Rethinking Food Systems for People, Animals and the Environment 2026

Welcome to AIMday Food Systems

Food systems are under growing pressure: climate change, resource scarcity, social inequality, and shifting consumption patterns are challenging businesses, public authorities and organisations alike. How we produce, process, distribute and consume food has far-reaching consequences – ecologically, economically and socially. These challenges are complex and interconnected; no single organisation can tackle them alone.

Organisations need solutions that work in the real world. Research brings cutting-edge knowledge, independent expertise and the ability to explore questions in depth. AIMday Food Systems creates a unique space where these two worlds meet. You bring a specific challenge – we match you with leading researchers to explore ideas, test assumptions and gain new perspectives.

AIMday Food Systems provides a focused opportunity to:

• explore solutions to your most pressing food systems challenges
• connect with interdisciplinary expertise from across the research community
• spark collaborations that can lead to lasting, sustainable change

If your organisation wants to move from ambition to action, AIMday Food Systems is your opportunity to be part of the conversation – and the solution.

How to participate

Organisations are invited to submit between one and three challenge questions they want to explore in focused, one-hour workshops. Questions should reflect real-world challenges and opportunities. Each question will be discussed by a small, interdisciplinary group of researchers selected for their relevant expertise – in an open setting designed for knowledge exchange and the identification of potential pathways forward. Please register and submit your challenges here.

Follow-up

At the end of the discussion, specific opportunities for further collaboration and funding options will be discussed (if desired). We will highlight how researchers at the University of Bern can assist your organization in addressing your challenges.

The AIMday format: "One question. One table. New perspectives."

The AIMday Food Systems at the University of Bern is co-organised by its Innovation Office, Engaged UniBE and the European University Alliance ENLIGHT.