Leading Scientists Launch IAFNS to Promote Collaborative Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday marked the establishment of the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences nonprofit organization focused on catalyzing science for the benefit of public health.

 

Previously known as the International Life Sciences Institute, North America, IAFNS is building on a proud heritage with a focus on actionable science that promotes nutrition, food safety and public health.

 

"This is the next step in a natural evolution that better communicates what we do and where we are headed," said IAFNS Executive Director Wendelyn Jones. "We believe that collaboration and the inclusion of diverse perspectives from academia, industry and government are the best ways to generate credible science that benefits the entire food and beverage ecosystem."

 

Because IAFNS' operating model plans to draw on expertise from academia, industry and government, the organization is said it is uniquely positioned to drive, fund and lead actionable research. This research aims to elevate food safety and nutrition sciences whether the topic is bioactives, pathogens in food or another of the range of scientific topics IAFNS addresses.

 

IAFNS said scientific integrity is a core value  — centered around transparency. The organization is committed to full disclosure of the funding of research and to sharing research methods and data with the scientific community. IAFNS is also committed to publishing all research results regardless of outcome.

 

"Public-private partnerships and collaborations are central to delivering science that matters," said Jones. "Our approach to nutrition and food safety research will continue to advance science and evidence-based decision-making by ensuring the flow of relevant, useful information that positively impacts public health."

 

IAFNS pools funding from industry collaborators and advances science through the in-kind and financial contributions from public and private sector participants. IAFNS said the diversity of perspectives on committees and working groups — from all sectors — means no one interest dominates. Ensuring a balance of perspectives is the most appropriate way to minimize any potential conflict of interest or bias, IAFNS continued.

 

With science and research serving as the foundation for IAFNS' actions and approach, the organization said its portfolio is balanced between addressing today's significant challenges along with tomorrow's greatest opportunities whether they're in food allergens, sustainable packaging or other emerging areas of food and beverage innovation.