FAO Director General visits ETH
The Director General of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization recently visited ETH Zurich to discuss innovation and collaboration for sustainable food systems.
On a cool, late summer morning, a delegation of representatives from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture visited the World Food System Center at ETH Zurich.
Christian Wolfrum, Vice President of Research at ETH Zurich and Martijn Sonnevelt, Director of the World Food System Center, welcomed the delegation including Qu Dongyu (FAO Director General), Christian Hofer (Director Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture), and Krisztina Bende (Swiss Ambassador to the United Nations organizations in Rome).
Prof. Wolfrum introduced how ETH Zurich and the World Food System Center contribute to a healthy world through sustainable food systems. He explained that the Center connects research groups across the ETH Domain and acts as a hub of multidisciplinary expertise. Members collaborate with strategically relevant partners across disciplines and sectors to holistically address complex research challenges.
Bridging fundamental research to applications as well as sharing of knowledge with the public was highlighted. Closer collaboration of the FAO with ETH Zurich was also discussed. Specifically, the memorandum of understanding between the UN and ETH Zurich, signed last October, provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen further cooperation. The Young Assembly of the World Food Forum this fall also provides a chance for students and young scientists from ETH Zurich to connect with colleagues from around the world to discuss policy matters, exchange diverse perspectives, and cooperatively identify actionable solutions for a better food future.
The delegation then moved into the atrium of the historic LFW (Agriculture and Forestry Institute) building to talk with researchers.
🍎 Corina Oppliger (Crop Sciences) and Giovanni Broginni (Molecular Plant Breeding) presented research from the field and laboratory working to accelerate breeding of new varieties of pulses and apples in Switzerland and abroad.
🔲 Hélène Iven highlighted bringing science into practice by showcasing the external page Digit Soil device, which measure parameters important for soil health.
👩🔬 Next to microalgae in a bubbling reactor, Alexander Mathys, Fabian Abiusi, Agon Besimi, Corina Sägesser, and Maja Schøn (Sustainable Food Processing) explained their multifaceted work on sustainable protein sources such as nutritious meat alternatives containing microalgae and feed based on insects.
📈 Gregor Perich and Lukas Graf from external page Terensis showed how their developed interactive dashboard provides real-time information on crop development, risk windows, and crop yield forecasting.
🌱 Nina Buchmann, founding Chair of the World Food System Center, then introduced the Center's varied activities: from supporting research across the entire food system from environment to human health to creating courses, workshops, and events for students and the wider public.
Alexander Mathys introducing the work of the Sustainable Food Processing Group.
Qu Dongyu discussing with Gregor Perich from Terensis. Nina Buchmann introducing the various research projects supported by the World Food System Center.
Qu Dongyu asking Hélène Iven about her Digit Soil start-up (Image: FAO/Mario Heller).
It was our pleasure to exchange with the delegation, and we hope the visit helps to further strengthen the bridge between ETH Zurich and FAO.