Maureen Edmondson named president of IFST
Edmondson is a food scientist by training and experience. She studied at Queen’s University of Belfast gaining her doctorate in food bacteriology.
She is a Fellow of IFST, a chartered scientist and visiting professor at Ulster University. Maureen worked 20 years for Mars Incorporated where she was responsible for International Scientific Affairs.
Edmondson said a successful Jubilee Year has brought IFST into fresher focus.
“Food is a mainstay of life and of the economy. The sector needs a constant supply of skilled professionals in food science and technology who rise to the challenge of consumer demands for safe, satisfying food, sustainably produced and processed and available at affordable prices," she said.
“I would like to have the voice of the profession more audible in the public square.
“Policy should be evidence based and debates about the science of food should be informed by those who know and understand food science. Young people also need the opportunity to know about food - skills for life and exciting careers.”
Edmondson also served six years as a board member for the Food Standards Agency and chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee.
IFST is a charity and professional body independent of government, industry or any organisation and provides science-based information.
