Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Overview

The Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a top-ranked research and teaching organization with an exceptional record in educating students and industry leaders while expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge in both basic and applied research. Scientific evidence increasingly points to the role of food and its physiologically active components in reducing the risk of major diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Food science utilizes technology to create foods which have the optimum profile of nutrients and non-nutrients to combat disease and promote health.

Key Research Thrusts

Research Support

The Food Science Department received approximately $1 million in sponsored research funding in FY 2005*. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, funding to support Food Science research also comes through several other campus departments.

Breadth of Research

Our award-winning faculty has gained national and international recognition for research in diverse fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, food safety, nutrition, engineering, and biotechnology.

Distinctions

The Department is the major academic center for food science in New England and the only research-oriented department of its kind in Massachusetts.

Dr. Kalidas Shetty was named as one of five Jefferson Science Fellows to advise the U.S. State Department on scientific issues as related to international diplomacy (2004).

Dr. Fergus Clydesdale, the Food Science Department Head, served as a member of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee.

Centers & Institutes

Strategic Research Alliance

Membership in the Strategic Research Alliance program is an investment which brings industry into close collaboration with the Alliance's scientific staff, providing unique access to our research teams, inspiring imaginative new projects and enabling us to understand and serve the food industry's needs better than ever.

Laboratory Facilities

The campus has a unique combination of Food Science teaching and research laboratories and a large pilot plant.

For more information on food science facilities, search the campus' facilities database at www.umassrefs.info.

Technology Transfer

For licensing opportunities of Food Science technologies, contact the office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP) at (413) 545-3606.

*Source: UMass Office of Grants & Contracts Administration

Updated 6/1/06