The University of Newcastle has announced a new food innovation cluster that will link the food industry with academic researchers to help solve complex problems in the food and beverage industry.
The Joint UON and Central Coast Food Innovation Cluster, launched at the University’s Central Coast Campus at Ourimbah, will bring together researchers from multiple disciplines within the University of Newcastle, as well as government representatives and experts from the regional food and beverage industry.
The Food Innovation Cluster will seek to address industry and community concerns, such as identifying new products for market; establishing new opportunities to export; and issues such as nutritional value and food additives.
The cluster will also generate new ideas and create opportunities for research breakthroughs which can be applied to real life issues.
The Food Innovation Cluster will also stage networking events and it will invite industry participants to propose topics, themes or specific challenges for discussion with the aim of tapping into the University’s research capabilities to develop practical solutions that help the food and beverage industry to prosper.
“The vision for the University of Newcastle clusters is to offer a one-stop-shop for business, industry and government partners to work with our researchers who bring different expertise to the table,” said deputy vice-chancellor (Research), Professor Nick Talley.
Guest speakers at the launch included University of Newcastle deputy vice-chancellor (Research), Professor Nick Talley; Dr Geoffrey Annison, deputy chief executive and director Health, Nutrition and Scientific Affairs for the Australia Food and Grocery Council; and Peter Schutz, chair of Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL).
The Food Innovation Cluster will generate new ideas and create opportunities for research breakthroughs which can be applied to real life issues.
