The global food system is under increasing pressure from climate change, population growth and the urgent need to assure long‑term food security. Ensuring access to safe, resilient and equitable food sources has never been more critical. Meeting these challenges will require innovation across the food system- from the adoption of new technologies and more sustainable production and consumption practices to improved supply chains and greater collaboration across sectors. Maintaining consumer trust and supporting economic growth requires proportionate, evidence‑based and adaptable regulation. Measurement science underpins this approach, providing the robust data and standards needed to protect consumers while enabling innovation, competition and investment.

Hosted by Dr Julian Braybrook, UK Government Chemist, this upcoming conference brings together professionals from across the food sector to explore how measurement science can support a modern, responsive regulatory system capable of meeting today’s food system challenges.

Through a programme of expert presentations including keynotes from Professor Ian Young, CSA, FSA, and Dr Justine Betja, Deputy CSA, Defra, the conference will explore the landscape in detail across four sessions:

• Responsible regulation for food
• Measurement for evolving food systems
• Engineering our future food
• Protecting our environments

Attendees will hear from experts working at the interface of science, industry and policy, and gain practical insights into how greater collaboration can help deliver a more resilient, trustworthy and sustainable food system for the future.

Event details

• Date: 23-24 June 2026
• Venue: Nexus – University of Leeds, Discovery Way, Woodhouse, LS2 3AA
• Cost:
  Online- £100/day
  | In person- £175/day (£300 both days)
• Programme available on the event registration page

Register now- The Government Chemist Conference 2026- Safe food for tomorrow’s world