Scottish Alliance for Food

Blog

Learn more about our past activities in the articles below!

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Building Focus and Connections: Reflections from SCAF's Third Writing Retreat

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 07:37:00 GMT

Our third SCAF residential writing retreat took place in November, bringing 28 members together from across Scotland for three days of uninterrupted writing time and networking with others from across the food and nutrition landscape.

SCAF and NNedPro Sign Collaboration Agreement | January 2026

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:37:00 GMT

SCAF and the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health signed a Letter of Intent which will see our two organisations explore key areas for collaboration.

A row of sparklers being held upright against a dark blue night sky
A row of sparklers being held upright against a dark blue night sky

What Happened This Month | December 2025

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:51:00 GMT

In December, the theme was connections, online, with new members, in person, through participation in the NNEdPro Summit, and discovering emerging new teams who submitted applications to the QuantumxFood pump priming call.

Picture of a vertical farm with rows of lettuce on shelves and pink lighting
Picture of a vertical farm with rows of lettuce on shelves and pink lighting

What Happened This Month | November 2025

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 06:51:00 GMT

November focused on testing what truly makes collaboration work across SCAF. From writing retreats to governance meetings and new projects, we asked “what works?” to refine formats that connect people most effectively and turn shared ideas into tangible outcomes

Seedlings in trays
Seedlings in trays

SCAF Pump Priming Round 4 Awardees

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 07:04:00 GMT

Seven projects have been selected for funding by SCAF in the fourth round of pump-priming awards, supporting 30 researchers across 16 institutions.

Mushroom varieties
Mushroom varieties

What Happened This Month | October 2025

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 06:51:00 GMT

SCAF’s October portfolio aligned with its four pillars: mapping & showcasing data and research capability; connecting members through networking and interdisciplinary workshops; creating & co-producing via the Taste & Tales competition and Academy of Citizens panel; and sharing through the ECR-led webinar.

Scotland’s Alliances Showcase at Climate Emergency Event | October 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:51:00 BST

Two of Scotland’s Alliances for Research Challenges (ARCs) were represented at the Tackling the Climate Emergency event in September, highlighting their collaborative, mission-led approaches to addressing urgent societal challenges.

Bridging Worlds: My SCAF Travel Mentorship Experience in Scotland

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:51:00 BST

Ifeoluwa Abulude reflects on his time spent with senior professionals as part of the SCAF Travel Mentorship Bursary

What Happened This Month | September 2025

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 06:51:00 BST

It all comes together: events celebrating SCAF's diversity, launching strategic evaluations, and supporting member capacity to build competitive projects.

What Happened This Month | August 2025

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:51:00 BST

Activities this month reflect SCAF’s breadth and diversity, making space for everyone in building Scotland’s food future.

Courgettes
Courgettes

What Happened This Summer | July 2025

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:51:00 BST

Before breaking for summer, we launched our fourth round of seed funding, hosted a second successful writing retreat, collaborated with the Scotland Beyond Net Zero team, and heard from colleagues from the Isle of Eigg.

View of Loch Lomond from an elevation on a sunny day with a few clouds
View of Loch Lomond from an elevation on a sunny day with a few clouds

A Luxurious Opportunity

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:00 BST

Reflections from the second SCAF Residential Writing Retreat by Satya Dunning

SCAF Pump Priming Round 3 Awardees

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 07:04:00 BST

Five projects have been selected for funding by SCAF in the third round of pump-priming awards, supporting 21 colleagues across nine institutions.

What Happened This Month | May 2025

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:51:00 BST

May was quiet but purposeful. Behind the scenes: new blogs, making connections, network conversations, and a call to shape SCAF activities through our Academy of Citizens.

Wooden spoon lying on top of an aged cookbook with a dark background
Wooden spoon lying on top of an aged cookbook with a dark background

What Happened This Month | April 2025

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:51:00 BST

April was all about exploring the diversity of perspectives required for food systems transformation, from corporate power, food heritage, and how finance can drive a better food system, and thinking about how to best support SCAF members in developing research.

Group photo from the first SCAF residential writing retreat in Loch Lomond, March 2025
Group photo from the first SCAF residential writing retreat in Loch Lomond, March 2025

SCAF Residential Writing Retreat March 2025

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:51:00 BST

The first SCAF residential writing retreat took place from 3rd–6th March in Loch Lomond, bringing together 21 attendees across career stages, disciplines and sectors to develop writing projects in a dedicated, supportive environment.

Turkey Tail mushrooms close up
Turkey Tail mushrooms close up

A Walk Through Nature’s Living Tapestry

Thu, 08 May 2025 18:51:00 BST

Reflections from the SCAF Residential Writing Retreat by Debabrata Dutta

Blue gold and white sparkles on a dark blue background
Blue gold and white sparkles on a dark blue background

SCAF at Two: Growing a Collaborative Research Future for Food in Scotland

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:51:00 BST

SCAF turned two this March, marking two years of funding ideas, strengthening connections, and fostering collaboration across disciplines to tackle food as a societal grand challenge. With a growing network and new approaches to research funding and engagement, the focus is now on deeper collaboration, broader inclusion, and bolder thinking beyond disciplinary silos.

Drawing of the Black Isle
Drawing of the Black Isle

What Happened This Month | March 2025

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:51:00 GMT

March was all about focus, innovation, and creativity. Our inaugural writing retreat fostered productivity and collaboration; the 9th webinar spotlighted new research for a resilient food future, and our Food for Thought competition celebrated powerful visual stories. From now until September, we also have several dates for your diaries!

photography competition banner Canon camera with radishes on yellow background
photography competition banner Canon camera with radishes on yellow background

Art and Photography Competition | Winners Announced

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:04:00 GMT

Congratulations to the winners of our Food for Thought art and photography competition!

Yellow daffodil in snow
Yellow daffodil in snow

What Happened This Month | February 2025

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:51:00 GMT

February was marked by a new batch of research proposals, photographs exploring different perspectives around food, a webinar on policy engagement, and emerging plans for Alliance activities: academy of citizens, our annual event, and a Quantum Food collaboration.

January Blog Tile - Alliances
January Blog Tile - Alliances

What Happened This Month | January 2025

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:51:00 GMT

SCAF has kicked off the new year with attendees confirmed for our first residential writing retreat, a second successful online networking event, and cross-Alliance collaborative opportunities on the horizon.

November blog website tile - honey bees
November blog website tile - honey bees

What Happened This Month | December 2024

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:51:00 GMT

Wrapping up the first full year of SCAF, December celebrated 12 months of bridging disciplines and sectors to create a robust, interdisciplinary research community. We also announced the second round of pump-priming projects, opened the third round of awards, and launched our online networking series.

November blog navigation banner - building blocks
November blog navigation banner - building blocks

What Happened This Month | November 2024

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:51:00 GMT

In November, SCAF navigated strategies for the year ahead with our governance and advisory boards and explored food insecurity and aquaculture in our latest collaborative webinars.

pump priming round 2 webinar banner
pump priming round 2 webinar banner

SCAF Pump Priming Round 2 Awardees

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:04:00 GMT

Eight projects have been selected for funding by SCAF in the second round of pump-priming awards, supporting 24 colleagues across 14 institutions.

Food for Thought Photography Competition website banner
Food for Thought Photography Competition website banner

What Happened This Month | October 2024

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:51:00 GMT

In October, SCAF focused on building connections across our 500-strong network with new funding opportunities. We also showcased food as a societal grand challenge through two research webinars and our annual photography competition.

October blog banner - RSE curious
October blog banner - RSE curious

What Happened This Month | September 2024

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:48:00 BST

Our Academy of Citizens activities took shape in September, and members were busy putting together collaborative pump priming applications.

pieces of vegetables (avocado, zucchini, champignon, tomato, broccoli, red onion, cucumber slice) on individual forks
pieces of vegetables (avocado, zucchini, champignon, tomato, broccoli, red onion, cucumber slice) on individual forks

RSE Curious Festival Workshop | September 2024

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 06:40:00 BST

As part of this year’s Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Curious Festival, SCAF held an interactive From Field to Forks workshop, bringing together SCAF members and others curious about food system transformation.

View across a ripe wheat field with gray cloudless sky in the background
View across a ripe wheat field with gray cloudless sky in the background

What Happened This Month | August 2024

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 09:00:00 BST

In August, we celebrated the ARC’s achievements so far and looked ahead to future opportunities, embodied by the first SCAF annual event

Two crossed silver forks
Two crossed silver forks

SCAF Annual Event | August 2024

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:13:00 BST

Expanding Horizons in Food and Collaborating Across Disciplines and Sectors

SCAF Welcomes Nuffield Scholarship Students - blog image
SCAF Welcomes Nuffield Scholarship Students - blog image

SCAF Welcomes Nuffield Scholarship Students | August 2024

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 06:24:00 BST

Nicole Ambrose and Michael Enwegbara joined the SCAF team for a two-week internship in August having each been awarded a Nuffield Research Placement Scholarship.

July blog article cover - books
July blog article cover - books

What Happened This Month | July 2024

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:56:00 BST

We welcomed Mark Bellingham to the SCAF team as our new Administrative Assistant, were joined by Nuffield Research Placement students Nicole and Michael, and continued with preparations for an event-packed month ahead.

black and white mesh/nodes/webbing
black and white mesh/nodes/webbing

What Happened This Month | June 2024

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 07:57:00 BST

In June, SCAF’s Advisory Steering board meeting offered an opportunity to reflect on our activities of the past year and launch new opportunities for collaborating, networking, mentoring, and supporting research.

The 3rd Generation transdisciplinary Critical Zone Observatory for sustainable Earth futures which includes human activity
The 3rd Generation transdisciplinary Critical Zone Observatory for sustainable Earth futures which includes human activity

Culture and Ideas Event Series at Eden Festival | June 2024

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 08:42:00 BST

The Eden Festival ran its first-ever Culture and Ideas Event Series and invited Prof Larissa Naylor to discuss the Science of Food Security.

Close up image of an array of sandwiches
Close up image of an array of sandwiches

World Food Safety Day & Handling News of an E. coli Outbreak | June 2024

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:00:00 BST

WHO World Food Safety Day, the importance of preparing for the unexpected to prevent illness and fatalities, and the criticality of hand washing and food packaging information.

May Blog Feathers Banner
May Blog Feathers Banner

What Happened This Month | SCAF | May 2024

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:14:00 BST

In May, SCAF explored livestock microbiota, lifestyle interventions in brain health, and continued planning events, including the upcoming Early Career Network event.

Hand placing a pin into a world map
Hand placing a pin into a world map

What Happened This Month | SCAF | April 2024

Fri, 10 May 2024 09:01:00 BST

We welcomed Millie, our new communications officer, got together to hear about vertical farming, celebrated a collaborative bid submission, announced our first batch of SCAF pump-priming awards, and held a hybrid workshop on mapping the Scottish food landscape.

Close up image of ripening wheat
Close up image of ripening wheat

Announcing the awardees for the SCAF pump priming round 1 | May 2024

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:49:00 BST

Six exciting projects supported by SCAF, bringing together different disciplines and institutions

AGENTs & SCAF Collaborative Workshop | March 2024

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:49:00 BST

A joint workshop on nutrition sensing and ageing: Two days packed with insight, innovation and networking

What Happened this month | SCAF | March 2024

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:29:00 BST

Our first webinar, March events and Food Futures winners announcement

What Happened this month | SCAF | February 2024

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:14:00 GMT

February events, meetings, a new start, and several proposal submissions!

Close up image of mixed beans
Close up image of mixed beans

GreenPalate Event: Vegan Living for a Sustainable Future | January 2024

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:09:00 GMT

Organised by SCAF member Leyla Bragadin de Amicis, this event explored the relationship between sustainability and food supply, agriculture and veganism and navigating the vegan business terrain

GSA navigation tile 700x300b
GSA navigation tile 700x300b

Design Innovation | Glasgow School of Art & SCAF | January 24

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 10:09:00 GMT

Glasgow School of Art and SCAF are collaborating to apply Design Innovation to explore a just and sustainable food future.

image of SBNZ gaia navigation tile
image of SBNZ gaia navigation tile

Scotland Below Net Zero Launch | Dynamic Earth | January 2024

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 10:09:00 GMT

SCAF collaborative approach and focus showcased at launch of the new initiative

People looking at exhibition boards in the Advanced Research Centre
People looking at exhibition boards in the Advanced Research Centre

SCAF Launch | October 23

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 09:39:00 BST

The Scottish Alliance for Food Launch Event – kickstarting conversations towards transforming Scottish Food Research

Emilie Combet presents the Scottish Alliance for Food at the Royal Society of Edinburgh
Emilie Combet presents the Scottish Alliance for Food at the Royal Society of Edinburgh

Alliances Launch | October 23

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:09:00 BST

Alliances for Research Challenges officially launched by the Scottish Funding Council