The Think Tank convenes selected stakeholders and partners, fostering broad and inclusive participation to overcome barriers to innovation in the field of protein diversification.
Protein is an essential part of a healthy human diet, but the overproduction of animal-based protein is damaging to the environment. Furthermore, with the global population expected to increase from 8 billion today to almost 10 billion by 2050, the world needs sustainable ways of producing new, high-quality, safe and healthy proteins to ensure adequate nutrition for the planet. Protein diversification has the potential to alleviate many of the current food system’s challenges, and EU policymakers are already taking note of these advancements.
EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank
Bringing protein diversification to the mainstream for the people and planet is one of EIT Food's three high-value areas, cross-cutting EIT Food Missions to deliver system change. Therefore in 2022 experts from the EIT Food community established the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank. The Think Tank convenes selected stakeholders and partners, fostering broad and inclusive participation to overcome barriers to innovation in the field of protein diversification.
We are facing serious global challenges impacting the whole agri-food system, and protein diversification is a primary concern. It is therefore vitally important to lift the barriers and accelerate innovation and move towards a sustainable, healthy, and fair agri-food ecosystem.In order to achieve this EIT Food, together with its partners has established the Protein Diversification Think Tank and is aiming to contribute with initial reflections and recommendations.
The Vision
By 2050, Europeans should have access to a diet with appealing and affordable protein that is sustainable, resilient, healthy, and safe.
Sustainability and health issues related to protein production and consumption are at the heart of the problems with the current food system and so a shift will be essential to address pressing issues such as agricultural emissions, nutrition, and food security.
The Mission
To achieve this vision, protein diversification should be at the forefront of all relevant policies, and it is the goal of the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank to enable this by fostering dialogue.
As a neutral body, the Think Tank engages all stakeholders of the food system in structured discussion to identify gaps, barriers, and opportunities as well as co-creates evidence-based roadmaps and recommends actions and policies for protein diversification to drive the food systems transformation.
Think Tank Leaders
Think Tank Executive Leaders
President - Deniz Koca, Researcher and Principal Investigator, Lund University and the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science
Vice-President - Bruno Gehin, Global Proteins and Technology Scout, Roquette
Think Tank Leaders - EIT Food
Thematic Lead - Lorena Savani, Director of Thematic Leadership (Biotech & Protein)
Partner and Secretariat Engagement -Gulsah Uysal, Director Partnership & Corporate Services
Partner and Secretariat Engagement - Regine Roncucci, Ecosystem Manager
Partner and Secretariat Engagement -Alicia Abendroth, Senior Partnership Manager
Cross-Organizational Support Team
Fundraising - Justyna Kulawik-Dutkowska, Head of Network & Business Development
Public Affairs - Francesco Proscia, Senior Public Affairs Manager
Think Tank Members
Below you will find the logos for all of our Think Tank Members
Publications
Explore publications from the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank, offering insights and solutions to advance sustainability, resilience, and innovation in Europe's protein landscape.
Protein Diversification for Future-Fit Farming
The paper highlights the importance of aligning policies with farmers’ real-world challenges, recognising their dual role as both business owners and stewards of the environment, and developing appealing business models that place farmers at the center. This paper stems from roundtable discussions with farmers, food producers, nonprofits, academics, and other stakeholders, all concerned with how protein diversification and regenerative agriculture can help address pressing issues like food security and climate resilience.
Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Future: The Role of Protein Diversification in the EU Agri-Food Sector
In recent years, Europe has faced unprecedented challenges, from a global pandemic and geopolitical turbulence to rising inflation and the impacts of climate change. These events have reshaped policy priorities, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to competitiveness, food security, resilience, and sustainability. As part of this transformation, protein diversification has emerged as a vital solution to reduce import dependencies, provide farmers with new income opportunities, and strengthen Europe’s food system. The paper explores how diversifying Europe’s protein sources can address these challenges. Covering themes of food affordability, resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability, it offers actionable insights and recommendations to drive the transformation of Europe’s food system.
EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank 2023 Policy Brief on “Accelerating Protein Diversification for Europe”
This policy brief sets out a comprehensive set of recommendations, advocating for a systems thinking approach and acknowledging the importance of engaging with the entire food system. It builds on the white paper published in December 2022 by the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank and the feedback received, going a step further to look at the pathways ahead. It is the result of a collaborative process between the Think Tank members, bringing their own expertise, as well as consulting with various experts and stakeholders from the protein diversification field for a more accurate representation of required developments.
EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank Whitepaper
As one of many ongoing activities, the Protein Diversification Think Tank co-created a new whitepaper detailing the latest innovations and critical factors in bringing more planet-friendly proteins to our plates.
Óir na Farraige is an innovative regenerative aquaculture initiative establishing a commercial seaweed farm in Irish Waters to supply sustainably cultivated biomass to the biostimulant industry. The project replaces wild-harvested seaweed…
By rethinking how proteins are produced and processed, we aim to:🌿 Reduce environmental impact♻️ Create economic value from food waste and side streams💪 Expand protein diversity for sustainable food systems
