Scientific & Technical Forum: How Can We Keep Food Science Relevant to Students and Industry?

The food industry has a shortage of qualified professionals to meet demands from industry, particularly the professionals who can address the global food challenges demand for innovative solutions. Despite career prospects and competitive salaries, food science programs struggle with low enrollment and high attrition rates. This talent gap can create future issues for the industry's ability to address the demands for food security, sustainability, and emerging consumer demands for healthier, safer products.

This session will bring diverse perspectives from academia and industry to address recruitment and retention challenges comprehensively. The session will present strategies for the entire student pipeline from high school awareness through career placement, industry-academic partnerships, curriculum modernization, and comprehensive student support systems. The session will also address diversity and inclusion challenges, examining how to attract and retain students from underrepresented groups in food science. We will explore funding mechanisms, policy initiatives, and collaborative approaches that can scale successful programs across institutions and regions. Attendees will gain understanding of practical tools for implementing recruitment strategies in their own institutions and communities.