About IFST

IFST | Inspiring excellence and trust in food

We are the UK’s leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology. We are an internationally respected independent membership body, supporting food professionals through knowledge sharing and professional recognition.

Our membership comprises individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, from students to experts, working across a wide range of disciplines within the sector.

We are a registered charity (no 1121681) and a company limited by guarantee (no 930776).

Charitable Object

The object for which we are established is the general advancement and application of food science and technology for the benefit, safety and health of the public.

Our Mission

To recognise and empower food professionals by promoting excellence in science and its application throughout the food chain.

Our Vision

To be respected by and engaged with our relevant stakeholder communities as the UK’s leading food science & technology professional body.

Our Values 

Evidence-based

All that we do and deliver is based on evidence. This fundamental principle lies at the very core of IFST’s consciousness. We provide scientific evidence that the public, policymakers and our members can trust and use.
 

Professional

We aim to be a repository of professionalism in our field of food science and technology and to ensure our profession serves the public. We demand and expect professionalism from our members whether drawn from academia, industry or the public sector.

Innovative

Food science and technology is, by nature dynamic and innovative. Whilst a serious subject and with serious implications, it is exciting and fun. We will seek to reflect this dynamism in the way we work and communicate with others. We will therefore be responsive to the constantly changing environment in which we work and to the needs of our members and stakeholders. 

Independent

Our independent position and voice is critical and is what we are valued and respected for. We will ensure our governance, agendas and outputs are based on the best and most complete evidence available and, in gathering this evidence, we will not be unduly influenced by any single views or commercial pressures. We will build trust by being open about all our decision-making processes.

Food science community

We value our members as a community of food scientists and technologists. We respect and value the diversity of our membership and all that this diversity brings. We seek to learn from each other and always encourage a friendly, approachable, inclusive and supportive spirit from all who work for and with us.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) recognises that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for innovation and excellence in scientific endeavours. We recognise the importance and benefits of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and eliminating discrimination in every aspect of our work. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, IFST aims to drive positive change and advance the field of food science for the benefit of society.
We aim to ensure that no individual or group is treated more or less favourably than others on grounds of sex, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity/paternity or religion.
We work to comply with all the legislation related to equal opportunities to ensure that the culture, philosophy and processes within IFST are free from bias of any kind.

Strategic Priorities

To achieve our vision, we will focus on the following six strategic priorities:

Priority 1 – Providing and sharing scientifically evidence-based knowledge

Our ambition: Those needing access to relevant, reliable scientifically evidence-based FS&T knowledge actively seek out knowledge, outputs and positions provided by IFST. Information is known for being easily searchable and, generally, made available at no or low-cost.

Priority 2 – Influencing and supporting key stakeholders

Our ambition: Our invaluable resource of independent evidence-based scientific positions and our access to experienced professionals is actively sought to inform and support the work of key stakeholders including Governmental departments.

Priority 3 – Promoting professional standards and development

Our ambition: Regulators, retailers and the general public are reassured that technical personnel at all levels within the food sector are recognised as being professionally competent and striving to remain current in their knowledge and skills through effective CPD.

Priority 4 – Utilising the strength of our Membership

Our ambition: The profile of our membership is respected for its breadth of experience. Individuals are proud to join and be a part of the Institute for the opportunity to actively contribute to the achievement of the Institute’s mission.

Priority 5 – Encouraging and supporting our future talent 

Our ambition: We are in a position to inform the sector on the current and future talent/skills needs relevant to FS&T and, where appropriate, we provide leadership in the delivery of those needs. The talent pipeline through all channels is sufficient to meet the needs of the sector.

Priority 6 - Financial stability and sustainability

Our ambition: We have sustainable income streams by commitment to priorities 1 to 5 above and continue to develop new products/services that meet the changing needs of members and the sector generally. These all underpinned by effective cost control and sound financial and risk management.