FoSSNet joins the 3rd FOSTER Summer School

Earlier this month, the FoSSNet team from Roskilde University (RUC) took part in the 2025 FOSTER Summer School, contributing to a growing dialogue on food system transformation and the development of inclusive knowledge and innovation systems in Europe.

The FoSSNet team’s presence at the Summer School served to deepen synergies between the FOSTER and FoSSNet projects—two Horizon Europe initiatives closely aligned in their ambitions. Both projects envision and aim to support a food system knowledge and innovation system (FOKIS) that enables transformation by integrating diverse types of knowledge across sectoral, disciplinary, academic, and non-academic domains.

A shared vision for transformation

Held as part of the ongoing work of the FOSTER project, the Summer School focused on how different project partners and transformation initiatives—known as change-driven initiatives (CDIs)—are engaging with food system change. Participants reflected on learnings from recent activities, identified areas of alignment, and explored how collaboration across initiatives can accelerate systemic transformation.

The FoSSNet team contributed by actively participating in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, and by learning from the experiences and perspectives of other FOSTER partners and transformation journeys.

Supporting inclusive knowledge systems

FoSSNet’s participation in this space allowed the team to explore how the two projects can reinforce each other, mutually supporting the development of a strong, shared vision for an inclusive Knowledge and Innovation system for Europe’s food system.

The Summer School also provided fresh inspiration on how to better connect research with practice and ensure that future food systems science and innovation efforts remain inclusive, connected, and impact-driven.

As the projects move forward, continued collaboration between FOSTER and FoSSNet will be crucial to ensuring that the food systems knowledge landscape in Europe is coherent, dynamic, and capable of addressing the complexity of transformation ahead.

More information about the FOSTER project and this year’s Summer School is available here.