Prof Hema Kesa Director In November 2025, the Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL) transitioned into the Food Evolution Research Centre (FERC). This strategic evolution reflects the Centre’s expanding research portfolio, growing societal impact, and its alignment with the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, sustainable development, and societal impact. FERC focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of food systems, public health nutrition, sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and emerging technologies. The Centre’s work National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Nutrition Coordinators Workshop hosted with the Tiger Brands Foundation responds directly to South Africa’s ongoing nutrition transition towards highly processed diets, which has contributed to increasing rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Through integrated research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, FERC is working to restore the value of indigenous foods whilst developing practical solutions that promote healthier dietary patterns and more sustainable food systems. Key initiatives in 2025 included: Supporting postgraduate student participation in international academic platforms, including the selection of Tholakele Radebe (master’s student) and Tressilia Mumba (PhD student) for the FIRE Young Academics Conference held in Germany in August 2025. Providing experiential learning opportunities through student participation in industry and community engagements, including involvement in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Nutrition Coordinators Workshop hosted with the Tiger Brands Foundation in October 2025. (Refer to pic 1) FERC hosted undergraduate students from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy in November 2025. The visit provided international students with exposure to FERC’s immersive FOOD EVOLUTION RESEARCH CENTRE (FERC) School of Tourism and Hospitality 69 College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2025
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