Look no further than the food industry, a sector at the heart of some of the world's most pressing challenges and exciting innovations. The University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), through its pioneering Food Futures Program, offers unique degrees designed to equip the next generation of food leaders with unparalleled knowledge and real-world connections.

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The Food Revolution: Why Your Future Belongs in Food

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Food is no longer just about sustenance; it's a central pillar addressing global challenges related to our health, the health of societies, and the planet's health. With 70% of diseases linked to food choices, and livelihoods for a significant portion of the population dependent on food systems, the impact is profound. Environmentally, food systems consume 60% of habitable land, 90% of fresh water withdrawals, and contribute 20-30% of greenhouse gases.

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This makes food a focal point for solutions. Furthermore, the field of food science is experiencing an unprecedented surge in knowledge. Areas like nutri-genomics, epigenomics, microbiome research, metabolomics, and the integration of wearable technology are revolutionising our understanding of the effect of food on human biology. This is truly an exciting time to work on food, leveraging also cutting-edge opportunities that combine genetics, artificial intelligence, and data science.

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TDU's Unique Approach: Transdisciplinary Excellence

What makes TDU's Food Futures Program truly exceptional is its transdisciplinary approach. Unlike traditional interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary studies, TDU synthesises distinct knowledge systems – modern science and ancient traditional knowledge like Ayurveda – to create something entirely new. This unique environment fosters collaboration between diverse faculty, including biologists, Ayurveda physicians, Sanskrit scholars, and industry experts.

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TDU's 30-year legacy of researching and documenting local ecosystem resources, including a database of 6,500 medicinal plants, provides an unparalleled foundation for understanding food formulations and their health benefits. This focus extends to local ecosystem resources, promoting many small processing units that utilise what is available locally, rather than relying on globalised single-source materials. The university also benefits from its associated hospital, The Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, that gives students and faculty the opportunity to interact freely with medical professionals, further enhancing a holistic view of health.

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Degrees Designed for Impact: Unrivalled Learning

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The Food Futures Program at TDU offers a range of degrees, including a BSc Food Processing and Technology, an MSc by Research in Food Science, Processing and Innovation, and a PhD program. These are not merely academic degrees; they are experiential and project-oriented, ensuring students master practical skills from day one.

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Key aspects of the food science degrees include:

• Unique Courses: Beyond standard food chemistry and microbiology, students delve into food systems thinking, design thinking for food, integrative nutrition, food and microbiome, food photography, food videography, and even the fascinating world of wild edibles and food forests.

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• Industry Readiness: The curriculum prepares students for immediate impact, covering essential areas like food labelling, food safety, food regulations and policy, and food quality assurance. Some courses are even taught by industry professionals.

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• State-of-the-Art Laboratories: TDU boasts 15 laboratories and pilot plants with cutting-edge equipment, including a twin screw extruder and a dry fractionation setup – rare in university settings. Students gain hands-on experience operating these machines.

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• Innovative Research: Research is rooted in "systems thinking," "design thinking," and "health thinking," focusing on areas like Indian culinary science and personalised nutrition, functional foods for specific needs (e.g., iron deficiency anaemia, protein sufficiency, gut health, metabolic health, brain health), and the reintroduction of forgotten foods and wild edibles to enhance dietary diversity. Students even participate in "cookouts" as final exams, articulating their dish choices from nutritional, environmental, and livelihood perspectives.

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Building Bridges: Industry Connections and Entrepreneurial Spirit

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TDU's deep connections with the food industry set its graduates apart. With nearly 100 companies connected through workshops, symposia, and sponsored projects, students gain invaluable exposure. TDU actively collaborates on industry-sponsored projects, working with major companies and even "unicorns" in the sector. The university also shares its own industry-ready ideas and intellectual property with interested businesses.

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Beyond direct industry engagement, TDU runs specialised workshops for professionals on topics like protein extrusion and fermentation, fostering technology transfer. Students also engage in meaningful outreach programs, tackling public health challenges like anaemia, working with large-scale midday meal providers, and getting hands-on field experience. This ensures their projects are not just theoretical but contribute to real-world solutions.

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Crucially, TDU instils an entrepreneurial mindset from the very first semester. Students are encouraged to develop their ideas into prototypes, with the goal of potentially launching their own start-ups upon graduation. Alumni benefit from continued access to TDU's unique infrastructure and network, supporting their entrepreneurial journey.

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Graduates from TDU's Food Futures Program can pursue diverse career paths, from securing positions in leading food companies to pursuing higher education (Masters, PhD) or venturing into deep science, particularly in the rapidly growing field of food and biology.

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Your Journey Starts Here

The University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology offers an unparalleled educational experience in food science, combining traditional wisdom with modern innovation. If you are seeking a career in food that is impactful, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to industry and societal needs, the Food Futures Program at TDU is your gateway to success. Discover how you can shape the future of food by exploring TDU's unique food science degrees today.

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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