Food Day at ETH Zurich 2026 - Plenary Session

Be part of Food Day at ETH Zurich and engage in discussions on pioneering research and innovation for sustainable food systems. Food is more than what we eat. It nourishes our bodies, shapes our health, and influences how we live. At the same time, food production and consumption are deeply intertwined with the health of our environment – shaping and being shaped by climate, biodiversity, soil, water, and natural resources. Understanding and advancing knowledge of these complex relationships is critical to building resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems, particularly as global pressures continue to intensify. At Food Day 2026 at ETH Zurich, we invite you to explore the deceptively simple question: “What is food? And what should it be?” Bringing together researchers, students, industry professionals, policymakers, and practitioners, Food Day offers a dynamic platform to engage with the latest food system research and exchange ideas across disciplines. The day begins with four interactive workshops that examine food systems through different lenses. Participants can discover how culinary medicine translates nutritional science into everyday practice, discuss the role of artificial intelligence in food science and innovation, develop future scenarios for Switzerland's food system in 2045, or experience the complexities of food policy through the serious game Steakholder. The conversation continues over a networking lunch and poster session, where researchers from ETH Zurich and partner institutions showcase current food systems research and connect with peers from academia, industry, policy, and practice. At the heart of the program is the plenary session “What is food? And what should it be?”. Following a glimpse into the World Food System Center's current research activities, a food scientist, a world-class athlete, a gastronome, an agricultural economist, and a consumer researcher will offer unique perspectives on food as health, fuel, pleasure, livelihood, and lifestyle. The conversation seeks to challenge assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking about what food is, what it should be, and the role it can play in shaping a more sustainable future. The day concludes with a special edition of Cook the Science, where participants will explore the science, culture, and craftsmanship behind a holiday favorite: panettone. Join us in advancing dialogue and shaping the future of food systems. THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR THE PLENARY SESSION ONLY! You can add "Networking Lunch & Poster Session" at check-out. To join morning workshops or the evening Cook the Science event, please register here: Workshop information and registration link; Cook the Science registration link.