We take a ‘food systems’ approach to understand and address issues across the food value chain and associated human and ecological drivers of change.
Food systems are at the intersection of major sustainable development challenges. They intersect climate change, biodiversity, water, energy, economics, gender, social inclusion, digital innovations, and human wellbeing.
There is a need for research to have positive impacts on social, economic, and environmental systems. This requires food research to look beyond production, to focus on value chains, markets, stakeholder values and social equity.
As a research intensive institute, we are always adapting methods to meet societal and environmental challenges through research and practice.
Read more about our research expertise and methodologies by downloading our Food systems capability statement (PDF).
Expertise areas
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Peri-urban food and regional systems
Exploring the contribution of peri-urban and regional food systems to food security, urban resilience, building community and protecting the environment.
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Organic resources in the circular economy
Using innovative approaches, management and partnerships to transform food waste and other organic resources into closed-loop value chains.
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Social dimensions of food systems
Supporting food security and sovereignty, equity and justice through interdisciplinary social science.
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Phosphorus vulnerability and security
Working with partners to mitigate global phosphorus vulnerabilities and adapt for a more secure food future.
Research news and projects
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How secure is Australia's food system?ISF researchers look into the spatial distribution of food insecurity throughout Australia and what can be done to address it.
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NEWS | December 2023
Shining a light on food security for Northern Rivers
ISF researcher Fiona Berry is at the forefront of conversation around food security for NSW’s north coast communities.
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PROJECT | 2021
Creating an urban farm-friendly Australia
In the face of increasing climate variability, high-technology growing solutions may be the future of farming in Australia.
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Phosphorus and Climate Smart Agriculture NetworkISF launches innovative project on climate change, phosphorus resilience and food systems in Shanghai.
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IMPACT STORY
Peri-urban farming: the key to Sydney’s food future
The way Sydney feeds itself into the future is being reassessed after an innovative mapping project revealed how small-scale local growers are losing out to urban developers and the big food chains.
Team
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Associate Professor and Research DirectorFood systems, peri-urban agriculture, organic waste value chains, phosphorus security.
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Research PrincipalCommunity and region building through food systems and urban agriculture.
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Research PrincipalFood justice, applying systems thinking approaches to food/water/gender equality synergies.
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Research DirectorSocial equity in natural resource management and land use change, climate change mitigation.
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Research DirectorSpecialises in sustainable finance with a focus on skills, climate related financial risk regulation and mobilising capital for sustainable development.
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Senior Research ConsultantPeri-urban agriculture, qualitative research, social science.
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Program lead - Course developmentFocusing on the intersection between the world of work and climate change and the innovation processes, public policy and employment implications associated with a Just Transition.
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Senior Research ConsultantFocusing on cross-cultural consumption, animal rights and human-animal interactions.
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Adjunct Associate ProfessorOrganics waste management, integrated planning for managing waste in a circular economy.
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Stuart MartinIndustry/Professional Fellow -
Judy FriedlanderAdjunct Fellow -
Ursula King
Equitably edible urbanscapes: Exploring the intersections between sustainability, food systems, and health in Australian urban and peri-urban places
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Anthea FawcettIndustry Fellow
Graduate research students
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The Politics of Regenerative Agriculture in AustraliaExploring the relationship between sustainable food movements, governments and agrifood corporations.
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Faisal NadeemAgricultural vulnerability assessment to climate change at district level in PakistanExploring the connection of top-down processes with bottom-up information for informed policy.
Let's collaborate
Whether you have a problem that needs support or an idea for change, our innovative and solutions-focused approach can help you achieve your goals.
Contact Dana Cordell on Dana.Cordell@uts.edu.au for more information.
Planning to undertake graduate research?
ISF has an award-winning graduate research program for Masters and Doctoral students.
Discover the ‘big picture’ research questions for Food systems
