Unpacking the Complexities: Interdisciplinary Challenges for Global Sustainable Food Systems (UTC 8:00 AM)
Session Organizer : Pan He, Beibei Liu
Institution (s) : Cardiff University, UK
Nanjing University, CN
Location / Local Time : London, UK / 9:00 AM
Abstract :
Achieving sustainable food systems is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, requiring a delicate balance between environmental stewardship, economic viability, cultural diversity, and human health. Yet, progress is often constrained by disciplinary silos and fragmented approaches that fail to capture the full complexity of food production, trade, and consumption across scales. This interactive workshop brings together leading researchers from diverse disciplines to explore the critical challenges that shape the future of global sustainable food systems.
The session will begin with short (5-minute) presentations where invited experts share highlights of their current work—ranging from innovations in agricultural production and life-cycle assessment to research on trade, governance, cultural practices, consumer behavior, and dietary transitions. Building on these perspectives, participants will engage in a dynamic roundtable discussion (30–40 minutes) to identify common bottlenecks, methodological gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. Topics will include the role of new techniques and technologies, the resilience of supply chains, the tensions between global trade and local food sovereignty, and the cultural and behavioral dimensions of consumption.
By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, this workshop aims to generate fresh insights, shared understanding, and pathways for impactful research collaborations toward more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food futures.
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