Sustain joins new research hub to transform UK food for sustainability and health

The Thriving Food Futures research hub is part of a £42m funding package from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The hub will contribute critical research to develop and evaluate food-based interventions designed to promote healthy, sustainable diets across the UK.

Fran Bernhardt, Sustain’s Commercial Determinants Coordinator, and Ruth Westcott, Climate and Nature Emergency Campaign Manager, will partner with researchers from the University of Oxford, Cambridge, Strathclyde, Warwick, Queen Mary University London and City St George’s University London.

The Thriving Food Futures project - formally known as Transdisciplinary Health Research to Identify Viable Interventions for Net Zero Goals - will investigate the effectiveness of food-related policies through a variety of approaches, and will involve new models, citizen juries, digital tools and simulations, to test policies in real-world conditions without relying on industry partnerships.

Ruth Westcott, Climate and Nature Emergency Campaign Manager said:

“Just last week the need for action on our diets was made clear in the latest carbon budget. We know that climate friendly diets can be delicious, affordable, benefit our health and increase equality, but change isn’t happening quickly enough. We are delighted to be part of Thriving. This research hub will bring together world-class academics and experts in policymaking from civil society. Congratulations to all the successful research hubs.”

Sustain’s role in the project will help ensure that research findings translate into actionable policies that drive change, and learn from the successful public health interventions that Sustain has championed for many years.

Professor Peter Scarborough, project lead from the University of Oxford said:

“By working closely with policymakers and the public, we will create evidence-based solutions that are not only effective but also widely accepted and viable. If implemented, these policies can contribute to a healthier population and a healthier planet.”

Professor Louise Heathwaite, UKRI building a green future lead and executive chair of the Natural Environment Research Council said:

“The UK’s net zero transition presents a huge opportunity to challenge, review and improve many aspects of societal resilience to create a sustainable environment and healthier, happier population.”