Institute of Food Science & Technology

Who we are

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. This, and the combined experience of our membership enables us to provide reliable and authoritative information.

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

We recognise the importance and benefits of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and eliminating discrimination in every aspect of our work.

We aim to ensure that no individual or group (including members, employees, job applicants, officeholders, volunteers, consultants, members of committees and panels or participants in research) is treated more or less favourably than others on grounds of gender, 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.