Agrifood Futures at Reading leading food systems change

The University of Reading is delivering one of its most ambitious research and innovation programmes to date. Agrifood Futures (AFF) is a bold, whole-systems research and innovation strategy that will transform how we produce, consume and think about food as we move towards 2050. At its core are three interconnected Priority Research Areas: 

• A resilient food system for everyone
• Farming systems that work with nature and our climate
• Food that nourishes people and the planet

These are backed by major investment in research infrastructure, partnerships and capability, and Reading's ambition to be a global leader in systems-led agrifood research and innovation. Following a global search, Professor Carol Wagstaff was appointed as the inaugural Director of Agrifood Futures in August 2026. She provides strategic leadership across the AFF Programme and the major infrastructure investments that underpin it, including the Integrated Research and Innovation Farm, Advanced Food Processing and a Food-Centred Participatory Research Platform. 

Carol said: "I am honoured to have been appointed the inaugural Director of Agrifood Futures and to lead such an ambitious programme, which will convene national and global perspectives, and practice, to transform our food systems for future health, sustainability and resilience. This initiative will cement the University of Reading's position as a global leader in food system transformation." 

She is joined by Professor Emilie Combet, who recently moved from the University of Glasgow, to become Director of Healthy Sustainable Food. Emilie’s research interests bring together nutrition, health, food systems and sustainability, with a focus on translating interdisciplinary research into policy and practice. 

The appointments of Carol and Emilie build on leadership already established as Agrifood Futures strategy took shape, with Professor Simon Willcock, Director of Sustainable Farming Systems, and Dr Jim Woodhill, Director of the Systems and Futures Hub. The Hub is a University-wide interdisciplinary research centre. It embeds systems and futures thinking across Reading's research and engagement, building the capacity, capability and connections to drive systemic food systems change with partners. 

Most recently, the Hub in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), convened the Leveraging Systemic Change event which brought senior leaders from across the UK food system together to explore practical policy and research directions. It reflects how Agrifood Futures works as a convenor of people and knowledge to ensure urgent food system issues are tackled through collective working, and that change is driven from the local level upwards with the support of government and business. 

The University is now seeking a Professorial-level Director to lead the Resilient Food Systems Priority Area and complete the appointment of the Agrifood Futures team. The postholder will shape research, policy and practice that empowers stakeholders to understand, mitigate and adapt to the risks and shocks facing global agrifood systems, embedding evidence, foresight and systems thinking in decision-making. It is a significant opportunity to shape agrifood research nationally and internationally.  

To join the Agrifood Futures leadership team, find out more and apply here or share the opportunity with your networks. Applications close at noon on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. 

Discover how Agrifood Futures at the University of Reading is shaping the future of food through research, partnerships and innovation.