Research community

Join our community of researchers today to forge connections, find industry and academic collaborators, and learn about the latest in alternative protein science.

Scientific congress poster presentation chowing the research community networking and sharing knowledge
Credit: Dennis Schroeder/NREL

Join the growing alternative protein research community

Paper published in Nature Biotechnology about the career opportunities available to the research community with alternative proteins

The field of alternative protein development comprises a growing community of academics from across multiple disciplines. Our paper published in Nature Biotech explores the various reasons why this is a fascinating area of study, and the countless opportunities for researchers entering the space.

Still a student? Our students and educators page also has a great collection of resources and courses to help break into this fascinating field.

The alternative protein researcher directory

Use this directory to connect with European researchers who are active in the alternative protein space or are looking to apply their expertise to this field. This directory also indicates what kinds of collaborative work researchers are interested in exploring with students, labs, and companies.

If you are working on alternative proteins science (or you might like to do so in the future) and want to raise your profile in the global research community, you can apply to join the directory here.

Meet some of Europe’s alternative protein scientists

Check out our Meet the Researcher blog series, talking to alternative protein scientists about their work and hearing their advice for researchers looking to join this rapidly evolving and hugely exciting field.

Meet the researchers: Tapping into the unexplored potential of an ancient technology

A technological twist on a widely used food production system is enabling researchers to develop tasty and nutritious new products.

APP 2024: join the student movement shaping the future of food

From Portugal to Türkiye – students across Europe are taking a leading role in a global movement turning universities into…

An octopus swimming in the sea - demand for seafood currently threatens marine ecosystems

Meet the researcher: Expanding the tentacles of alternative seafood research with Frederico Ferreira

A researcher working to develop the first cultivated octopus product is at the heart of a €7 million project bringing…

“We will have to leave because we don’t have a future here.” Italian researchers fear brain drain in wake of controversial cultivated meat ban

Following the controversial cultivated meat ban, some fear an exodus of talented young scientists – particularly unwelcome given nearly 10%…

Meet the researcher: Growing a grassroots protein revolution with Mette Lübeck

A humble plant that grows in abundance across the planet is at the heart of a project aiming to transform…

Meet the researcher: precision fermentation fat

Across Europe, researchers are finding new ways of using well-established technologies to develop sustainable fat with the same the complex…

Meet the researcher: making precision fermentation cheese with Etske Bijl

A career spent analysing the chemistry behind milk has given Etske Bijl unique insights to help her develop the world’s…

Meet the researcher: Finding a deeper way of protecting our oceans with Richard Splivallo

A long-standing passion for the ocean inspired Richard Splivallo’s project – using his fermentation expertise to create better alternative seafood…

Science events

View our calendar of key events in the alternative protein calendar, including conferences, webinars, and summits.

Sustainable protein innovation priorities initiative

Join the GFIdeas community

Become a part of our GFIdeas community of scientists, students, entrepreneurs and subject matter experts who are driving alternative protein innovation.

Explore more of our science resources

Alternative protein science

Explore all of our science resources.

Research funding

Learn more about key projects and available research funding for alternative protein projects.

Open access tools and resources

Explore our library of free-to access resources on plant-based, cultivated and fermentation-made meat, seafood, eggs and dairy.

Resources for students and educators

Learn more about available courses, how to get alternative proteins on the curriculum at your institution, and our Alternative Protein Project university chapters.

Get in touch

David Hunt

Research Support Manager

David leads our work to foster a thriving research community for alternative proteins across Europe.