AIFST26, the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology’s flagship annual conference, will happen on Monday, 27 and Tuesday, 28 July 2026 on the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), operating concurrently with foodpro 2026.
The co-location of AIFST26 with foodpro 2026 will bring meals science and expertise professionals, researchers, regulators, producers, college students and industry leaders together with Australia’s broader meals manufacturing, processing and packaging neighborhood.
Together, the occasions will create an expanded platform for data sharing, collaboration and connection throughout the total meals and beverage worth chain — from analysis, regulation, product improvement and meals security via to manufacturing, processing, packaging, expertise and business software.
With the theme ‘Grow, Learn, Connect and Champion’, AIFST26 is designed to spark new pondering, strengthen collaboration and drive significant conversations about constructing a extra sustainable, resilient and inclusive meals system.
Across two days of plenary and concurrent periods, the conference will function greater than 50 audio system from throughout the agrifood sector. Key focus areas will embody meals security, advances in well being and vitamin, sensory and shopper science, meals safety and resilience, superior processing, schooling, meals coverage and regulation, innovation and sustainability.
AIFST is proud to welcome Tom Black from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to open this 12 months’s conference, reflecting the significance of meals science and expertise in supporting Australia’s agrifood functionality, resilience and future progress.
The program will function the distinguished JR Vickery Address, to be delivered by Professor Ling Zhi Cheong, Professor in Food Science and Assistant Dean (Enterprise and Innovation) at University of Melbourne, taking a look at the way forward for meals via a standard and revolutionary lens. The broader keynote program may also cowl vitamin, innovation, meals security, sustainability and AI.
AIFST CEO Fiona Fleming stated AIFST26 offers a vital platform for the meals science and expertise neighborhood to attach, study and contribute to the way forward for the sector.
“AIFST26 brings together the people, science and ideas helping shape the future of food. The Convention is an important opportunity to explore the latest developments across the agrifood science community, share expertise, strengthen collaboration and champion the role our profession plays in building a safe, sustainable and innovative food future,” Fleming stated.
AIFST26 attendees can anticipate a complete technical program, skilled audio system, panel discussions, networking alternatives and entry to the broader foodpro exhibition setting.
Key advantages of attending AIFST26 embody:
- staying updated with the most recent tendencies, analysis and improvements
- alternatives to collaborate throughout academia, analysis and industry
- deeper understanding of rising industry tendencies and market shifts
- networking with sector leaders and like-minded professionals
- Continuing Professional Development factors for AIFST members
For extra info, go to www.aifst.asn.au/AIFST-2026.