325: How to inspire the next generation of alt protein scientists

<div>With the vast growth in the consumption of animal protein in the 20th century came equally vast ecological problems, taking into account land use and emissions, <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/greenhouse-gas-emissions-food">the sector is a significant contributor to climate change</a>.<br> <br> Now that may have been foreseen by some. But what might not be fully appreciated, is the remarkable way in which the food industry has innovated to address the problem.  <br> <br> <a href="https://foodmatterslive.com/article/cultured-meat-the-future-of-food-is-slaughter-free/">The alternative protein sector</a>, with its lab grown-meat, plant-based products, and precision fermentation, has been one of the most vibrant and downright fascinating stories of the past few years.<br> <br> But, the challenge remains huge and there are concerns we do not have enough scientists or alternative protein solutions to meet future demand and to address <a href="https://foodmatterslive.com/article/how-your-career-could-transform-the-climate-crisis/">climate challenges</a>.<br> <br> So, how can the alternative protein sector be turbo charged?<br> <br> Where are the gaps? Is it <a href="https://foodmatterslive.com/article/good-food-institute-eit-100000-euro-challenge-cultivated-meat/">a lack of funding</a>? Too little collaboration? And what about education? Is enough being done to bring through the next generation of scientists and researchers who will help the alternative protein market grow?<br> <br> We hear a lot about new start-ups in this area, and there is no doubt there have been some huge successes in this area, but there is still more to do.<br> <br> The question is: what is preventing the realisation of the alternative protein explosion that appears to be just beyond the horizon?<br> <br> The Good Food Institute's <a href="https://gfi.org/the-alt-protein-project/">Alt Protein Project</a> is a programme that finds and trains students at key research universities around the world and advocates for alternative protein resea