGULATORY ATTORNEY\, GFI \n\n\n\nPrior to joining GFI\, Madeline worked on a variety of litigation and compliance matters as an associate at Wiley Rein LLP. She also previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert. C. Chambers\, U.S. District Court Judge. Madeline holds a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and a B.A. from American University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/usdas-100th-annual-agricultural-outlook-forum/ LOCATION:Crystal Gateway Marriott\, 1700 Richmond Hwy\, Arlington\, Virginia\, 22202 CATEGORIES:External hybrid event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/svg+xml:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/third-party-event-featured-image_UNIVERSAL.svg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240215T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240215T133000 DTSTAMP:20240112T155916Z CREATED:20240112T155914Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240112T155916Z UID:10000537-1707998400-1708003800@gfi.org SUMMARY:The Science of Alt Protein: Crafting aroma authenticity in plant-based salmon DESCRIPTION:The Science of Alt Protein: Crafting aroma authenticity in plant-based salmonPast\n\n\n\n\nHow can we create authentic aromas for plant-based fish alternatives? Join us on February 15th to learn how Dr. Sirli Rosenvald is creating a true-to-life salmon aroma\, a key element in crafting high-quality fish alternatives. \n\n\n\n Share this page on Facebook\n \n Share on Facebook\n\n\n Share this page on Twitter\n \n Share on X\n\n\n Share this page on LinkedIn\n \n Share on LinkedIn\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent speaker:Dr. Sirli RosenvaldCSO of Food Research at TFTAKCo-founder and CEO at Funki Foods \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWebinar description\n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nDr. 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. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet the speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Sirli Rosenvald\n\n\n\nCSO OF FOOD RESEARCH AT TFTAKCO-FOUNDER AND CEO AT FUNKI FOODS \n\n\n\nDr. 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming events\n\n\n\nView all events\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n McNamara Alumni Center\n \n \n \n Bridge2Food North America\n \n \n \n Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America\, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n October 13\, 2026\n FAO Headquarters\n \n \n \n World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South\n \n \n \n How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum\, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will… URL:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-crafting-aroma-authenticity-in-plant-based-salmon/ CATEGORIES:GFI - virtual event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SCI24002_webinar-graphics-science-of-alt-protein-February_header-featured.jpg LOCATION:https://gfi.org/event/the-science-of-alt-protein-crafting-aroma-authenticity-in-plant-based-salmon/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR