FOSTER project meets in Brussels [19.11.25]
Strengthening science-policy connections for sustainable food systems
Our European Horizon project FOSTER gathered once again in Brussels for a Science Policy Expert Panel Workshop (10 November) and a series of strategy and co-writing sessions (11–12 November).
The workshop focused on learning and networking between change-driven initiatives and policy experts, exploring opportunities for more sustainable EU food systems. Together, participants identified policy needs, discussed governance options for transitioning towards food-oriented knowledge and innovation systems (FOKIS), and highlighted the importance of education that equips people to engage with diverse forms of knowledge — a key challenge in both AKIS and FOKIS.
Our two team members Anna Struth and Julia Thompson, together with our research partner Ulrich Ostarhild from Ernährungsrat StadtRegion Stuttgart e.V. had the chance to join.
Anna reflects:
“For me, the in-person meetings are always a highlight because they allow for deep relationship-building and truly focused time together. When working digitally, it’s often hard to find more than one or two hours at a stretch. During project meetings, we suddenly have the space for intense exchange — and those informal moments during breaks or over dinner can be really revealing.”
The co-writing sessions were also invaluable: being in one room, realigning our plans, and discussing key topics again proved crucial for shaping our upcoming Learning Papers and aligning the project strategy for its final year.
