Plenary Sessions 
Watch liveDay 1
Tuesday 25th March 🕒 15:00 – 19:00 (CET) / 14:00 – 18:00 (GMT)
Defining Food Systems and Food Systems Science
🕒 14:00 – 14:10 (GMT) Opening and Welcome .
🎤 Stine Rosenlund Hansen, Roskilde University & Monika Zurek, University of Oxford
Kickstarting the event with an introduction to the sessions ahead.
🕒 14:10 – 14:25 (GMT) The Need for a European Food Systems Science Network (Plenary Talk)
🎤 Niels Halberg, Aarhus University
Why does Europe need a strong Food Systems Science Network? Learn about its role in shaping future food policies.
🕒 14:25 – 14:40 (GMT) The Evolution of Food System Thinking as a Foundation for Food Systems Science
🎤 Erik Mathijs, KU Leuven
A look into how food system thinking has evolved and why it is crucial for modern food science.
🕒 14:40 – 15:00 (GMT) FoSSNet Food Systems Conceptual Framework & Food Systems Science Definition
🎤 Monika Zurek & John Ingram, University of Oxford
Understand the structure and key concepts behind food systems science and its importance for research and policy-making.
🕒 17:00 – 18:00 (GMT) Synthesis of Breakout group discussion
🎤 Monika Zurek & John Ingram, University of Oxford
Consensus building on the key components of the FoSSNet conceptual framework and the definition of Food Systems Science to underpin a Pan-European Food Systems Science Network
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Day 2 – Morning
Wednesday 26th March 🕒 Morning Session | 10:00 – 13:00 (CET) / 9:00 – 12:00 (GMT)
Assessing the State of Food Systems Science
🕒 09:00 – 09:30 (GMT) Mapping research for SCAR Food Systems Strategic Working Group
🎤 Silvia Scaramuzzi, University of Florence
Explore how research is shaping the SCAR Food Systems Strategic Working Group and its implications for European food policy.
🕒 09.30 – 10:00 (GMT) FoSSNet’s Stocktake on Food Systems Science and Education in Europe
🎤 Thom Achterbosch, Wageningen University & Research
An overview of Food Systems Science and education across Europe, highlighting key trends, gaps, and opportunities.
🕒 11:30 – 12:00 (GMT) Sharing key insights from the breakout groups for developing a Pan-European Food Systems Science Network
Summary of key discussion points and strategic directions for the Food Systems Science Network.
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Day 2 – Afternoon
Wednesday 26th March 🕒 Afternoon Session | 14:00 -18:00 (CET) 13:00 – 17:00 (GMT)
Part 1: The role of Food Systems Science in Food Transformation
🕒 13:00 – 14:00 (GMT) Embracing Complexity: Systems Thinking, Systems Knowing, Systems Doing
🎤 Corinna Hawkes, Food and Agriculture Organization
A deep dive into the complexity of food systems and the role of science in transforming them.
Part 2: Towards a Pan-European Food Systems Science Networks that enables Food Systems Transformation
🕒 15:20 – 16:15 (GMT) Expectations towards Food Systems Science: What do we need for Food Systems Transformation? | Roundtable
🎤 Visi Garcia Cidad, Opportunities Discovery Mechanisms, RIS3CAT, Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Generalitat de Catalunya
🎤 Laura Michéle, FIAN International
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Day 3 – Morning
Thursday 27th March 🕒 Morning Session | 10:00 – 13:45 (CET) / 09:00 – 12:45 (GMT)
Strategising the Food Systems Science Network
🕒 09:00 – 09:40 (GMT) Best Practices for Establishing a Research & Innovation Network
🎤 George Beers, Wageningen University & Research
Lessons from successful networks bridging scientists and innovators to drive impactful research.
🕒 09:40 – 10:00 (GMT) Opportunities for an Academic Network in Food Systems Science
🎤 Trang Nguyen, Wageningen University & Research
Exploring how academia can close gaps and strengthen the role of Food Systems Science.
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