Working with industry
Interview with Heston Blumenthal
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During the past five years, we have worked with many household brands and organisations in the food sector, from TV chefs to the supermarkets. As a result of all this activity the Department generates around £1.5 million of industrially funded research every year - all of which is independent and therefore published. We have a wide range of research projects and contracts, including one-to-one funding from multi-national companies through to small and medium enterprises (SME's). This success extends overseas with industrial links in Europe, Asia and America. Several LINK schemes, BBSRC Case studentships and EU projects are also co-operative with industrial partners and consortia.
Just one of the exciting research projects currently underway at the department is focusing on enhancing the taste of hospital food to help prevent or treat malnutrition in older people. The project is supported by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal and funded by Research into Ageing. To find out more about this pioneering research project click the link to view the video at the top of the page.
But as a student, what does all this activity mean for you? By ensuring that we are at the forefront of any developments within the food industry we are able to tailor our teaching so that it is current and reflects the changing trends and technologies facing the food sector. Being at the top also means that Reading attracts some of the top industry specialists. As a student you will have access to these experts and we actively encourage an informal relationship between students and staff to ensure the door is always open whether you need help with coursework or need advice on what placement to apply for.
We have three successful centres, which have been established to provide easy access for businesses wishing to have our help. See: