Food for Thought is a monthly, members-only e-newsletter from the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST).
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Time has just flown by since the last Food for Thought, as we adjust to Daylight Saving Time (except for Saskatchewan).
We have been receiving several inquiries about a CIFST conference. While CIFST won’t be holding a conference in 2024, we have a taskforce working on the focus and feasibility of a conference in 2025. In the mean time, there is no shortage of programming this year as CIFST is delivering a wide variety of professional development events including co-located events with our regional Sections.
A warm welcome to the 72 new members who have joined CIFST since the beginning of the year. Thank you to members who have renewed for 2024. If it has slipped your mind to renew, there is still time to do so!
BCFT (BC Section) and UBC student members hosted a very successful Speakers Night event on campus in late January. Reena Mistry of Caldic spoke about her career development from a UBC Food Science co-op student to Customer Development Manager and Sales Strategist; Dr. Karen Taylor of UBC’s Master in Food and Resource Economics Program spoke of her journey from the farm to PhD, to working for financial institutions and finally teaching at UBC. BCFT hosted their Industry seminars with speakers from Ingredion, Caldic and LBB Specialties prior to their Supplier’s Night event in Burnaby in late February. I was pleased to be able to attend both of these events and post summaries on Linkedin here and here.
The Manitoba Section organized a plant tour at Medallion Milk in late January. One month later, they held their Student Career Night with speaker Chris Bunio, of TheoryMesh, with a presentation on the Transformative Role of AI in Food and Biosystems Industry, and a Panel Discussion about the synergies in Food Science, Nutrition, and Biosystems Engineering.
Earlier this month, the Student Committee hosted a successful Virtual Food Industry Speed Networking Event with panelists from all facets of the food industry. This dedicated group of our student members have been posting Food Fact Friday infographics every week on Instagram.
Another exciting initiative is that CIFST is partnering with like-minded professional associations such as Ontario Food Protection Association to offer reciprocal member-only registration in professional development webinars. This is a wonderful mechanism to showcase each other’s member expertise and knowledge. You will already have received information about an upcoming OFPA webinar.
Did you know that for the past three years, CIFST has partnered with Canadian Food Business Magazine to highlight the expertise of our members with articles written by our Scientific Advisory Panel, among others?
Your CIFST Past-Presidents are working on reviewing and renewing the CIFST Institute Awards, including relaunching the CIFST Fellow (FCIFST) designation, so please watch your inbox for the Call for Award Nominations.
It continues to be a busy and rewarding year as your CIFST volunteers across Canada work to support the professional development of all of our membership, build partnerships, increase the visibility of the Institute and the expertise of our members.
In closing, I hope you continue to be inspired in your Food Science profession with professional development, representation, inclusivity, and mentorship amongst your fellow CIFST members and that you benefit and grow from your involvement and volunteerism.
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Yvonne Yuan
President - Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology
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CIFST WEBSITE: NEW LOOK FOR 2024 |
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Exciting News! CIFST proudly unveils its sleek new website for 2024! With a modern facelift and seamless bilingual interface, navigating is a breeze! Ready to explore? Click HERE!
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Manitoba Section:
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March 28, 2024: CIFST Manitoba Section Presents: Technical Seminar 2024, University of Manitoba. Register HERE.
Quebec Section:
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May 2, 2024: ICSTA Section Québec Supplier’s Night, Terrebonne, Québec. Exhibitors' registration is now open HERE. Register HERE for visitor registration.
BCFT (BC Section):
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June 26, 2024: 2024 BCFT Annual Golf Tournament & Banquet, Guildford Golf & Country Club, Surrey, BC. Register HERE.
Save the following dates for the 2024 Winter/Spring Knowledge Bites Webinar Series (FREE for members) with support from GS1 Canada:
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March 27, 2024, noon to 12:30 pm EST: Series #3 - Import/ Export - Brokers and Distributors. Register HERE.
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April 10, 2024, noon to 12:30 pm EST: Series #4 - Value Prop. - Industry Managed Solutions. Register HERE.
The series will be offered in French from noon to 12:30 pm EST on alternate weeks:
Other upcoming events:
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March 28, 2024, 1 pm to 2 pm, OFPA WEBINAR: Food Recall Strategies: Challenges and Solutions. CIFST Members attend for FREE. Use the coupon code OFPA.2024 Register HERE.
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March 28, 2024, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, CIFST Spring Technical Session Series, Mississauga, ON. Register HERE.
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April 24, 2024, noon to 12:45 pm EST, Knowledge Bites Webinar: Prebiotics & Synbiotics – Latest Developments in These Vibrant Markets. Registration opens soon!
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May 2, 2024: ICSTA INTERFACE, Terrebonne, Québec. Registration opens soon!
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May 30, 2024: 1st Annual CIFST Wine Tour, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Register HERE.
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Exclusive Platinum Sponsor for 2024 |
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