Decoding 'Transdisciplinary': A New Approach to Understanding Food

Our dietary choices are intrinsically linked to pervasive global health challenges, from chronic diseases to widespread malnutrition. Beyond individual well-being, the vast food systems that feed us profoundly impact planetary sustainability, consuming vast tracts of land and water, and contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and species extinction. It is abundantly clear that traditional, siloed approaches are no longer sufficient to navigate this intricate web of issues. This is precisely where transdisciplinary food studies finds its place as an essential and transformative paradigm.

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At ‘The University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU)’, the word ‘transdisciplinary’ is more than a buzzword; it embodies a deeply integrated methodology, focusing on the synthesis of fundamentally different knowledge systems and cultures to forge entirely new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Imagine bringing together ancient Ayurveda sciences with cutting-edge modern nutrition science; and having biologists, Ayurveda physicians, and field outreach experts interact to tackle complex food issues without being confined by traditional departmental boundaries. This unique integration, a hallmark of TDU, fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are not just tolerated, but are actively encouraged to interact and co-create novel solutions. It is a holistic perspective that recognises the profound connections between local ecosystem resources and global demands, merging traditional wisdom with modernity to create powerful new insights.

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The field of food is undergoing an unprecedented revolution, making it an incredibly exciting time to work in the space. While our absolute knowledge of food's composition and properties has grown, the unknowns have expanded exponentially in the last two decades. We are only just beginning to unravel the intricate interactions between food and our genome (nutri-genomics), epigenome, and perhaps most profoundly, our gut microbiome. This explosion of knowledge, coupled with advancements in metabolomics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, highlights the need for a truly integrated approach. Understanding the multifaceted impact of food on human well-being and the planet requires insights from genetics, data science, and traditional wisdom, all working in concert.

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TDU's innovative Food Futures program is designed to address these challenges head-on, positioning food as the "first solution" to interconnected global health problems. Research at the University is research is anchored in three core pillars: systems thinking (connecting food with ecology, environmental impact, and circularity), design thinking (innovating from consumer need to delight), and health thinking (exploring the long-term biological impact of food choices, going beyond basic nutritional intake). This approach includes pioneering work in Indian culinary science and personalized nutrition, leveraging a vast database of traditional Indian ingredients and recipes with over 2000 ingredients and extensive metadata.

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A key focus is on diversity on the plate, moving beyond the concept of a single "superfood" to promote the consumption of a wide array of plants – potentially 30 different species a week – recognising the crucial link between diverse diets and a healthy gut microbiome. TDU also integrates the ancient Indian concept of incorporating all six traditional 'rasas' (in-mouth experiences) in every meal, further promoting dietary diversity. The university boasts unique facilities that bring these concepts to life, including a state-of-the-art research kitchen (described as superior to some Michelin-starred restaurant kitchens for research purposes) and a micro food forest cultivating wild edibles and forgotten foods. These provide hands-on experience spanning the entire food chain, from healthy gardens to healthy kitchens to healthy lives.

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The learning environment at TDU fosters an entrepreneurial mindset from the outset. Students are encouraged to transform concepts into prototypes that address real-world challenges, such as enhancing protein absorption or tackling widespread anaemia through functional foods. With robust connections to over 100 industry partners and a deep commitment to solving national public health challenges like anaemia, TDU ensures that learning is deeply connected to practical impact. Students engage in significant outreach, working with rural communities and large-scale initiatives like midday meal providers, providing them with the unique satisfaction of seeing their academic work contribute to front-line solutions.

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Transdisciplinary food studies at TDU is more than an academic pursuit; it's a vital pathway for those seeking future-oriented careers that make a tangible difference in global issues and sustainable development. It is a curriculum for the present and the future, connecting tradition with innovation, and addressing real-world problems with cutting-edge infrastructure and a faculty that blends academic rigour with extensive industry and outreach experience. It is about equipping the next generation to be innovators and problem-solvers in the complex and critically important domain of food.

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Watch the full podcast featuring Dr. Gurmeet Singh as he unpacks how food intersects with health, ecology, and innovation — and explore the Food Futures programmes at TDU, where tradition meets technology to shape tomorrow’s food systems - https://youtu.be/J8aBcGr8ZIo?si=3W_Oli2c0Xb2zzoO