The Finland-China Food and Health Network (FCFH), a global pilot by major universities and universities 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, bringing together top researchers from Europe and China to discuss the future of collaboration in food, health and sustainability. The conference aims to celebrate the network's efforts since 2021 and to discuss collaboration beyond 2024.
As one of the global pilots of the internationalisation programme launched by the Ministry of Culture and Education in 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 cooperation between academia and business. The aim is to create a basis for both advancing science and creating new innovations, as well as promoting business partnerships.
The symposium programme includes a wide range of presentations on the event's main theme in three main areas: nutrition and health; sustainability; and technology. Speakers at the event represent leading Chinese universities (Peking 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 distinguished researchers from other European countries.
During the two-day event, participants will have the opportunity to discuss key issues related to the impact of nutrition and sustainable food choices on health, the recent developments in more sustainable practices in food production and food sciences, as well as green and digital technologies to improve food quality and safety as well as consumer health.
"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.
A highlight of the event is the participation of distinguished keynote speakers. Professor Jesmond Dalli from Queen Mary University of London will discuss the topic Unlocking the Power of Omega-3, offering insights into how Specialised Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPM) regulate immunity and inflammation for health optimisation.
Professor Helle Margrete Meltzer of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health will provide a Nordic perspective on sustainable diets, and Professor Ali Mobasheri of the University of Oulu will deliver a keynote presentation 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 collaborations.
Image by Photo Markus Spiske / Unsplash.
