As we face several challenges to our food system, biofortification is a valuable solution.
This event brings together scientists, businesses, third sector organisations and broader members of the UK biofortification community including Early Career Researchers.
The conference is organised by the Rowett Institute and funded by the Biofortification Hub. This second community meeting will be focused on enabling knowledge exchange, networking, discussing challenges and future needs to improve nutrition and public health.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED
Agenda:
Day 1: 19 March 2026
09:30-10:00 Registration and Welcome Breakfast
10:00-10:10 Welcome and Agenda - Wendy Russell (Rowett Institute)
10:10-10:20 Introduction to the BBSRC-funded Biofortification Hub - Martin Warren (Quadram Institute)
Session 1: Big Challenges in Biofortification (Plenary Session)
10:20-11:00 Biofortification across the food system - Samantha Caton (University of Sheffield)
11:00-11:40 Biofortification in a changing climate - Luke Bell (University of Reading)
11:40-12:20 Biofortification for protein provision - Derek Stewart (National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre)
12:20-13:20 Lunch and Networking / Posters
Session 2: Biofortifying our Supply Chain
13:20-13:35 Innovative solutions for nutrition security and sustainable food production - Madalina Neacsu / Scott Baxter (Rowett Institute / Pictish Worms)
13:35-13:50 Selected Talk from call
13:50-14:05 Production of lower carbon and healthier eggs - Alistair McBain / Wendy Russell (Duncan Farms / Rowett Institute)
14:05-14:20 Selected Talk from call
14:20-14:35 Omega-3 enhanced tomatoes - Susana Silvestre (Rothamsted Research)
14:35-15:30Coffee and Networking / Posters
Session 3: New Biofortification Hub projects
15:30-15:45 Enhancing iodine levels in tomato fruit through seaweed extract biofortification - Peter Curtis (University of East Anglia)
15:45-16:00 Developing food products with iron-biofortified pea shoots - Janneke Balk (John Innes Centre)
16:00-16:15 Putting the “B” into non- and low-alcoholic beer - Helen Cockerton (University of Kent)
16:15-16:30 From sunlamp to supper: biofortifying pork with vitamin D to enhance population intakes - Kirsty Pourshahidi (Ulster University)
16:30-16:40Closing remarks - Wendy Russell (Rowett Institute)
18:00-late Dinner and Ceilidh (Beach Ballroom)
Day 2: 20 March 2026
Plenary 09:30-10:15 Vit D – The sunshine vitamin - Cathie Martin (John Innes Centre)
10:15-10:45 Coffee
Session 4: Nutrition and Consumer Perception
10:45-11:05 Nutritional challenges across the life course: Big challenges for biofortification to tackle nutrient deficiencies at different life stages - Alex Johnstone (University of Aberdeen)
11:05-11:25 Social supermarkets in the UK - Anna Sweeting (University of East Anglia)
11:25-11:45 Incorporating the consumer voice within bioscience innovation - Tennessee Randall / Eleanor Bryant (University of Swansea)
11:45-12:00 Selected Talk from call
12:00-13:00 Lunch and Networking / Posters
Session 5: Reformulation and Regulation
13:00-13:20 Plant genetics solutions for biofortification via micronutrient transport - Kelly Houston (International Barley Hub)
13:20-13:40 Biofortification and nutrition regulation and claims - Colette Shortt (Food Observatory)
13:40-14:00 Improving the health of Scotland’s products and people through reformulation - Joanne Burns (Food and Drink Federation Scotland)
14:00-14:10 RMI-Connect: A new interactive platform to support work placement in biofortification - Philippe Vain (John Innes Centre / Quadram Institute)
Closing Keynote:
14:10-15:00 The Global need for biofortification-Bhavani Shankar (University of Sheffield
15:00-15:30 Prizes, closing comments and acknowledgements - Martin Warren (Quadram Institute) / Wendy Russell (Rowett Institute)
- Hosted by
- Biofortification Hub
- Venue
- Aberdeen Townhouse