IUFoST EDITORIAL: IUFoST and Strategic Planning 
by Dr David R Lineback, IUFoST President

    IUFoST has been involved in a strategic planning process during the past year. Why should IUFoST be engaged in such a process? How will the plan be used? How can it benefit IUFoST? More importantly, how can it benefit our Adhering Bodies?

    Organizations often have problems in effectively using resources (financial, human, and time). They try to do too many things, with too few  human and financial resources. The result is that they often fail to achieve their identified goals, such as advancing the organization's visibility, contributions and value, by serving its members and the profession. An organization must have a clear understanding of what it wants to be, and then establish the objectives/goals necessary to accomplish their mission. Once the appropriate goals are established, the actions needed to achieve these goals can be identified and developed. This involves setting priorities, so that the most important actions are taken within the available resources (financial, human, time). Only in this manner can an organization hope to achieve its vision.

    This essentially describes the process of strategic planning. The most important outcome of strategic planning is not a document. It is the process  of planning and identifying the actions needed to achieve a mission/vision, and they must be clearly identified and stated. The strategic plan is not a document to be filed and occasionally consulted. It should be a "living" document, guiding the actions and programs of the organization, frequently reviewed, used in developing annual action plans, updated annually, and revised when necessary.

    Strategic planning is not about establishing strategies. It is a guidance document for managing strategies identified as necessary to accomplishing  a mission. Planning can either be "formative" or "summative." Summative planning, management and evaluation involve examining past actions/programs/events and determining whether they are satisfactory or not. Formative planning, management, and evaluation involve looking at actions/programs/events while they are unfolding to see whether the organization is headed where it wants to go (G.H. Tucker, K. M. Eide and J. S. Frankel, "Building a Knowledge-Based Culture," ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) Foundation, 1997). In today's and tomorrow's world of information management, only the latter approach will lead an organization towards successfully meeting realistically established objectives. A plan is strategic "when it asks what the organization is not doing today that it had better be doing well in the future to reach its objectives." (Tucker et al., cited above) In the fast-paced movements and changes of our world, the focus must be on the future and what needs to be done successfully. Of course, the organization must define what success means and how it will be measured – and this too is part of the planning process.

    The mission/vision of IUFoST involves serving the needs of its Adhering Bodies (members) and their members to the extent its resources allow, and assisting in advancing the field of food science and technology globally. This must be done within the constraints of time, the availability of people for involvement in programs, and financial resources. This is complicated by the fact that IUFoST's Adhering Bodies cannot meet  frequently to discuss programs and needs, and also by the constraint of its limited resources. Thus, IUFoST needs to regularly identify the needs and desires of its members that it can most effectively assist in meeting. To a great extent, meeting these needs must not require major financial commitments. This is made even more complicated by the difficulties in obtaining information necessary to identify the needs for which it can best  develop programs. These needs cannot be identified by leadership, with its different perspectives, responsibilities and information streams. They must be supplied by the members, i.e. the Adhering Bodies, from their perspective.

    Current efforts in strategic planning for the period 2006-2010 were initiated in March 2005 following a Governing Council Meeting in Kuala Lumpur and a symposium organized in partnership with the Malaysian Adhering Body. An afternoon meeting of Governing Council members addressed three questions: (1) What should IUFoST be like (look like) in 2010? (2) What is the five-year envisioned future, i.e., if one looks  out five years (or a bit more) into the future, what is the vision for IUFoST at that time? (3) From the "envisioned future" statements, identify specific five-year goals to achieve that future. From these goals, specific strategies and timetables will be developed to achieve them. 

    The comments and suggestions were recorded on charts as they were made. They were reviewed, combined and tabulated and suggested action plans were added to each of the Goals. These were then reviewed by the Governing Council, revised with their comments  and suggestions and circulated to Adhering Bodies for their review. Unfortunately, comments were received from only five Adhering Bodies. These were incorporated into a revised strategic plan. This version was reviewed and thoroughly discussed at a special Governing Council meeting held in Montevideo, Uruguay, on March 3-5 in conjunction with a symposium jointly organized with the Uruguay Adhering  Body. During this meeting, in addition to further revisions, priorities were assigned and specific action plans developed for 2006-2007. 

    Action plans address three primary Goals: In 2010 IUFoST will be (a) recognized for service and assistance to Adhering Bodies, (b) recognized worldwide as a valuable partner to Adhering Bodies and for the IUFoST brand, and (c) financially viable – to meet all circumstances.  The strategic plan and action plans for 2006-2007 were presented to the General Assembly at World Congress XIII in Nantes in September 2006. Portions of the Action Plan 2006-2007 were initiated prior to the Congress and further discussed in a special workshop session in Nantes.

    A major task that must be accomplished is determining what Adhering Bodies need or want IUFoST to do, or how IUFoST can best assist them. Only when this is done, can IUFoST leadership direct programs and actions to meet these identified needs to the best of  their ability. To accomplish this, a survey is necessary. Knowing that few like to complete surveys, but realizing that it is absolutely critical for IUFoST to conduct  this particular one at the earliest possible time, a survey document has been developed and can be completed on the IUFoST website, by visiting: http://iufost.org/IUFOST_Survey.html. It is short, simple and addresses only what Adhering Bodies want and expect from IUFoST. 

    We hope this will lead each Adhering Body to critically review two very important questions; (a) Why do we belong to IUFoST? (2) What do we need or want IUFoST to do to assist us? The survey will allow space for any comments Adhering Bodies may want to call to IUFoST's attention. It is necessary that as many Adhering Bodies respond as possible. Those who do not respond will be contacted frequently to try to obtain a response. It is important that the maximum number of responses be obtained. Only then can a careful review of the responses indicate what is expected or wanted from IUFoST. It should also assist in opening effective lines of communication to and from Adhering Bodies and IUFoST.

    The results will be used to identify and develop programs and activities that best utilize available resources to address needs/desires of Adhering Bodies to the extent possible. If necessary, the Action Plans for 2006-2007 and subsequent years will be adjusted to better meet needs identified by Adhering Bodies. This strategic plan is not going to be put on the shelf and not used. It will be the basis of IUFoST programs and activities for the period 2006-2010 and should, with revisions, be made suitable for extending beyond those years. Strategic planning should occur in-depth every four to five years due to the rapidly changing nature of the world in which we exist and changes in leadership during that period of time.

    It is important to all of us that this strategic plan be made a working document that must succeed. IUFoST will be financially restricted for the foreseeable future. Among similar international organizations, we are not the only ones with financial limitations. We will continue to make efforts to obtain additional financial resources when such are congruent with the needs and goals of IUFoST and its members. This will not be an easy task, but is an important part of the strategic plan.

    We must use the strategic plan in the most effective manner possible if we are to accomplish our goals, the major ones being meeting the needs of our Adhering Bodies and assisting in advancing the field of food science and technology globally. The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for IUFoST's activities. The only way it can be truly effective and successful is if it involves the active support and input from its Adhering Bodies.

The Adhering Bodies survey can be completed by visiting: www.iufost.org/IUFOST_Survey.html 

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The 13th IUFoST World Congress, held in Nantes, France in September brought together over 1100 food scientists and technologists from 75 countries for 5 days of exceptional scientific programmes, wonderful food and hospitality. Thank you to INRA and the Organising Committee led by Professor Pierre Feillet and Professor Paul Colonna. Some of the highlights are included in this issue.

The Nantes World Congress continued the tradition of showcasing the best of international food science and technology in plenaries, symposia, roundtable sessions and posters this past September. Nobel Prize Winner Dr Jean Marie Lehn opened the 13th IUFoST World Congress on Sunday, 17 September. Each day following, two plenary lectures by distinguished scientists were given and, in a new innovation, seven young scientists were selected from among many to present their research findings after each plenary address. 

Recorded below are summaries of several plenary sessions, provided by some of these young scientists.

Food Is Life: Food For All - The 
Challenge Of Feeding Every Person

Summary of the IUFoST Distinguished Lecture 
at Congress XIII

by Dr Enda Cummins

    The 2003 World Food prize Laureate and former Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Dr. Catherine Bertini provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced worldwide in providing food for every person on earth. 

    Food is life, yet over 830 million people worldwide don't have enough to eat. Far from being an idealistic aspiration, Dr. Bertini outlined how significant inroads can be made in tackling world hunger by highlighting three clear themes: 1) empower the cooks and educate young girls; 2) educate the policy makers; and 3) inform the public. Her extensive experience in developing countries was evident in the harsh anecdotes she gave about life in locations such as Zimbabwe, Angola and Uganda. However, her lecture, far from trying to invoke sympathy, served to illustrate how seemingly desperate situations can be solved by the simplest of means. 

    For example, in Angola, the female population does much of the agricultural labour and chores; one might think a delivery of hoes to assist in ground tilling would be welcome! Not unless one understands the difference between male hoes and female hoes (female hoes are the preferred tool with shorter handles enabling females to work nearer to the ground, reducing the occurrence of back strain). Hence, the provision of male  hoes only serves to illustrate ignorance of the situation and a failure to communicate with those who carry out the labour. 

    It is clear that developing aid objectives is not about equality, but a question of empowering the cooks and giving them the food and tools they need to successfully feed their families. The primary role women play in developing countries is in ensuring adequate food for all members of the household. Hence, to stop hunger, communication and cooperation with women is central. A lot can be achieved by simply communicating with those who cook the food in order to understand their requirements. Central to this is also the education of young girls. The World Bank states that if secondary education for girls increased by 1%, it would result in a 0.3% per capita growth in that country. Improved education will result in healthy families who will contribute to their own economy and to the economy of the country. 

    Policy makers also have a part to play in ensuring fair trade, matching the roles of scientists and industry and building policy decisions with all involved. Global fair trade is critically important with the Doha development round of World Trade Organization negotiations for developing countries. All countries need to agree and understand that we all have to compromise, with some give and take on all sides. This is necessary for the greater goal of providing food for everybody. 

    Dr. Bertini also highlighted the importance of informing the public. Food is life but it can also contribute to death (e.g. obesity, diabetes), elevating heath care costs and reducing life longevity. The importance of a balanced diet and nutrition is a lesson for all countries, regardless of development status. An end to world hunger can be achieved if everyone works together: scientists, trade negotiators and individuals working to make a difference. We can all make a difference by empowering the cooks, educating girls, educating policy makers, informing the public and translating science into public action. 

    Dr. Bertini told the memorable story of a boy plucking starfish from the shoreline, and throwing them back into the sea in an effort to save them; on being told by a fisherman that his mission was impossible, that there were so many starfish on the shoreline he could not make a difference, the boy's response was to throw a starfish into the sea saying "I made a difference for that one". Dr. Bertini illustrated how we can all make a difference to help alleviate world hunger- perhaps a small difference, but a difference nonetheless!

Dr Enda Cummins completed his BAgr Sc at University College Dublin (UCD) and his PhD at UCD on Predictive modeling and risk assessment of BSE in Ireland. He is a member of the academic staff in the School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine in UCD. His research interests include risk analysis, food safety and systems modeling. Enda was one of the seven young scientists selected by the international scientific committee of Congress XIII to present his research following one of the plenary addresses. His congress presentation was on Factors Affecting Acrylamide Formation in Processed Potato Products - A Simulation Approach.

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Principles Of Structured Food 
Emulsions: Novel Formations 
& Trends
Summary of the IUFoST Plenary Lecture 
at Congress XIII

by Dr - Ing Marc Regier

    In his plenary talk, Prof Schubert summarised in very clear and structured words the principles of emulsion technology. Starting from some definitions and physical properties of dispersions and emulsions, he explained in detail the concept of property and process functions with the example of food emulsions. Whereas the property function describes the correlation between "more obvious" product properties like colour or rheology and the underlying microstructure, the process function gives information about the process in order to achieve a certain microstructure. For emulsions the so  called energy density concept is the process function, that is valid in a wide range of emulsification processes at different emulsifying machines and can be used for comparison and scaling-up: It states that the mean droplet size is a function of the energy input per unit emulsion volume.

    Thus, the droplet size may be decreased by a higher energy density, when droplet coalescence may be neglected. One possible method to directly observe and characterise just this coalescence process was also shown: By colouring the emulsion droplets with two different colours and detecting the area of droplets of the mixed colour, a measure for the coalescence kinetics can be found.

    Prof Schubert explained that the used emulsifier plays an important role for coalescence prevention and thus stabilises the formed emulsion. On the other hand, he presented the results of recent experiments, showing that emulsifiers, although reducing the interfacial tension, cannot facilitate the disruption of oil-water interfaces. The reason for this is, as was pointed out, that the interface generation is by far faster than the adsorption of the emulsifier.

    Finally, Prof Schubert presented some examples for new fluid formulations of "healthy" ingredients such as phytosterols or carotenoids. By using nano-emulsions as carrier of these supersaturated ingredients within oil droplets of oil-in-water-emulsions, a new formulation with high bioavailability could be achieved making the development of new functional foods possible. 

    The trend in food emulsification is towards more and more fine droplets with narrower size distributions and low energy input by using novel high pressure homogenizers and special membrane processes.

    In summary, the connections between basic emulsification science and new food product development were proven.

Marc Regier studied at the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, completing PhD studies in 2003 with a thesis on "Dielectric and magnetic resonance 
methods for the characterisation of dispersed systems". He is now Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Food Process Engineering, University of Karlsruhe. Marc was chosen by the Congress Scientific Committee to present his research following one of the plenary addresses. His congress presentation was on Pore Structure Determination in Bakery Products by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

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Agriculture, Nutrition And Safety - 
Role And Initiatives For The Forum 
For Agricultural Research In Africa

Congress XIII Plenary Lecture Summary

by Dr. Melanie Plourde

    The population in Africa faces many challenges every day. While some fight for their lives in extreme poverty, others are trying to improve their well being by increasing their agricultural resources in order to boost their rural economies. In Africa, 96% of farmers operate in small scales. This is not only due to the small size of available land, it is also a result of low productivity. This particular situation in Africa generates many challenges in terms of low quality production, low productivity and food safety. These are the main reasons why there are development challenges, but external conditions can improve the African rural economy. 

    These countries also face adverse climatic conditions that generate problems in culture production, productivity and food safety. Moreover, they are also  facing low productivity, high transport costs and small markets, which leads to limited trade with other countries. The vicious cycle that has been generated by this limited access must be broken, and to do so, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) have some solutions. 

    The FARA promotes partnerships, advocacy for research and sharing of knowledge and technologies. They claim that to help agriculture in Africa, research is important in improving productivity and safety. To increase food production, productivity and safety, five items are required. The Africans need an Agricultural framework with an innovation system that includes an integrated agricultural program. They also need human capacity, global knowledge and biotechnology and bio-safety initiatives. In this context, Africa is facing a great challenge in improving agricultural productivity and production. However, it has been seen that with research, all these items can be improved, which results in an increased economy and therefore more money for the farmer. 

    The Africans need an efficient agricultural research program. There are many success stories where research has made a difference. In countries where they have applied the knowledge of research to an agricultural design, they have shown better productivity and better food quality, with enhanced nutritional values that result in increase sales and more money for farmers. 

    This plenary address was totally within the scope of the 13th congress of food science and technology which was entitled "Food is Life". It demonstrated that with knowledge and science, we can make a difference for the farmers in Africa. However, it also shows that these projects are limited due to many factors. The FARA tries to increase the number of those successful stories, but unfortunately those projects need money and people to manage them. The difficulties in finding enough money to start these projects limits their number and that is why many industrial countries must recognize what they can do to help these countries feed their people. We must also find engaged people who are interested in making a difference in African life. The discussion is now open to every industrial country if they want to start changing the future for the African farmer. 

Melanie Plourde is a Post-Doctoral fellow in Medicine at the Research Center on Aging in Sherbrooke Quebec. She completed her Masters and PhD in Food Science and Technology at Université Laval, Québec, Canada. Her research background is in lipids, including lipid analysis, metabolism, processing and synthesis. Melanie was selected as the young scientist to present on The Evaluation of the Physiological Effects of Conjugated Alpha-Lineolic Acids, following the Distinguished Lecture at Congress XIII.

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IUFoST Governing Council and General Assembly

    The IUFoST Governing Council held its meeting the day before the Congress began, with an agenda that included the new IUFoST Strategic Plan and Action Plan for 2006/2007, and a review of the Task Forces set up for the new term:

Publications Task Force

    Charge: To develop IUFoST publications and policies; to assist the Scientific Council re: scientific information dissemination; provision of content advice for ongoing publications, as requested; advising Scientific Council of appropriate publications for Information Bulletins. The Publications Task Force will recommend potential partners and activities. Chaired by Professor Ken Buckle, Past Scientific Council Chair/Academy President

International Relations Task Force

    Charge: To develop and expand relationships with international organizations and agencies (FAO, ICSU, Codex, ISO, WHO, etc.) with emphasis on specific tasks and/or purposes. Chaired by Professor Walter Spiess, Past President

Income Generation Task Force

    Charge: To determine potential ways for increasing non-dues income streams (sources). This will include establishment of an IUFoST trust fund to support scientific and educational activities. Chaired by Lim Chee Kian, IUFoST Governing Council

Member Relations Task Force

    Charge: To increase the number of Adhering Bodies, service to them, and address Adhering Body issues (i.e. payment of dues and others, as identified). Chaired by Professor Malcolm Bourne, Past Academy President.

Marketing Task Force

    Charge: To investigate what selected other International Unions have done to develop a "brand", obtain recognition for that "brand", and achieve financial stability (benchmarking). To define and reinforce the IUFoST "brand". Chaired by Brad McKay, IUFoST Governing Council

    IUFoST Adhering Body representatives, Governing Council members, Delegates and Academy Fellows were invited to participate in each Task Force and, as the groups met during the Strategic Planning Session at the beginning of the Congress week, other IUFoST friends volunteered to join the various groups. Concrete plans with definitive timelines are now being developed for the next two years. 

    The Governing Council also reviewed the Congress Bid Guidelines and agreed that the Call for Bids for the 2012 IUFoST World Congress would be sent to Adhering Bodies by the beginning of November 2006. 

    Discussion included the new fee structure that would be put before the General Assembly for introduction in 2007. The General Assembly was to be  informed that a new fee structure would be presented to them in the next month or two, accompanied by an electronic ballot.

    The election of 37 new Fellows to the International Academy was applauded although concern was expressed that Fellows with an industry background  were at present under-represented in the Academy. Adhering Bodies in developing countries should be encouraged to put forward more outstanding national candidates.

    ISFE (International Society of Food Engineers) and ISOPOW, IUFoST Interest Group and Standing Committee respectively, presented reports on their  activities. This congress represented the first formal opportunity to introduce the two groups to the international community through IUFoST. 

General Assembly

    The General Assembly took place at the conclusion of the congress. Carthage Smith, Deputy Director of ICSU gave a presentation on international unions in ICSU and the International Council for Science's strategies for promotion of sound science. Following the reports, a certificate of membership was presented to Atef Idriss representing IUFoST's newest Adhering Body, the Lebanese Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (LAFST).

    The membership of the Audit Advisory, Constitution Advisory and Nominations Advisory Committees, were approved by the General Assembly for 2006-2008. The General Assembly was notified that they would be receiving a revised fee structure proposal that would be put to electronic vote by the end of 2006. Other matters approved by the General Assembly included the Strategic Plan, Action Plan, ISOPOW's status and the outcome of the two electronic General Assemblies that took place in the term 2003-2006. 

    The Congress XIII organizers were thanked for presenting such an outstanding world congress. The General Assembly was told by President Mortimer that an agreement had been signed with Elsevier Publishers to prepare a book of selected congress papers.

    Outgoing President, Alan Mortimer, was thanked for his leadership and members leaving the Governing Council – Ken Buckle, Kwan Hwa Park, Aubrey  Parsons, Gustavo Barbosa-Canovas, Walter Spiess, Malcolm Bourne – were all recognised for their service to the Union.

    The Governing Council, 2006-2008 was presented, beginning with new President, David Lineback, President-Elect Geoffrey Campbell-Platt, Scientific  Council Chair Colin Dennis, Secretary-General/Treasurer Judith Meech. Members: Brad McKay, Huub Lelieveld, Pingfan Rao, Lucia Anelich, Glaucia Pastore, Lim Chee Kian and Academy President Ralph Blanchfield.

    The next General Assembly will be held during the October 2008 IUFoST World Congress of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. 

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International Academy of 
Food Science & Technology
Report for the Term July 2003 - September 2006

by Professor Malcolm Bourne, 2003-2006 President

Membership

    Thirty-seven new Fellows were welcomed into the Academy at the World Food Congress in September, bringing the total membership to about 130 Fellows representing thirty-seven countries. This is the largest class of new Fellows ever. A list of new Fellows can be found on the Academy page at the IUFoST website, which can be accessed directly by visiting this link: <http://iufost.org/Academy.html>. 

    Sadly, three Fellows passed away this triennium: Ted Hood (Ireland), Eduardo Mendez (Mexico), and Hisateru Mitsuda (Japan).

    The next election for Fellows will be held in early 2008, in time for the induction of new Fellows at the 14th World Food Congress in Shanghai October 2008. Nominations for Fellows can be made by Adhering Bodies, Fellows, or the Governing Council. You are encouraged to nominate a person whom you know is "distinguished by their scientific and professional contribution to food science and technology." Although nomination statements will not be due until December 2007, this is the time to start thinking about persons to nominate. Consider nominating somebody from those Adhering Bodies that presently do not have a Fellow. These ABs will never have a Fellow until a nomination is made. Also, when considering whom to nominate, remember that women are presently underrepresented in the Academy.

Database

    A database was compiled comprising the names of sixty-eight Fellows who listed their areas of expertise and willingness to participate in the Governing  Council, Scientific Council, Adhering Bodies and Task Forces of IUFoST. This database is the principal source from which the Scientific Council draws upon for lecturing, mentoring and giving expert advice.

Academy Logo 

    The Academy now has its own logo, which is shown at the side. It is in the shape of a rectangle with the IUFoST logo in the center, "IAFoST"  across the top, a fish on the left-hand side representing foods of animal origin and three ears of wheat on the right hand side representing foods of plant origin. The IUFoST logo is a stylized representation of its component letters; it was placed in the center of the Academy logo to show that the Academy is a statutory component of IUFoST. This logo was designed by Ms. Elaine Gotham, a graphic designer in the Communications Department of the  Geneva Campus of Cornell University. We thank Ms. Gotham for this beautiful, elegant, and simple design. Ms. Gotham can be contacted at <elg2@cornell.edu>.

    This logo was made into a gold plated lapel pin with the word "FELLOW" added at the bottom. A pin was given to each Fellow attending the World  Food Congress. Other Fellows will be sent a pin upon request. We thank Prof. Daniel Fung of Kansas State University, USA for his generous donation towards the cost of these pins. Another pin with this logo and the words "PAST PRESIDENT" engraved across the bottom has been made as well. This pin was presented to Prof. K. Buckle at the Fellows luncheon in Nantes, with thanks for his leadership of the Academy for the term 2001-2003. Past President pins have been sent to Dr. Richard L. Hall, the first Academy President (1997-1999) and Prof. Owen R. Fennema, the second President 
(1999-2001).

Fellows Activities at Nantes

    On Sunday evening, Fellows were seated together in the front rows during the opening ceremony and were recognized. Afterwards a group photo was taken of those Fellows who were present. At the Official Opening Ceremony Monday morning, Fellows were again seated together in the front rows, and after the distinguished lecture given by Professor Catherine Bertini, newly elected Fellows came up on the stage and were presented with their certificate of membership by Academy President Malcolm Bourne. A luncheon was held for Fellows on Tuesday at which each Fellow was presented with a Fellow pin by Prof. D. Fung.

Academy Executive Council

    The Executive Council for the term 2006-2008 comprises: Ralph Blanchfield, President, (United Kingdom) <jralphb@easynet.co.uk>; Vishweshwaraiah Prakash, President-Elect, (India) <director@cftri.com>; Malcolm Bourne, Past President, (USA) <mcb2@cornell.edu>; Daryl Lund, Councillor, (USA) <dlund@cals.wisc.edu>; Walter Spiess, Councillor, (Germany)<rose-walter.spiess@t-online.de>

    We look forward to the continued growth of Academy activities and greater recognition of its Distinguished Fellows under the energetic leadership of Ralph Blanchfield during the 2006-2008 term.

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Report of the Distance Education 
Task Force

By Prof Daryl Lund, DETF Chair and Prof Don Mercer

    In 2002 when President Walter Spiess identified the opportunity to have IUFoST catalyze distance education, particularly in Africa, there was great enthusiasm for the project. A proposal was developed and shopped around to many foundations, national funding agencies, private industry, and even ICSU. Unfortunately this was unsuccessful, even though the proposal itself garnered relatively good reviews.

    To refresh the concept, the key elements of the proposal are: (1) focus on training needs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), (2) focus on training for people already engaged in the food processing industry, (3) identify 8 - 10 learning modules that can be developed to provide a good introduction to food processing operations and food safety, (4) for the development of each module, utilize a team approach for developing learning modules relying on an international expert in the subject of the module and a co-PI from one of the participating SSA countries, (5) utilize all forms of distance education  including CD ROM, streaming video, etc, and (6) test the program in at least 3-4 countries utilizing members of IAFoST and local experts as mentors.

    Given the inability to secure funding and yet the pressing need for education access in SSA, the DE Task Force has developed a plan to move the project forward with a demonstration module. The DETF has identified Donald Mercer, a faculty member at the University of Guelph, as Principal Module Developer. Don has developed a food dehydration course book at the elementary level and has just completed a trip to West and Southern Africa to discuss the project with colleagues. A team will be developed along the lines suggested in the original proposal, and within approximately 18 months  a food dehydration DE module will be ready for testing in 1-2 places. They are currently working on modifications to the original draft of the module, and based on discussions with colleagues in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, have decided to divide the module into introductory, intermediate and advanced levels of instruction, in order to meet the diverse needs of potential user groups. In addition, they are working to include examples that are of local relevance to these groups. The introductory level training is being expanded to include sections on basic problem solving techniques and methods of organizing information regarding food processes, with particular emphasis on food drying applications. The target date for the completion of the  introductory training material is January 2007.

    There has been tremendous support for this initiative, from both the three lead countries involved and IUFoST members, especially the members of the Academy who have overwhelmingly volunteered their assistance in preparing and reviewing material, and acting as technical resources. 

    The IUFoST Governing Council has committed resources over two years in order to fund the project. We are confident that successful completion and demonstration of the applicability of the module will provide us with the opportunity to secure further funding for the eventual completion of the DE project. Securing further funding beyond the current levels provided through the IUFoST Distance Education Task Force budget will be vital for the continuation and success of this initiative.

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ICSU Regional Office For Africa

2nd Regional Consultative Forum, 25-27 Sept 2006

Report by Prof Pieter van Twisk, Fellow of the International 
Academy

    The two-and-a-half-day forum held in Boksburg, South Africa, was attended by 174 delegates, 110 of whom were from 34 African countries. Eight delegates came from developed countries and the remaining delegates represented various diplomatic missions, international organizations, regional organizations, ICSU (International Council for Science), the Department of Science & Technology of South Africa and the National research Foundation of South Africa.

    The first morning session began with statements from ICSU, the ICSU Regional Office for Africa, ICSU Partners and the official opening by the South African Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom. The morning session was concluded with presentations by Thomas Rosswall, ICSU Executive Director on the ICSU Strategic Plan for 2006-2011, followed by Sospeter Muhongo, Director of the Africa regional Office.

    Thomas Rosswall reported that three ICSU Regional Offices have so far been established: Africa Region, Asia Region and Caribbean Region. An Arab Region is to follow. The aim of the regional offices is to ensure that the voice of developing countries influences the international agenda. Sospeter Muhongo then listed the following as the African Regional Office stakeholders: African Governments, NGO's, Educationists, Science Councils, State Corporations, Research Institutions, Business and International Partners.

    The Monday afternoon session was devoted to the presentations of the following draft science/work plans (scoping groups): 1) Sustainable Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa; 2) Health and Human Well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa; 3) Natural and Human-Induced Hazards and Disasters in Sub-Saharan Africa; and 4) Global Change in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The second day started off with breakaway sessions to discuss the four science/work plans. The writer joined the Science/Work Plan on: "Health and Human Well-Being in Sub-Saharan Africa". The rest of this report will be devoted to these sessions.

Health and Human Well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa

    After a whole morning's debate, the group came up with five projects, each with a number of tasks. Before listing the projects and tasks, the writer considers it important to list the ten leading causes of death in Africa as per the draft science/work plan presented prior to the Forum. They are: 1) HIV/AIDS; 2) Malaria; 3) Lower Respiratory Infections; 4) Diarrhoeal diseases; 5) Prenatal diseases; 6) Measles; 7) Tuberculosis; 8) Road Traffic Accidents; 9) Pertussis; 10) Protein-energy Malnutrition. It is significant that nutrition and safety are two important common denominators.

    The following are the five projects decided on by  the group:

1. Understanding the Scientific Basis of Diseases in Africa:  a) Epidemiology in emerging and re-emerging diseases; b) More effective treatment 
modalities; c) Drug and pesticide resistance; d) Capacity building and networking in the molecular biosciences; and e) Pathogenesis.

2. Health Promotion & Disease Prevention:  a) Food security and quality nutrition; b) Health seeking behaviour; c) Preventative strategies (effective health strategies); and d) Appropriate indicators and methodologies

3. Health Systems Analysis & Development:  a) Cost benefit analysis and optimisation of health services; b) Modelling of health delivery systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (performance improvement); and c) Human and other resources of health

4. Traditional/complimentary & Alternative Medicines:  a) Documentation and indigenous knowledge; b) Drug discovery and development and IPR issues; c) More effective treatment modalities; and d) Sustainable utilisation of biodiversity.

5. Promotion of Human Well-Being: a) Agricultural research; b) Food pathogens; c) Mental health; d) Injuries, violence and traumas; e) Gender and cultural issues; and f) Education and awareness.

    These discussions were rather frustrating for the writer, as they were monopolized by agriculturists and medical scientists, and food science did not feature. Standards (ie. Codex) and regulatory matters were not debated, and neither were the cost and enormity of clinical trials on traditional/complimentary and alternative medicines. The writer tabled a copy of the proceedings of the ICSU/IUFoST Symposium on "The (healthy, sustainable) Food Chain" held during the 12th World Food Congress in Chicago in 2003.

    However, when I reflected on the forum afterwards, I realized that in spite of being African born, I do not always recognize that we have here a poverty-stricken and undernourished continent, and that we should approach the forum debate and issues from that angle. Therefore, the ICSU Regional Office in Africa is a platform from which Africa can be heard, hopefully with a positive response from all role players. It could be a good idea to have WTO represented as well at the next Forum of the African Region.

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Food Factory of the Future 3 
Conference

Report by Prof Nils Bengtsson, Sweden

    On July 7-9 the third international symposium on the theme "Food Factory of the Future" took place at SIK, organised by SIK in collaboration with Laval Mayenne Technopol, France, and EFFoST. The objective of these symposia has been to highlight the development of new concepts, technologies and systems for food manufacture by presenting results from on-going research and development, and to discuss directions for the future.

    This year's conference covered the fields of cleaning and hygiene; hygienic design; in-line process control and optimisation; flexible automation and novel technologies; and lean production and sustainability.

    In her plenary lecture, Ulla Edling, Carlsberg A/S,discussed the need for improved efficiency in the industry, by "lean production". This concept spells  leadership and competence at all levels, clear responsibilities, teamwork and proper standards- and quality systems. The producer no longer sets the price, meaning that profit is a question of reducing losses in time, material, energy and quality. Loss is everything that does not mean added value to the consumer.

Cleaning and hygiene

    In her talk on adherent microorganisms in the food industry, Brigitte Carpentier, AFSSA Lerqap, France, proposed a hypothesis that the cells having the highest attachment strength to a surface will also be more resistant to a chlorinated alkaline agent. 

In-line process control and optimisation

    Gilles Trystram, ENSIA, France, discussed the role of optimisation for the design of a decision support system in food process control. A dynamic model was developed for each of the applications of drying rice, the drying, salting and smoking of meats and the baking of cereal products. The method developed is based on a genetic algorithm that permits the selection of a set of optima, a second step being to find the best of these.

Flexible automation and novel technologies

    J.O.Gray, Centre of Robotics and Automation, University of Salford, UK. presented their visions for automated food manufacturing. According to Gray,  almost all processes in the food industry can be automated, either through a piece of fixed automation or by using a robot based solution. However, very few robots have been designed specifically for the food industry, and they tend to be far too expensive to introduce into conveyor belt systems.

Lean production and sustainability

    With reference to an ongoing project at SIK, Karin Östergren, SIK, discussed lean production for the food industry. This discussion described the philosophy and benefits of lean production and the needs for new tools in research to meet demands for a wide range of products, low inventories, short lead times and high accuracy of delivery. 

    In his closing remarks, Nicolas Chomel, Laval Mayenne Technopol, France, welcomed all to Food Factory of the Future -4, which is to take place at Laval, France in 2008.

    For the full report, please see Newsline online at www.iufost.org/Newsline.

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ISI/Science Watch Report Tracking 
Trends and Research Performance 
in Basic Science

by Prof Fereidoon Shahidi, Department of Biochemistry, 
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, 
Correspondent

    "Science Watch, Volume 17, Number 4" recently reported the standings in the field of Agricultural Sciences over the last decade (1996-2006). This report indicates that USDA was the top cited organization for its publications followed by INRA (France), Wageningen University (The Netherlands), CSIC (Spain), University of California, Davis (USA), CSIRO (Australia), Cornell University (USA), University of Wisconsin (USA), Agriculture and Agri-Food canada (Canada), and the University of Georgia as the top ten in the list.

    The highly cited authors were ranked in the same report both by the number of citations and number of publications. The top ten in the list for the citation were Ronald L. Prior (USDA), Dale E. Bauman (Cornell University), Edwin N. Frankel (University of California, Davis, USA), Guohua Cao (USDA), Larry R. Beuchat (University of Georgia), Patrick F. Fox (University College Park, USA), Fereidoon Shahidi (Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada), D. Julien McClements (University of Massachusetts, USA), I. Marina Heinonen (University of Helsinki, Finland), and Leif H. Skibsted (Royal Vet & Agric Univ, Denmark). The list included names of the top twenty five achievers. For the journals, the 10 most highly cited journals were, in the descending order - Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Journal of Nutrition, Journal of Dairy Science, Journal of Food Protection, International Journal of Microbiology, British Journal of Nutrition, Crop Science, Journal of Food Science, Food Chemistry and Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 

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International Events

2007

March 15 & 17

IUFoST Conference on natural and safe food ingredients, held in conjunction with FiAsia/China Exhibition, Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Pudong, Shanghai. China. Contact: CMP Information PO Box 200 3600 AE Maarssen The Netherlands Tel +31 346559444 Fax +31 346573811, E-mail: HCennydd@cmpi.biz, Website: www.fi-events.com

June 19 - 21

New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology Annual Conference, Food - the Challenges, Wellington, New Zealand. Contact: Rosemary Hancock, Executive Manager NZIFST, PO Box 8031, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Tel: +64 6 356 1686, Fax: +64 6 356 1687,E-mail: 
rosemary@nzifst.org.nz, Website: www.nzifst.org.nz, www.nzifst.org.nz/events/annual-conf.asp

June 24 - 27

AIFST 40th Anniversary Convention, Celebrating with 20/20 Vision, Melbourne, Australia. Contact: AIFST, Julie Bennett, PO Box 6436, Alexandria NSW 2015 Australia, E-mail: aifst@aifst.asn.au, E-mail: julie@foodaust.com.au, Website: www.aifst.asn.au

September 2 - 8

10th International Symposium on the Properties of Water, and ISOPOW Practicum III, Bangkok. Thailand. Contact: Dr. Tanaboon Sajjaanantakul, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Thailand. Tel: +66 5 048 9520, Fax: 
+66 2 562 5021. E-mail: tanaboon.s@ku.ac.th or tanaboons@gmail.com, Website: www.isopow.agro.ku.ac.th, www.isopow2007.org

September 29 - October 4

The IDF World Dairy Summit 2007, Dublin, Ireland. Contact: Dr. Phil Kelly, pkelly@moorepark.teagasc.ie, Website: www.wds2007.com

October 12 - 14

Congress CYTAL, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Contact: Argentine Food Technologists Association (AATA), Alsina 943 - 4º piso, oficina 406 (C1088AAA), Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tel/fax: ++ 43340155 E-mail: tecnologos@alimentos.org.ar

November 5 - 8

6th Ibero American Congress of Food Engineering (CIBIA VI), Ambato, Equador. Contact: VI Congreso Iberoamericano de Ingeniería de Alimentos, Ing. Darío Velástegui, Centro de Investigaciones (CENI, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Campus Ingahurco, Av. Colombia y Chile, Ambato, Ecuador, P.O. Box: 18-01-0334 Tel: +593 3 2849454, Fax: +593 3 2849454, E-mail: dvelastegui@uta.edu.ec, Website: www.uta.edu.ec

2008

October 19 – 24

The 14th IUFoST World Congress of Food Science and Technology, Food for Health and Wellbeing: Tradition Meets the Future, Shanghai, China. Contact: Prof. Pingfan Rao, Ms. Shao Wei, E-mail: cifst@yahoo.com.cn

* EVENTS IN RED ARE SPONSORED BY IUFOST

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Message from CIFST President

    It should come as no surprise that in the year of 2008, the same year the world's Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, the 14th World Congress of Food Science and Technology will come to Shanghai, arguably, the most exciting, vibrant and international city in China. It is with great pride the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology will host its own "Olympics" for the international food science and technology community.

    China is the perfect setting: its food industry leads the world at an unbelievable 27 percent. It is the country with the longest tradition of pairing food with health and the largest number of food professionals in the world. Shanghai was chosen because it is the premier city in China where tradition meet the "cutting edge", making Shanghai the best place to discuss Food for Wellbeing, showing food from past to present to future. 

    We at CIFST will do our utmost to make this 14th Congress an overwhelming success and ensure that every participant brings home many lifelong memories.

    Zai Shanghai jian! Meet you in Shanghai in 2008!

    - Pan Beilei, CIFST President

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