General information

You are cordially invited to the FoodWal symposium, which will take place on 9 and 10 December 2026 in Namur (Belgium).

This two-day event will bring together researchers, innovators and industry professionals to explore the latest advances in food science, technology and nutrition. This cutting-edge conference aims to foster collaborative discussions on emerging tools capable of shaping the future of our nutritional landscape.

Join us for a stimulating programme, featuring plenary lectures, scientific and technical presentations, as well as unique opportunities for networking and exchange with leading experts.

CONFERENCE THEME AND TOPICS

This symposium is structured around the three projects of the FoodWal portfolio, whilst pushing their boundaries and placing them within a One Health framework.

The session ‘Building sustainable alternative protein value chains: from protein sources to the development of healthy food products’ will provide an opportunity to present scientific and technological advances in creating and characterising alternative protein sources and products, and socio-economic insights on the development, maintenance and growth of sustainable alternative protein value chains.

The session ‘Microbiome and microbiotic research: innovation in nutrition for an enhanced health’ will present the scientific progress in characterising, understanding and modulating the microbiome as well as cutting-edge technologies designed to develop innovative microbiotics.

Finally, the session ‘Functional ingredients and bioactive compounds: food science and biotechnology at the service of health’ will focus on scientific advances in identifying, characterising and understanding the mechanisms of action of functional ingredients, and cutting-edge technologies designed to develop and produce innovative functional ingredients.

A public lecture (also in English) will also take place on Wednesday 9 December. It will be presented by Dr Patrice Cani and will focus on the theme ‘Feeding your gut: nutrition, microbiota and health’.

Hungry for more ?  For senior scientists and group leaders, we organise a third day (on December 11) focused on international collaboration, including lab visits and a workshop dedicated to the building-up of structured collaborative projects. A specific registration is requested, you can find more information here.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Taking place in the heart of Namur, the event will span two exciting days, with a diverse program, designed to offer a dynamic and interactive experience for all participants.

The whole symposium will be held in English.

On Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December, two scientific and technical days will be held, focusing on the themes of alternative proteins, the microbiome, and functional ingredients.

On Wednesday evening, a general public conference will be held in English, being accessible to non-specialists, with the aim to popularise the latest research in nutrition and health.

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

This event is organised by the FoodWal coordination unit :

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

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