Why this course?
Sustainable food systems are critical to addressing global challenges related to food security, environmental degradation, and social equity. Viewed from a value chain perspective, the food system involves a diverse array of stakeholders, including those in production, manufacturing, retail, research, and policy. To promote meaningful progress, an interdisciplinary approach is essential—one that integrates social, health, and environmental sciences alongside industry expertise. This holistic framework can accelerate the green transition by equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to develop innovative, sustainable solutions across the food system.
This interdisciplinary course is designed to equip future scientists with the skills needed to conduct research within sustainable food systems. The course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the field while introducing key research methodologies, and project management and proposal writing techniques. Additionally, it will serve as a platform for establishing connections among students from various institutions, encouraging the formation of networks that can support future interdisciplinary collaboration.
The course is offered in collaboration between two departments at Aarhus University (Dpt. of Management and Dpt. of Food Science), and supported by interdisciplinary centers CiFOOD, MAPP, and START.
COURSE ORGANISERS
Content and learning outcomes
The curriculum focuses on equipping future scientists with the essential skills needed to tackle the multifaceted challenges of sustainable food systems. The primary goal is to highlight the broader role of food science in society and underscore the critical importance of sustainable practices.
Key topics covered in the course include:
- Environmental sustainability in primary production
- Transformation and preservation of raw materials to maintain food quality
- Strategies for reducing waste across the food production chain
- Utilization of production side-streams for human consumption
- Development of plant-based food products
- Nutrition, diets, and health
- Social and cultural sustainability
- Food policy, economics, and planning
The secondary goal is to build competencies in relation to project management, grant proposal writing, effective communication, and appreciation of interdisciplinarity. These competencies are developed through a dynamic and interactive program featuring presentations, group discussions, and talks by leading Danish and international food experts.
Upon completion of the course, participants will:
- Build expertise in analyzing and solving sustainability challenges within food systems.
- Deepen understanding of food policy, economics, and planning to influence decision-making.
- Enhance communication and presentation abilities, including pitch development.
- Expand collaborative research and networking skills with professionals across institutions.
- Strengthen project management skills, from planning to execution and evaluation.
- Develop leadership and team-building capabilities in interdisciplinary contexts.
- Gain proficiency in academic writing and scientific publication preparation.
- Master grant application techniques, including proposal writing and funding acquisition.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Structure and methodology
The course combines lectures, workshops, and project-based work connected to participants' PhD research or existing projects.
The methodology emphasizes hands-on exercises, guest lectures from renowned academics and industry leaders, and mentorship from experienced researchers in sustainable systems. Experts involved in project development, pitching, management, and research funding will also be integrated into the program.
This approach is designed to help participants develop interdisciplinary research skills and navigate the funding landscape, with a particular focus on early career researchers and excellence calls aimed at supporting innovative research proposals.
Timeline
The course is planned to run from August to October 2026, and will consist of three sessions, comprising a total of six days of interaction, scheduled as follows:
- Session 1: 20-21 August, Aarhus
- Session 2: 24-25 September, Aarhus
- Session 3: 28-29 October, Copenhagen*
Between sessions, participants will work on a course assignment. In addition, preparatory work will be required before each section.
* The final session will coincide with the START Green Minds Gather Conference. Participants will be invited to attend the conference (the fee will be waived), and course-related activities will take place on the second day of the conference.
Course credit and assessment
The course offers 5 ECTS to participants upon successful completion. The final assessment is based on handing-in of an interdisciplinary group project proposal and an oral pitch presentation of the proposal.
Who should attend?
The course is offered to PhD researchers and early career researchers who their research interests are within sustainable food systems. While the course mainly targets participants from Denmark, international participants are also welcome if they can accommodate participation to all sections.
Costs
The course fee is 5,500 DKK. The course is free of charge for participants from Aarhus University.
"Taking part in this course was a truly positive and enriching experience for me. Coming from the social sciences and being more familiar with qualitative methods and stakeholder-based approaches, I especially appreciated the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary group and engage with people who had different kinds of expertise.
Our project focused on incentivizing the consumption of more sustainable food products, with particular attention to nudging. It was very valuable to collaborate with participants who had stronger knowledge of supply chains and others who had already worked on this topic. For me, this exchange of perspectives was one of the most rewarding aspects of the course.
Overall, I would highly recommend this course at any stage of one’s career, especially because of its strong practical focus and the opportunity to learn through collaboration."
- Annapia Ferrara, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa
"Sustainable Food Systems and Interdisciplinary Research Practices isn't just another theory-heavy seminar. It’s a masterclass in the practical skills—like grant writing—that actually define a successful research career.
I found the curriculum incredibly adaptable; it provided me with a high-level toolkit that applies whether you're tackling sustainability or management.
It remains the most valuable graduate experience I've had to date."
- Antonios Tiganis, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Food Science, Aarhus University
