Key Takeaways
- RMIT University has launched a Food Innovation Hub at its Bundoora campus to enhance research in sustainable food practices.
- The hub aims to address real-world challenges in the food industry and foster partnerships for practical research outcomes.
- RMIT is recognized globally for its food science, ranked first in Australia and 26th worldwide in relevant academic subjects.
RMIT’s New Food Innovation Hub
RMIT University has inaugurated a Food Innovation Hub at its Bundoora campus, aiming to bolster research and promote healthier, more sustainable food options. This initiative brings together expertise in food technology and nutrition to tackle challenges faced by the food industry.
The hub is part of RMIT’s strategic investment in health initiatives at its Melbourne campus, which is focused on vocational education, research, and industry collaboration. Professor Mirjana Prica, the Director of the Food Innovation Hub, emphasizes the importance of industry partnerships to understand and address real-world issues.
“We’re excited to progress critical industry-relevant research through this hub and invite industry to partner with us on this journey,” stated Prica. She highlights a significant gap in the translation of food research into practical applications and aims to bridge this by collaborating closely with industry. The hub will focus on “value added production,” converting raw materials into high-value functional ingredients and foods through advanced engineering and processing techniques.
Sujeeva Setunge, the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at STEM College, noted that the hub aligns with RMIT’s goal of delivering impactful research. “Our STEM-focused innovation hubs are designed around significant challenges rather than individual disciplines,” Setunge explained. The Food Innovation Hub is expected to help researchers and students close the gap between scientific breakthroughs and product development, transferring research insights from laboratories to real-world applications that benefit businesses and communities alike.
The hub will operate from RMIT’s Food Research and Innovation Centre, a state-of-the-art facility where researchers, students, and industry professionals can experiment and develop new ideas. Moreover, the hub leverages RMIT’s strong reputation in food science and technology, which has earned the university the top spot in Australia and 26th place globally in the 2025 Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Through this initiative, RMIT aims not only to advance food science but also to contribute positively to the food system’s sustainability and workforce development, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and education in the food industry.
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