51吃瓜

According to the United Nations, the global population is expected to exceed 10 billion by the mid-2080s. The increasing demand could strain agriculture, production and safety systems that produce and supply food. Jiangnan University in China is tackling these challenges head-on, cultivating a talent pipeline in the field of food science and technology. 

Wei Chen, president of Jiangnan University, anticipates that advancements in AI, big data, biotechnology and manufacturing could usher in a golden period for food science. His mission is for the university to lead global food science innovation with a mindset of “rooted in China yet impacting the world”.

The university’蝉&苍产蝉辫;food science and engineering department was established in 1952 and recognised as a first-level national key discipline in food science in 2007. The university has built a reputation for excellence in this field. In 2017, it was included in China’s Double First-Class Construction initiative for universities specialising in certain disciplines. 

Currently, the School of Food Science and Technology has more than 300 faculty members specialising in diverse fields such as resource grain fermentation and food biomanufacturing. To meet future talent needs, the university has built a comprehensive talent cultivation model by integrating bachelor’s and master’s programmes with industry expertise. Its alumni network includes around 20,000 professionals and industry leaders recognised for driving innovation in food science.

The school follows the “mentor-project-industry”&苍产蝉辫;model, enabling students to gain hands-on experience by working at leading Chinese enterprises such as Yili Group and Mengniu Dairy. The institution has made significant breakthroughs in biomanufacturing and resource efficiency. Notably, Chen’s team has pioneered probiotic research by establishing China’s largest probiotic patent library and enabling large-scale use of probiotic strains in leading dairy companies.

Chuanlai Xu, distinguished professor at Jiangnan University, leads a team that has built the largest antibody library for food safety in China. His groundbreaking biotoxin detection technology is now used in more than 20 provinces and cities across China. 

Recognised as a leader in food technology and research, the school has been awarded multiple State Technological Invention Awards and State Scientific and Technological Progress Awards. Jiangnan University is leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative to expand its international cooperation network. This includes establishing international research institutes and joint laboratories to promote innovation in food science. Domestically, it will continue to be a key contributor to national strategies, such as the Healthy China 2030 initiative and the Big Food concept. The School of Food Science and Technology will continue to harness the power of discipline, talent and innovation to forge a new chapter for China on the global stage.

about Jiangnan University.