A £38 million centre dedicated to developing acceptable and planet-friendly alternatives to animal proteins is to be headed up by the University of Leeds.
The UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Innovate UK have announced £15m funding over the next five years for a National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC), with the remainder of the support coming from partners.
The centre will be hosted by the University of Leeds and co-led by the James Hutton Institute, the University of Sheffield and Imperial College London.
The researchers aim to create a pan-UK innovation centre to secure a continuous supply of safe, tasty, affordable, and healthy proteins which also support Net Zero goals and futureproof the UK’s food and animal feed security.
“This revolutionary new centre is testament to the groundbreaking research into alternative proteins already taking place at the University and it will ensure the UK continues to be at the forefront of reducing population health inequalities,” said Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, University of Leeds.
“Finding sustainable alternatives to animal proteins is one of the biggest challenges faced by the planet and its people and we are honoured that Leeds has been chosen to co-lead this interdisciplinary team of talented researchers.”
Alternative proteins (AP) are derived from sources other than animals. They include terrestrial and aquatic plants such as cereals, legumes, tubers and nuts; fungus such as mushrooms; algae such as seaweed; insects; proteins derived via biomass or precision fermentation, and cultured (lab-grown) meat.
Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Director of Research and Innovation for Leeds’ School of Food Science and Nutrition, is the Project Leader for NAPIC.
“A phased transition towards low-emission alternative proteins which have a reduced reliance on animal agriculture is imperative to deliver sustainability and protein equity for one and all,” she explained.
“There are many challenges though, and population-level access to, and acceptance of, alternative proteins is currently hindered by a highly complex marketplace, and there are worries about taste, nutritional equivalence and cost, as well as health and safety concerns for consumers and the fear of diminished livelihoods for farmers.
“NAPIC will provide a robust and sustainable platform for open innovation and responsible data exchange and collaboration with partners from industry, regulators, academic partners and policy makers that mitigates the risks associated with this emerging sector, and also addresses the short- and longer-term concerns of consumers and producers.”
Over 30 researchers from the four institutions and more than 120 NAPIC partners will work closely with industry, regulators, investors and policymakers to create a vibrant alternative protein innovation ecosystem and produce a clear roadmap for the development of a National Protein Strategy for the UK.