Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Food Studies: Intersections of Culture, Science and Sustainability (ICEFS 2026)
International Conference on Emerging Food Studies: Intersections of Culture, Science and Sustainability (ICEFS 2026)
📍Jaipur, India🗓️ 9-10 January 2026
Conference Name: International Conference on Emerging Food Studies: Intersections of Culture, Science and Sustainability (ICEFS 2026)
Date: 9-10 January 2026
Location: Jaipur, India (Hybrid)
Website: https://icefs.poornima.edu.in/ It is a matter of great privilege and academic distinction to present the proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Food Studies: Intersections of Culture, Science and Sustainability (ICEFS) organized by the Faculty of Science and Humanities at Poornima University, Jaipur, held on Friday–Saturday, 9–10 January 2026, in hybrid mode. Conceived as an interdisciplinary platform, the conference sought to examine the complex and evolving relationships between food, culture, sustainability, and scientific innovation. In an era marked by pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, public health concerns, and cultural transformations, the conference aimed to foster critical dialogue and generate meaningful insights into sustainable and equitable food systems. The initiative reflects the University’s enduring commitment to promoting research excellence, intellectual engagement, and global academic collaboration. The conference commenced with an inaugural session graced by Dr. Shankar Baboo, Scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), who served as the Chief Guest. His address emphasized the critical role of scientific research, agricultural innovation, and sustainable practices in strengthening food systems and ensuring nutritional security. The conference further featured distinguished keynote lectures by Prof. Sudha Raj (Syracuse University) and Prof. Annie C. Bellows (Syracuse University), whose scholarly contributions provided valuable insights into nutrition, food studies, and sustainable food practices. Their thought-provoking sessions set the tone for the conference and enriched the intellectual discourse. The conference brought together a diverse and vibrant community of academicians, researchers, practitioners, and students from across the globe. It provided a dynamic forum for the exchange of ideas, dissemination of research findings, and exploration of innovative approaches to understanding food beyond its material dimensions. The deliberations emphasized the role of food as a cultural, social, economic, and ecological entity, thereby encouraging participants to adopt interdisciplinary perspectives. Through keynote lectures, invited talks, technical sessions, and interactive discussions, the conference created an intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured critical thinking, collaborative inquiry, and knowledge sharing. In addition to the keynote sessions, the conference featured an eminent group of invited speakers and resource persons from prestigious institutions, including Ashok Pandey (Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow), J. Sreenivasa Rao (ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad), Sucharita Kanjilal (Bard College, USA), Madhu Nagla (Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur), Andrew Warnes (University of Leeds, UK), Charles Spence (University of Oxford, UK), Ganesh Bagler (IIIT Delhi), Dishari Chattaraj (IIT Indore), and Sakshi Dogra (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi). Their presentations covered a wide range of themes, including sustainable food systems, food waste management and circular economy, food safety and nutrition, computational gastronomy, gastrophysics, food literacy, and the cultural and literary dimensions of food, thereby offering rich interdisciplinary perspectives. The conference was organized under the able leadership of Prof. Priti Kaushik, Conference Chair, with Dr. Udit Mamodiya and Dr. Sucharita Sharma serving as Convenors, and Dr. Priyanka Yadav as Co-Convener. The event received steadfast support from the leadership of Poornima University, including the Chief Patrons, Ar. Shashikant Singhi, Mr. Hari Singh, Mr. M.K.M. Shah, and Ar. Rahul Singhi, whose vision and encouragement have been instrumental in fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. The contributions of the organizing committee, advisory board, and supporting staff were equally significant in ensuring the smooth coordination and successful execution of the conference. The present volume of proceedings represents a carefully curated collection of peer-reviewed research papers that reflect the intellectual depth and thematic diversity of the conference. Each manuscript underwent a rigorous review process conducted by subject experts to ensure academic quality, originality, and relevance. The selected papers engage with a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from traditional food practices and cultural narratives to emerging technologies and sustainable innovations in food systems. By bringing together diverse perspectives and methodological approaches, the proceedings contribute to the advancement of knowledge and provide a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike. Beyond the immediate academic outcomes, the conference also served as a catalyst for future research collaborations and interdisciplinary partnerships. It provided a platform for early-career researchers and students to interact with established scholars, thereby fostering mentorship and encouraging the next generation of researchers to engage with critical global issues. The emphasis on sustainability and social relevance underscores the conference’s commitment to aligning academic inquiry with broader societal needs and global development goals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all keynote speakers, invited speakers, authors, reviewers, session chairs, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the conference. We also acknowledge the unwavering support of the Faculty of Science and Humanities and the Research and Development Cell of Poornima University for their dedication and commitment in organizing this academic initiative. Their efforts have ensured that the conference not only achieved its objectives but also set a benchmark for future scholarly engagements. It is our sincere hope that this volume of proceedings will serve as a significant scholarly resource, stimulating further research, dialogue, and innovation in the field of emerging food studies. By fostering interdisciplinary understanding and encouraging critical engagement with contemporary challenges, the conference aspires to contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for the future. Acknowledgements The successful organization of the International Conference on Emerging Food Studies: Intersections of Culture, Science and Sustainability (ICEFS 2026) and the publication of its proceedings have been made possible through the collective efforts, generous support and intellectual contributions of faculty members and researchers. We take this opportunity to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a role in bringing this conference to fruition. We are profoundly grateful to the Chief Patrons of the conference — Ar. Shashikant Singhi, Mr. Hari Singh, Mr. M. K. M. Shah and Ar. Rahul Singhi — for their visionary leadership and steadfast support. Their commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation at Poornima University has been the driving force behind this initiative, and their encouragement has been instrumental in shaping the conference into a meaningful scholarly event. We extend our deep appreciation to Prof. Priti Kaushik, Conference Chair, for her able and inspiring leadership throughout the planning and execution of this event. Our sincere thanks are also due to the Convenor, Dr. Udit Mamodiya, and the Co convener, Dr. Priyanka Yadav, whose tireless dedication, meticulous coordination, and unwavering commitment ensured the smooth conduct of the conference. We are deeply honoured by the participation of Dr. Shankar Baboo, Scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), who graced the inaugural session as Chief Guest. His insightful address on scientific research, agricultural innovation, and nutritional security set a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the conference. We also gratefully acknowledge the distinguished keynote contributions of Prof. Sudha Raj and Prof. Annie C. Bellows of Syracuse University, whose scholarly expertise in food studies, nutrition, and sustainable food practices enriched the intellectual discourse of the conference immeasurably. Our sincere thanks are extended to the distinguished invited speakers and resource persons — Ashok Pandey (Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow), J. Sreenivasa Rao (ICMR National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad), Sucharita Kanjilal (Bard College, USA), Madhu Nagla (Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur), Andrew Warnes (University of Leeds, UK), Charles Spence (University of Oxford, UK), Ganesh Bagler (IIIT Delhi), Dishari Chattaraj (IIT Indore) and Sakshi Dogra (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) — for their stimulating and wide ranging presentations that enriched every dimension of the conference programme. We warmly acknowledge the contributions of all authors who submitted their research for consideration, as well as the expert reviewers whose rigorous and constructive engagement with each manuscript ensured the academic quality and integrity of the proceedings. Our gratitude also goes to the session chairs and participants from across the globe, whose active involvement and spirited intellectual exchange gave the conference its vibrant and collaborative character. We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Humanities, and the Research and Development Cell of Poornima University for their institutional support and dedicated involvement at every stage of the conference. The contributions of the organizing committee, advisory board and supporting staff — who worked diligently behind the scenes — deserve equal recognition and appreciation. Finally, we hope that this volume of proceedings stands as a testament to the collective intellectual endeavour of all its contributors, and that it serves as a valuable and enduring resource for scholars, practitioners and policymakers engaged with the multifaceted challenges of contemporary food systems. We remain grateful to everyone who made ICEFS 2026 a resounding success. Sucharita Sharma
Conference Convener
Date: 9-10 January 2026
Location: Jaipur, India (Hybrid)
Website: https://icefs.poornima.edu.in/ It is a matter of great privilege and academic distinction to present the proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Food Studies: Intersections of Culture, Science and Sustainability (ICEFS) organized by the Faculty of Science and Humanities at Poornima University, Jaipur, held on Friday–Saturday, 9–10 January 2026, in hybrid mode. Conceived as an interdisciplinary platform, the conference sought to examine the complex and evolving relationships between food, culture, sustainability, and scientific innovation. In an era marked by pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, public health concerns, and cultural transformations, the conference aimed to foster critical dialogue and generate meaningful insights into sustainable and equitable food systems. The initiative reflects the University’s enduring commitment to promoting research excellence, intellectual engagement, and global academic collaboration. The conference commenced with an inaugural session graced by Dr. Shankar Baboo, Scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), who served as the Chief Guest. His address emphasized the critical role of scientific research, agricultural innovation, and sustainable practices in strengthening food systems and ensuring nutritional security. The conference further featured distinguished keynote lectures by Prof. Sudha Raj (Syracuse University) and Prof. Annie C. Bellows (Syracuse University), whose scholarly contributions provided valuable insights into nutrition, food studies, and sustainable food practices. Their thought-provoking sessions set the tone for the conference and enriched the intellectual discourse. The conference brought together a diverse and vibrant community of academicians, researchers, practitioners, and students from across the globe. It provided a dynamic forum for the exchange of ideas, dissemination of research findings, and exploration of innovative approaches to understanding food beyond its material dimensions. The deliberations emphasized the role of food as a cultural, social, economic, and ecological entity, thereby encouraging participants to adopt interdisciplinary perspectives. Through keynote lectures, invited talks, technical sessions, and interactive discussions, the conference created an intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured critical thinking, collaborative inquiry, and knowledge sharing. In addition to the keynote sessions, the conference featured an eminent group of invited speakers and resource persons from prestigious institutions, including Ashok Pandey (Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow), J. Sreenivasa Rao (ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad), Sucharita Kanjilal (Bard College, USA), Madhu Nagla (Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur), Andrew Warnes (University of Leeds, UK), Charles Spence (University of Oxford, UK), Ganesh Bagler (IIIT Delhi), Dishari Chattaraj (IIT Indore), and Sakshi Dogra (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi). Their presentations covered a wide range of themes, including sustainable food systems, food waste management and circular economy, food safety and nutrition, computational gastronomy, gastrophysics, food literacy, and the cultural and literary dimensions of food, thereby offering rich interdisciplinary perspectives. The conference was organized under the able leadership of Prof. Priti Kaushik, Conference Chair, with Dr. Udit Mamodiya and Dr. Sucharita Sharma serving as Convenors, and Dr. Priyanka Yadav as Co-Convener. The event received steadfast support from the leadership of Poornima University, including the Chief Patrons, Ar. Shashikant Singhi, Mr. Hari Singh, Mr. M.K.M. Shah, and Ar. Rahul Singhi, whose vision and encouragement have been instrumental in fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. The contributions of the organizing committee, advisory board, and supporting staff were equally significant in ensuring the smooth coordination and successful execution of the conference. The present volume of proceedings represents a carefully curated collection of peer-reviewed research papers that reflect the intellectual depth and thematic diversity of the conference. Each manuscript underwent a rigorous review process conducted by subject experts to ensure academic quality, originality, and relevance. The selected papers engage with a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from traditional food practices and cultural narratives to emerging technologies and sustainable innovations in food systems. By bringing together diverse perspectives and methodological approaches, the proceedings contribute to the advancement of knowledge and provide a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike. Beyond the immediate academic outcomes, the conference also served as a catalyst for future research collaborations and interdisciplinary partnerships. It provided a platform for early-career researchers and students to interact with established scholars, thereby fostering mentorship and encouraging the next generation of researchers to engage with critical global issues. The emphasis on sustainability and social relevance underscores the conference’s commitment to aligning academic inquiry with broader societal needs and global development goals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all keynote speakers, invited speakers, authors, reviewers, session chairs, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the conference. We also acknowledge the unwavering support of the Faculty of Science and Humanities and the Research and Development Cell of Poornima University for their dedication and commitment in organizing this academic initiative. Their efforts have ensured that the conference not only achieved its objectives but also set a benchmark for future scholarly engagements. It is our sincere hope that this volume of proceedings will serve as a significant scholarly resource, stimulating further research, dialogue, and innovation in the field of emerging food studies. By fostering interdisciplinary understanding and encouraging critical engagement with contemporary challenges, the conference aspires to contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for the future. Acknowledgements The successful organization of the International Conference on Emerging Food Studies: Intersections of Culture, Science and Sustainability (ICEFS 2026) and the publication of its proceedings have been made possible through the collective efforts, generous support and intellectual contributions of faculty members and researchers. We take this opportunity to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a role in bringing this conference to fruition. We are profoundly grateful to the Chief Patrons of the conference — Ar. Shashikant Singhi, Mr. Hari Singh, Mr. M. K. M. Shah and Ar. Rahul Singhi — for their visionary leadership and steadfast support. Their commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation at Poornima University has been the driving force behind this initiative, and their encouragement has been instrumental in shaping the conference into a meaningful scholarly event. We extend our deep appreciation to Prof. Priti Kaushik, Conference Chair, for her able and inspiring leadership throughout the planning and execution of this event. Our sincere thanks are also due to the Convenor, Dr. Udit Mamodiya, and the Co convener, Dr. Priyanka Yadav, whose tireless dedication, meticulous coordination, and unwavering commitment ensured the smooth conduct of the conference. We are deeply honoured by the participation of Dr. Shankar Baboo, Scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), who graced the inaugural session as Chief Guest. His insightful address on scientific research, agricultural innovation, and nutritional security set a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the conference. We also gratefully acknowledge the distinguished keynote contributions of Prof. Sudha Raj and Prof. Annie C. Bellows of Syracuse University, whose scholarly expertise in food studies, nutrition, and sustainable food practices enriched the intellectual discourse of the conference immeasurably. Our sincere thanks are extended to the distinguished invited speakers and resource persons — Ashok Pandey (Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow), J. Sreenivasa Rao (ICMR National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad), Sucharita Kanjilal (Bard College, USA), Madhu Nagla (Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur), Andrew Warnes (University of Leeds, UK), Charles Spence (University of Oxford, UK), Ganesh Bagler (IIIT Delhi), Dishari Chattaraj (IIT Indore) and Sakshi Dogra (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) — for their stimulating and wide ranging presentations that enriched every dimension of the conference programme. We warmly acknowledge the contributions of all authors who submitted their research for consideration, as well as the expert reviewers whose rigorous and constructive engagement with each manuscript ensured the academic quality and integrity of the proceedings. Our gratitude also goes to the session chairs and participants from across the globe, whose active involvement and spirited intellectual exchange gave the conference its vibrant and collaborative character. We are grateful to the Faculty of Science and Humanities, and the Research and Development Cell of Poornima University for their institutional support and dedicated involvement at every stage of the conference. The contributions of the organizing committee, advisory board and supporting staff — who worked diligently behind the scenes — deserve equal recognition and appreciation. Finally, we hope that this volume of proceedings stands as a testament to the collective intellectual endeavour of all its contributors, and that it serves as a valuable and enduring resource for scholars, practitioners and policymakers engaged with the multifaceted challenges of contemporary food systems. We remain grateful to everyone who made ICEFS 2026 a resounding success. Sucharita Sharma
Conference Convener