FoSSNet Winter School 2026
The first FoSSNet Winter School ”Applying research-based solutions for complex food system challenges” took place from 12 to 30 January 2026 over three weeks.
It brought together early-career researchers from academia, industry and applied research for a collaborative learning experience focused on translating research into real-world solutions to complex food system challenges.
Through interactive sessions and collaboration across diverse perspectives, participants explored systems thinking and entrepreneurial approaches to analyse evidence, co-design practical interventions and strengthen the impact of their own research.
Read here the highlights from the Winter School
Who was it for?
The first edition was open to :
• PhD candidates, postdocs, and R&D staff (with ≤7 years of experience)
• Individuals working on food systems topics in academia, research institutes, start-ups, public institutions or industry
• Individuals interested in applying systems and entrepreneurial methods to real-world challenges
Learning objectives
By the end of the Winter School, participants were expected to be able to:
1. Analyse food systems using a soft system approach;
2. Identify key leverage points and decision venues for impact;
3. Specify plausible applications and societal or environmental value;
4. Collaborate to co-create and prioritise solution options;
5. Communicate research impact clearly to different audiences;
6. Demonstrate ownership of research goals and next steps.
Learning methods
The Winter School combined interactive online workshops using systems and entrepreneurial approaches with practical exercises, peer-to-peer coaching, peer feedback and guided reflection. These activities encouraged participants to learn collaboratively, co-develop research impact pathways and apply insights to their own research.
Structure & Modules
| Week | Module | Focus |
| Week 1 (12–16 Jan) | Food Systems & Problem Framing | Understand the food system as a complex network; locate where your research sits |
| Week 2 (19–23 Jan) | Stakeholders & Pathways to Application | Identify key actors, leverage points, and plausible impact pathways |
| Week 3 (26–30 Jan) | Translating and Communicating Research for Impact | Refine impact pathways and practise pitching adjusting your messaging for different audiences |
Live sessions
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays (16:00 – 18:00 CET) each week.
These interactive sessions combined short inputs, group work and peer reflection.
Async activities
Between live sessions, participants also collaborated asynchronously – both in small teams and individually (applying tools and concepts to their own research).
Partners and experts
The Winter School ws co-developed by Lund University, University of Oxford, Roskilde University and EIT Food. Meet the experts and teaching team :
