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Food Systems Institute Annual Report 2025

Our food systems are a wonder and a catastrophe. They sustain us, yet contribute to some of our our greatest environmental and social challenges. Now is the moment for concerted action to build a more just and sustainable future.

In 2025, the FSI community formed and strengthen partnerships, and delivered impact across our three research pillars that address critical global food system challenges.

 

 

FSI at a glance

>£51m in research funding

to co-create food system solutions

11 policy papers

published to support a more equitable food system

Explore our policy briefs
8000+ social media followers Join our community
28 food products

launched and scaled to drive sustainable and healthy diets

Food Innovation Centre case studies
300+

externally funded research projects

600+ stakeholders

learnt about the critical state of our food systems at 10 FSI hosted events

94+ events

where FSI experts pushed forward the food agenda

350+ food and drink businesses supported

 

Key report takeaways

Our 2025 Annual Report highlights the key actions the FSI community has taken to drive more sustainable, equitable and nutritious food systems since 2023. Our work shows that:

    • People care about food's environmental impact: Public concerns about the climate impact of everyday food is growing, but misconceptions remain. New research delivered in partnership with Tesco is driving climate action and sustainable diets by helping consumers make more sustainable food choices.

    • Government, industry and academia can work together: Government recognises the role that collaboration plays in transforming food systems. The recent DEFRA Farm Profitability Review, led by our Honorary Associate Professor Baronness Minette Batters, with contributions from Professor Paul Wilson sets out recommendations to improve farm profitability and strengthen partnerships between government and industry for a more profitable and sustainable farming industry.
    • Research can support policy and better livelihoods: Policymakers rely on research and evidence to shape inclusive and equitable food policies. Our Centre for Food Policy and Foresight provides advice and insights to help policymakers develop the most sustainable, and people- and planet-focused food and agricultural policies.
    • Young people are key food systems stakeholders: Students and young people bring fresh ideas, perspectives and leadership that can reshape food narratives and drive healthier, more sustainable and nutritious food futures. 
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Download the 2025 Annual Report

Discover how we are creating impact, and helping feed the world sustainably by developing food system solutions that centres people and our planet.

Download and read the report

2025 pillar impact stories 

Explore our 2025 stories of impact and how our research is shaping food sytems worldwide 

Sustainable and resilient food systems

Equitable and inclusive food systems 

Healthy and nutritious food systems

 
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Public misconceptions about the environmental impact of everyday food

Encouraging sustainable diets and reducing environmental impact of food requires uncovering public perceptions

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Estimating childhood obesity prevalence and socio-economic deprivation using machine learning

Nottingham researchers are supporting public health efforts by measuring nutritional insecurity at scale

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Micronutrient Action Policy Support (MAPS)

MAPS brings together global partners to address micronutrient deficiencies and food insecurity in Africa

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Learn more about the Food Systems Institute