Congratulations to our Master in Food Systems Graduates, cohort 2022-2024 !
After 2 years of studying across 3 different universities in Europe, the cohort celebrated their graduation at the historic ‘Groot Begijnhof’ in Leuven, Belgium on 11 & 12 October 2024.
The Journey
The 2022-2024 cohort of the Master in Food Systems embarked on a transformative journey, filled with rigorous academic challenges, hands-on experiences, and deep immersion in the evolving landscape of food innovation.
From the start, this 4th cohort demonstrated a passion for reshaping the food industry, tackling global challenges such as sustainability, nutrition and food equity.
Throughout the programme, they evolved not just as students but change-makers, driven by the vision of a healthier, more sustainable future. Collaborating with esteemed professors and industry leaders, they pushed the boundaries through cutting-edge projects. Each milestone of their journey marked their resilience, growth, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
It has been an incredible journey, one that has enriched their personal and professional lives. Though challenging at times, they are prepared to embark on the next great adventure : building their careers and lives.
Equipped with the right skillset and an entrepreneurial mindset, these graduates are the creative leaders who will drive food system solutions for tomorrow’s consumers and citizens!
The Graduation Conference
After 2 years of studying across 3 different universities in Europe, the cohort celebrated their graduation at the historic ‘Groot Begijnhof’ in Leuven, Belgium on 11 & 12 October 2024.
This beguinage, listed as UNESCO world heritage, dating back to the 13th century, provided the perfect backdrop for the prestigious event. The complete beguinage is now owned by the University of Leuven and used as a campus, especially for housing academics.
The choice of the location is symbolic, also the beguines had to demonstrate : a new way of looking at the world, bringing positive change, having a broad set of skills, being resilient, making their own ideas work and being entrepreneurial and self sustainable ...just like our Master Students.
Graduation was more than a ceremony—it was a testament to the power of community, international collaboration and friendships for life.
Students reflected on their rich learning experiences, surrounded by proud family and friends via livestream.
This moment was not just a reflection on past achievements, but a launchpad for the exciting careers awaiting them in the food systems landscape.
The changing into the traditional robes symbolized unity and definitely contributed to the overall atmosphere.
The Special Awards
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the selected Master Thesis Project Awards, which recognized the most outstanding projects in the different categories as mentioned below.
Special thanks to the Jury members : Imran Afzal Worth (the Squeeze Ltd.), Federica Galli (Puratos), Françoise Gorga (Institut Carnot AgriFood Transition), Peter Holl (German Institute for Food Technologies), Abdul Keeri (BioDiaryLabs) and Marta Kutyna Bakalarska (MaspexGroup).
Graduates presented their projects , exchanged ideas with peers, and engaged in thought-provoking discussions.
Award Exemplary Food System Integration
Emaan Binte Muhammad: Development of a Food Product Prototype Containing Added Plant Polar Lipids and Investigation of Its Postprandial Glycemic Properties
- Excellent Entrepreneurial Potential
Laura Bolognesi: Design of Novel Taralli with Integration of A. Domesticus Flour - Surprising Content
Anna Cavallaro: Beanless Coffee and the Challenge of Improving its Body - High Potential to Create Positive Social Impact
Michelle Kassouf: Exploring Potential Alternatives to Pancreatin in the Treatment of Different Digestive Diseases - High Potential for Positive Environmental Impact
Aaqifa Shaikh: Environmental sustainability assessment and comparative analysis of post treatment on pea protein concentrate versus isolate: A case study in Sweden and Denmark - Excellent Industrial Potential
Helen Chidinma Chukwu: Amazonian Single Cell Oil (ASCO): The Future of Lipid
A Special Guest - Angelo Vermeulen, Space Biologist
Internationally renowned space biologist, Angelo Vermeulen, was the guest speaker of the event, inspiring the graduates with his visionary talk on collaboration and innovation at the intersection of food, technology, and the future. Talking about the future of food, the future of humanity beyond earth.
Angelo Vermeulen is an inspirational Space biologist and crew commander of NASA-funded HI-SEAS Mars analog simulation.
He shared the story of the first commercial spacewalk, the mission with Polaris Dawn, sponsored by SpaceX and Jared Isaacman. More and more people will have access to space and work & eat in space.
He addressed topics as extraterrestrial food culture, molecular sustainability and food futures.
Drawing from his experiences in space exploration and system design, Vermeulen challenged the audience to think beyond traditional boundaries and to reimagine what is possible for the future of food.
His insights into resilience, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration resonated deeply with the graduates, reminding them that innovation is not just about solving today's problems, but about imagining and shaping a better tomorrow.
A Thank You… to all University Partners, Teachers, Mentors, Coaches, Local Coordinators, MFS Operational Board & Steering Committee
This programme’s success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of its university partners and the dedicated delivery team of teachers, mentors, coaches, local university coordinators and last but not least the MFS Operational Board & Steering Committee.
Their guidance, expertise, and encouragement empowered the students to reach their fullest potential. They provided not only academic knowledge but also personal growth, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. From nurturing early ideas to refining complex theses, their dedication to student success was palpable.
As these students graduate, they carry with them the wisdom and inspiration imparted by this extraordinary team.
Special thanks also to the 2 Student Representatives Ravi Audichya & Vanessa Yépiz Gonzalez, keeping a direct line open between the cohort and the Operational Board, solving all your small and big questions. Making students feel seen and heard and supported all along their journey.
The MFS Programme is delivered by Lund University, University of Hohenheim, University of Warsaw, University of Turin, University of Reading and Aarhus University.
A Promising Future
As Student Representative Vanessa expressed: ‘Be grateful, be proud and be hopeful for a promising future’.
We are sending off 37 future leaders in the food sector. With great pride and the continuous support of the MFS and EIT Food Community, we are looking forward to hear about their next steps and how they make waves in the world of food systems.
On the second day of the Graduation Conference, focus was on employability with a workshop on how to pitch their profile and kickstart their job search.
Some already landed their first job, some might continue studying, some will join large or medium size companies or join regulators or policy makers, and part of them has plans to create their own company!
The future is bright, as these graduates are the effective innovators we need, to help shape and drive the food systems transformation. Their new chapter is one filled with opportunities to innovate, disrupt and lead.
Armed with the knowledge and skills acquired over the past two years and entrepreneurial mindset, they are uniquely equipped to drive meaningful impact, navigate through the food systems world and turn thinking into doing.
“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other” - Desiderius Erasmus, 1503
The MFS Alumni Success Stories
Alumni from the 3 previous MFS cohorts are already fulfilling this role of 'effective leaders of tomorrow' and can demonstrate economical, societal and environmental impact!
These stories are a testament to the quality of education and the powerful network that this programme fosters.
The Master in Food Systems Alumni Impact Stories offer valuable insights into the real-world impact of the programme on graduates' careers and contributions to the food sector.
These stories highlight how alumni have applied their interdisciplinary knowledge to address pressing challenges in sustainability, innovation and food systems.
They showcase diverse career paths, from entrepreneurship to research, revealing the programme’s ability to prepare leaders in the food systems transformation.
By sharing their experiences, these alumni inspire current and future students, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of the programme's unique learning approach.
Ultimately, these narratives reinforce the significance of the Master in Food Systems in shaping the future of the food industry.
Check out the Impact Stories from our MFS Alumni : Mariam is into research at Vion Food Group, Martina is delving into R&D of Alternative Proteins, Anne works at Libre Foods, Marc started his own company Kasoda, Christian chose for Quality Control at a Swiss Chocolatier and Nespresso Coffee, Ilaria is at the intersection of product development, research and customer engagement, Paul co-founded the Alt Protein Project and is Business Developer at Neggst, Isa landed at the vegan cheese start-up Viva la Faba, Tomilayo's ultimate goal is to impact public health in Nigeria, ....
And...you could be next on this impressive list !
Why would you join the EIT Food's Master in Food Systems Programme? Stay Tuned!
Get ready to embark on a transformative journey with the Master in Food Systems!
But why would you choose EIT Food? Because this is the only Master Degree, that focusses on Food Industry content only, with a strong emphasis on Entrepreneurial Education and is a one of a kind International Exchange Programme.
And on top, the MFS Programme carries the official EIT Master Degree Label.
Applications for the next cohort are opening soon, offering you the chance to join a dynamic community of innovators and future leaders in the food industry.
This is your opportunity to shape a sustainable, resilient, and healthier food system.
Stay tuned on our Social Media channels this November-December, and take the first step toward making a real impact on the world.
Your future in food starts here—don't miss it!
Does this Master programme sound interesting but maybe a bit too long or too intensive for you?
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