Distinguished Professor of Food Science 
University of Massachusetts, USA 

Prof David Julian McClements is a distinguished professor and one of the world’s most highly cited food scientists. His pioneering research explores the design of next-generation foods using principles of colloid and soft matter science and the development of structured delivery systems for bioactive components, with a focus on plant-based foods and food nanotechnology.

Julian’s work spans plant-based and hybrid protein systems, food nanotechnology, and the delivery of bioactive compounds, and he has published over 1700 scientific articles and multiple influential books. 

He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, American Chemical Society, and Institute of Food Technologists, and serves as editor of the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology. Julian is internationally recognized for advancing sustainable, healthy food innovations that bridge science, technology, and public health. 

Stern Family Endowed Professor of Engineering 
Tufts University, USA 

Prof David Kaplan is the Stern Family Endowed Professor of Engineering and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University, USA. His research focuses on biopolymer engineering, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cellular agriculture, with a special emphasis on silk-based biomaterials.  

He has authored over 1,000 peer-reviewed papers and serves on many editorial boards and programs for journals and universities.  

David is currently director of the NIH Tissue Engineering Resource Center and serves as Editor-in-Chief of ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, the National Academy of Inventors, and the National Academy of Engineering, recognized for his transformative contributions to biomedical science.  

Research and Engagement Manager 
FAIRR Initiative, United Kingdom 

Dana Wilson leads the Protein Diversification Engagement team at FAIRR, a global investor network of over 400 members with $80 trillion in combined assets. She drives collaboration between investors and major food companies to accelerate the transition toward healthy, sustainable, and diversified protein portfolios.  

Before joining FAIRR, Dana worked with the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on animal health and welfare policy.  Holding a first-class MChem and an MPhil in cell-cultivated leather, she brings deep scientific and policy expertise to advancing alternative proteins and mitigating sustainability risks in global food systems. 

Professor of Law and Director of the Research Centre for German and European Food Law 
University of Bayreuth, Germany 

Prof Kai Purnhagen’s research focuses on the intersection of law, science, and policy to address challenges in food safety, quality, and innovation. He is widely published and actively involved in academic and policy debates on European food regulation. 

Through his leadership at the research centre, he advances interdisciplinary approaches to legal frameworks governing the food sector, contributing to both scholarly knowledge and practical regulatory improvements. Kai regularly serves as an advisor to various governments and consulting agencies such as the Chinese government, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the German government and the Austrian government.

Chief Innovation Officer 
Beyond Meat, USA 

Dr Dariush Ajami is the Chief Innovation Officer at Beyond Meat, USA, where he leads cutting-edge research and development to advance plant-based protein technologies. With a PhD in Food Science and extensive experience in ingredient innovation, Dariush plays a pivotal role in creating sustainable, nutritious, and delicious alternatives to animal-based products.  

His expertise bridges food engineering and consumer trends, driving Beyond Meat’s mission to transform the global food system. Committed to sustainability, Dariush collaborates with industry leaders, academic partners, and innovators to pioneer solutions that promote environmental health and food security.