Université Laval is dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems and nutrition through comprehensive expertise across the food value chain, addressing global challenges in health and environmental sustainability.
The world’s food system is under unprecedented pressure. They must simultaneously feed growing populations, reduce environmental burdens, support population health and adapt to the accelerating effects of climate change. Across Europe and around the world, nutrition and food systems are now recognized as powerful tools for addressing challenges related to public health, environmental sustainability and socio-economic resilience in an integrated way. Producing, processing, distributing and consuming food more sustainably requires scientific approaches that can bridge disciplines, sectors and policy frameworks, from agriculture and food science to nutrition, public health, policy and innovation.
In this global context, Université Laval in Quebec City, Canada, positions itself as a highly complementary international research partner for European institutions, with the ability to generate cutting-edge knowledge, train the next generation of scientists, and actively contribute to ambitious multi-partner international research initiatives, including those aligned with European research priorities.
Expertise across the food value chain
Université Laval is a recognized leader in sustainable food systems, nutrition, smart agriculture and food security, with expertise across the entire food value chain, from agricultural production and food processing to distribution, consumption and health. This comprehensive expertise is closely aligned with the European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy and broader food system transformation priorities. This systemic vision is a decisive strength of the institution, allowing it to treat food-related challenges not as isolated problems, but as interconnected continuums that shape the sustainability, resilience and health impacts of food systems.
Research conducted at Laval University also integrates strong expertise in food service eco-efficiency, a strategic area at the intersection of nutrition, management, environmental science and public policy. Against the backdrop of the urgency of climate change and increasing pressure on health systems, food service optimization is a concrete path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, limiting food waste and improving the quality of nutrition, with direct relevance for hospitals, schools and public institutions across Europe.
Through this integrated approach, Université Laval develops practical, evidence-based solutions that increase food system efficiency while supporting healthy, sustainable and accessible diets.
This expertise is built around a strong institutional research ecosystem. In 2000, Université Laval recognized the importance of food and agriculture research and established the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF). A flagship research center in the field, this multifaculty institute leverages cross-departmental strengths to solve the complex problems facing these systems. This research environment is further enhanced by the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FSAA), which advances research in sustainable agriculture, agriculture and food systems, and food security. Together, these structures support one of Canada’s largest research communities dedicated to food, nutrition and health.
Demonstrated ability to engage in major international research initiatives
As a research-intensive university, Université Laval has the scientific expertise, research infrastructure, and management capacity necessary to design, coordinate, and contribute to complex international research projects, including large-scale initiatives supported by programs such as Horizon Europe and other multilateral funding frameworks.
This capability is underpinned by a strong international research ecosystem and long-standing organizations already active at a global level in the food, nutrition and health fields and supporting our participation in European and other international research consortia.
International research platform is already up and running
Several internationally oriented research structures demonstrate Université Laval’s ability to act as a reliable, agile and innovation-driven partner.
The Food4BrainHealth International Research Network (RRI) aims to integrate nutritional science, neuroscience, public health and chronic disease prevention to generate robust scientific evidence to inform nutritional strategies that support brain health, in line with European priorities for aging, cognitive health and non-communicable diseases.
UMI-MicroMeNu is an international collaborative research unit established with the Italian National Research Council (CNR) that focuses on the chemical and biomolecular study of the microbiome and its impact on metabolic health and nutrition. This long-standing Canada-Europe partnership provides a strong platform to expand collaborative research, training and mobility efforts in rapidly evolving scientific fields.
The Platform for Risk Analysis and Excellence in Food Regulation (PARERA) supports the generation and use of scientific evidence to inform food regulation and risk-based public policy, contributing to food safety, consumer protection and international regulatory harmonization, which are key concerns for the European food system.
Integrated research ecosystem and unique leadership model
Beyond individual projects, Université Laval stands out for the scale and diversity of its nutrition research ecosystem, which mobilizes 13 faculties ranging from agriculture and food sciences to social sciences, law, philosophy and engineering, making it one of Canada’s most comprehensive universities. This ecosystem makes it possible to examine nutrition through biological, behavioral, social, cultural and environmental lenses, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach promoted within the European research framework.
This interdisciplinary strength underpins Université Laval’s unique approach to precision nutrition. Rather than focusing solely on individual biological markers, research, particularly within the NUTRISS Center, extends precision nutrition to populations and communities, integrating social context, behavior, and structural determinants of healthy diets. This population-level perspective places society at the center of nutrition and health and supports the development of targeted, equitable, and scalable nutrition strategies.
Within this framework, Université Laval is also at the forefront of innovative and alternative food strategies, such as sustainable protein sources, functional foods, nutritional optimization of processed products, and the use of food labeling as a public health tool. These initiatives aim to reshape the food environment, support healthier and more sustainable choices at population level and create fertile ground for collaborative innovation projects with European partners and industry players.
In addition to this integrated ecosystem, Université Laval also benefits from a clinical research infrastructure that is unique in Canada and highly distinctive internationally in nutrition research. This large facility allows for controlled dietary intervention studies that are almost impossible elsewhere, providing up to 40 participants with three meals a day. This allows for rigorous assessment of the health impacts of dietary patterns and generates high-quality evidence that can be directly applied to public health policy and international nutritional guidelines, including those developed in Europe.
Strategic partner for international food and nutrition research
Through an integrated vision of food systems, advanced research infrastructure and a strong culture of international cooperation, Université Laval is positioned as a strategic and trusted partner for European institutions seeking to address global challenges in nutrition and sustainable food systems.
By combining scientific excellence, operational capacity and a strong commitment to social impact, Université Laval is poised to co-develop ambitious international research projects that provide concrete solutions to the health of people and the long-term sustainability of food systems around the world.
This article will also be published in an upcoming issue of Food Publication.
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