Engage 2026: A hybrid education program for tertiary
food science students
Engage 2026 is an opportunity for tertiary food science students to come together to connect and learn from industry and academic leaders from across the agrifood industry. The program is delivered in a hybrid format across 10 x 2hr sessions hosted by a different university each time. Students will have the opportunity to attend in person or virtually.
The aim is to enhance your current academic program and networks, building on your current skills and challenging your knowledge through critical and reflective thinking to better prepare you for the practical, real-world need for food science and your potential place within the agrifood industry. This program is intended to ‘jump start’ your industry readiness.
The course will be run over 10 x 2hr sessions. Nine of these sessions will be held face to face at university campuses around Australia and recorded for all registered participants. The final session, Careers, will be a Zoom session. These sessions will be delivered from March 2026 to October 2026.
Engage 2026 Program:
5 March 2026 – Session 1 University of Queensland
Topic: Indigenous Food
27 March 2026 – Session 2 Deakin University
Topic: Food Safety
April 2026 – Session 3 University of New South Wales
Topic: AI, Data and Digital Transformation
14 May 2026 – Session 4 Monash University
Topic: Innovation
16 June 2026 – Session 5 RMIT University
Topic: New Product Development
August 2026 – Session 6 University of Melbourne
Topic: Sustainability
Early September 2026 – Session 7 University of Sydney
Topic: Health and Nutrition
Mid-September 2026 – Session 8 University host to be confirmed
Topic: Food Processing & Manufacturing Futures
28 September 2026 – Session 9 QAAFI, Queensland
Topic: Sensory & Consumer Science
Mid-October 2026 – Session 10 Online
AIFST Career Event Online - Engage 2025 Wrap Up
This program is designed to help tertiary food science students grow their confidence, expand their networks and build practical, real-world skills alongside their academic studies.
AIFST and FaBA - Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator are looking forward to delivering this program for our student and graduate members.
