Future of Nutrition, Food & Consumer Sciences Education: Global Perspective

ABOUT THE EVENT

The University of Pretoria, Department of Consumer and Food Sciences and the University of Leeds, School of Food Science and Nutrition invite you to their first ever jointly hosted student education conference, which aims to provide a platform through which academics, students, alumni, and industry practitioners across the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences can comprehensively discuss current experiences in student education, while looking to the future of the sector. The conference programme includes a series of talks, engaging dialogue, multi-disciplinary discussions, and case studies in contemporary themes such as experiential learning, authentic assessments, active learning, and the emerging role of digital technologies & artificial intelligence in enhancing the learning experience, from the UK and across Africa. We hope to celebrate achievements, highlight & address challenges, and build meaningful connections that will inspire further conversation on strategies to the navigate the changing higher education landscape across the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, and influence various stakeholders involved in creating an impact in the sector.

Individuals who are passionate about promoting excellence in the student learning experience in higher education across the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences are encouraged to join us in this important endeavour, whether in-person or virtually.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Attendance is free. Further details regarding the agenda, session formats, and any other information you may require will be provided to you following registration. While there is no cap on virtual attendance, there are ONLY 150 places available for in-person attendance, therefore, early registration is strongly encouraged. Registration for in-person attendance closes on 25 July 2025.

This conference is co-organised by Prof Dr Eugenie Kayitesi, Dr Nadene Marx-Pienaar and Dr Adeline Pretorius at the University of Pretoria, and Dr Carolyn Auma & Dr Jonas Cromwell at the University of Leeds, with funding from the University of Leeds International Strategy Fund. For further information about the conference, please contact:

• Dr Carolyn Auma (QyAhIEkgISBBdW1hIHwgbGVlZHMgISBhYyAhIHVr) or Dr Jonas Cromwell (SiAhIENyb213ZWxsIHwgbGVlZHMgISBhYyAhIHVr) for University of Leeds.
• Dr Nadene Marx-Pienaar (bmFkZW5lICEgbWFyeHAgfCB1cCAhIGFjICEgemE=), Dr Adeline Pretorius (YWRlbGluZSAhIHByZXRvcml1cyB8IHVwICEgYWMgISB6YQ==) or Prof Eugenie Kayitesi (ZXVnZW5pZSAhIGtheWl0ZXNpIHwgdXAgISBhYyAhIHph) for University of Pretoria.

Please note that speakers and themes to be discussed are subject to change due to unforeseeable circumstances.

Info: Join us for an insightful session that delves into the history and current trends in student education within the fields of Nutrition, Food & Consumer Sciences. This session will feature three keynote presentations from speakers from across Africa and the UK, following which we will host a panel discussion aimed at providing an in-depth analysis of how student education and the Higher Education curriculum in these disciplines have evolved and where they might be heading. The session will feature esteemed speakers from academia and industry, including Prof. Paul Sharp (Head of School, Food Science and Nutrition, Uni of Leeds, UK), Prof Gerrie Du Rand (Uni of Pretoria, SA), Dr Elize Symington (Uni of South Africa and President of Nutrition Society of South Africa) and Marina Fourie (Food Industry).

This session is in-person and virtual.

Info: This session will focus on innovative teaching and learning approaches, highlighting case studies of experiential learning in Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Sciences. We will explore active learning strategies in these fields, emphasizing collaborative work and the integration of new technologies, including AI, into the curriculum. Join us to discover how these methodologies are transforming education and preparing students for the future.

This session is in-person and virtual.

Info: This session will explore case studies of Authentic Assessments in Food, Nutrition & Consumer Sciences, focusing on interdisciplinarity, teamwork and collaboration, creativity and innovation, commercialisation and work readiness. Talks will touch on digital assets creation for science communication, food product development, health promotion and public engagement, capstone research project and many more. This session is in-person and virtual.

Info: This session will involve group discussions on how best to align educational goals and training approaches with the future needs of the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences industry. In all we aim to answer the questions:

• What are the opportunities and facilitating factors we can take advantage of to enhance student education?

• What are the barriers (current and future) going forward, including the wider policy climate, of which we should be aware?

• How best can a collaborative network of various stakeholders, including academia, industry, alumni, and students, partner to support ongoing Global South-Global North collaboration and resource-sharing in student education? How best can we work with allied practitioners like Extension Workers, Data Science, etc?

• How best can we work with allied practitioners like Extension Workers, Data Science, etc? This session is in-person ONLY.

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