Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands officially opened CIBIA on 29 September, a research and innovation facility meant to speed up the development, testing and scale-up of food innovations. It brings technology development, product development and consumer evaluation under one roof for companies, startups, research groups, civil society organisations and governments.
"Innovations for the food systems of the future require more than good ideas and scientific knowledge," said Rianne Ruijschop, research manager for food technology at WUR. "The key is to translate knowledge into applications that can make a real difference."
At CIBIA, prototype products can be assessed for physical, chemical, microbiological, sensory, nutritional and health-related properties. The data feed digital models and digital twins supported by artificial intelligence, so products can be optimised faster and scenarios explored for energy and water use, salt and sugar reduction and product quality.
Sensory and consumer research is built in, to show how people accept new products and to help introduce healthier and more sustainable foods.
The facility was funded with support from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy through the Facilities for Applied Research scheme. Partners can use it through research projects, collaborative programmes and shared-use arrangements. Much of the building's load-bearing structure and facade is timber, to cut its carbon footprint.
The story is based on a WUR announcement.
Photo: DirkV / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Source: Wageningen University & Research
Comments
(0)