On September 1, 2015 Colin Dennis, CBE, PhD, CFS, CSci became the 76th president of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific society committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system. Dr. Dennis succeeded Mary Ellen Camire, PhD, CFS, IFT's 2014-2015 President and food science professor at the University of Maine's School of Food & Agriculture.
In his position as president, Dr. Dennis will work with food scientists, technologists and professionals from related disciplines in academia, industry, and government to support IFT's new strategic priorities which include focusing on advancing and promoting careers in the science of food; establishing productive and interactive global networks; promoting science, technology and their application; and advocacy efforts contributing to evidence-based science to the public dialogue on food issues.
"It is a great honor to serve as the next president of the Institute of Food Technologists, especially given the important public dialogue involving how we will feed billions of people in the decades ahead," said Dr. Dennis. "As we address this challenge, it will be imperative that we continue to emphasize the importance of science and innovation so they are universally accepted as essential to a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply worldwide."
Dr. Dennis' career in food science and technology started in 1970 when he was appointed as the first mycologist in the UK Government's Institute of Food Research. Subsequently, he was appointed as the first Director of Food Technology at Campden Food & Drink Research Association. During his seven years leading the Division he initiated several new research activities in chilled foods, aseptic packaging and hygienic design. These leadership and management experiences led to Dr. Dennis' appointment as Director-General of the organization (now Campden BRI), a position he held for 21 years.
His leadership qualities and knowledge of food science have led to appointments on government and industry advisory committees in the UK, Australia, USA, Canada, Belgium, India, Abu Dhabi, and more. Dr. Dennis has also served on the Selection Panel for the World Food Prize, and has volunteered in many capacities in the food science and technology community.
Dr. Dennis' academic roles in food science include positions as the Unilever Visiting Professor of Food Science at Queen's University, Belfast and a Visiting Professor in Food Supply Chain at the Royal Agricultural University. Both roles involved teaching undergrad modules, providing strategic guidance and hosting students for industrial training.
Dr. Dennis received his PhD from Sheffield University, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science degree in botany and biochemistry.
*John Coupland, PhD, CFS has been selected as IFT President Elect and will follow Dr. Dennis as the 2016-2017 president.
www.ift.org
