Food, health, and sustainability: Euro-Sino Symposium in Turku

The Finland-China Food and Health Network (FCFH), a global pilot joined by major universities and university of applied sciences in Finland and in China will hold its concluding event at the Mauno Koivisto Centre in Turku on 3–4 October 2024 gathering top researchers from Europe and China to discuss the future of collaboration in food, health, and sustainability. The conference aims to celebrate the efforts of building the network since 2021 and to discuss the collaboration beyond 2024.

As one of the global pilots of the internationalisation programme launched by the Ministry of Culture and Education of Finland, FCFH is a multidisciplinary network for promoting cooperation in research and innovation between Finnish and Chinese higher education institutions. The network connects Finnish and Chinese universities and universities of applied sciences and supports academia -business cooperation. The aim is to create a basis for both upgrading science and creating new innovations, as well as to promote business partnerships.

The programme includes a wide selection of presentations related to the main theme of the symposium in three main topic areas: Nutrition and Health; Sustainability, as well as Technology. Speakers at the event represent- leading Chinese universities (Beijing University, Jiangnan University) and Finnish universities (University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University, University of Helsinki, University of Oulu, University of Eastern Finland), as well as esteemed researchers from other European countries.

During the two-day event, the participants will have the opportunity to discuss important matters regarding the effects of nutrition and sustainable food options on health; recent developments in more sustainable practices in food production and food sciences; as well as green and digital technologies to enhance food quality and safety, as well as consumer health.

A highlight of the event is the participation of distinguished keynote speakers. Professor Jesmond Dalli from Queen Mary University of London will discuss “Unlocking the Power of Omega-3,” offering insights into how Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPM) regulate immunity and inflammation for health optimization.

Professor Helle Margrete Meltzer from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health will contribute a Nordic perspective on sustainable diets, and Professor Ali Mobasheri from the University of Oulu will deliver a keynote on “Plant-based Supplements and Functional Foods for Joint Health,” exploring cutting-edge research in nutrition technologies that support human well-being.

Overall, the two-day symposium on sustainability for food and health provides a platform for professionals to share their knowledge and ideas, inspire new research projects, network, and strengthen collaboration.

-This is the last year of the four-year funding period of the FCFH Network, it is good time to review the activities and outcomes of the network during the four years. Most importantly, this meeting will set a platform for researchers to meet and discuss face-to-face the ways for continuing and developing cooperation in the future, says Professor Baoru Yang, the Academic Leader of the FCFH network.

>>More information and programme on the event page

Academic leader of FCFH Network, Professor Baoru Yang, bayang@utu.fi

FCFH Coordinator, International Programs, Kia Lundqvist, International Strategic Partnerships, fcfh-coordinator@utu.fi