IFT’s 2009 Scientific Program
posted on June 7, 2009
For the second year, the scientific program has been categorized into tracks to help attendees most efficiently choose from the many diverse programming options available. In addition to the five tracks from last year—Applied Science, New Products & Technologies, Professional Business Development, Science Fundamentals, and Student Programming—IFT has added one new track—Transformative Research. This new track will showcase sound science and preeminent research and then illustrate how technology based on science fundamentals can be applied to solve problems and develop innovative, safe, and practical applications.
Formats for these educational sessions include symposia, workshops, panel discussions, and roundtables. Symposia are podium-based presentations, often combined with interactive elements such as question-and-answer sessions. Workshops emphasize interaction and practical problem solving in addition to standard educational presentations. A panel discussion is a moderated presentation and/or discussion among several industry experts. Questions and answers from the audience are a common feature of panel discussions. Roundtables enable attendees to interact with the presenter on their subject. Presenters tend to give a brief overview of their work or topic, and then participants drive the conversation through their questions and are encouraged to move from table to table throughout the course of the session.
This year’s theme is “Food Science from Producer to Consumer.” Foods and food ingredients are being sourced domestically and internationally, while demand for minimally processed, locally grown, natural and/or organic foods continues to build. How can food science and technology be leveraged to deliver safe, sustainable, affordable, innovative, healthful, and appealing foods, both locally and globally? Is the amount of food needed to feed the world in conflict with this and other trends? Don’t miss the 33 sessions that specifically address this year’s theme. Each session relates to one or more of the following elements: changing consumer dynamics, safety and quality, environmental sustainability/social responsibility, global vs local, and innovation throughout the supply chain.
Free Scientific Program session download
As part of your full, paid Annual Meeting & Food Expo® registration, you’ll receive a voucher to download the recorded Scientific Program session of your choice, free! This MP3 file will include both the audio and visual presentations associated with that session. Or, if you prefer, you can use this voucher to receive $29.95 off the purchase price of the complete Scientific Program conference recording set, which includes all available scientific sessions (http://www.am-fe.ift.org/cms/?pid=1000819).
New this year
Early start. For the first time, the Scientific Program will get under way prior to the Keynote Session on Sunday. Also, to provide early risers with bonus educational opportunities, Sunrise Sessions have been added to the schedule on Sunday, June 7, and Tuesday, June 9, from 7–8 a.m.
Virtual posters. Poster presentations have always been a pillar of the Scientific Program. This year, the experience will be better than ever thanks to a new virtual poster system that allows attendees to efficiently search for pertinent research by keyword, category, and author. The system will allow the user to determine when the live presentation will take place during the meeting, and, after the event, full, paid conference attendees will have continued access to this valuable tool. During the meeting, an enhanced poster area will include a lounge, virtual poster kiosks, and concessions.
Oral-poster sessions. Another special feature of this year’s Scientific Program comes in the form of two hybrid oral-poster sessions, one on food packaging and another on food science education. This streamlined session format is comprised of five-minute presentations of select technical research papers followed by time for poster viewing and interacting directly with the presenters.
JFS sessions. Two Journal of Food Science–sponsored sessions will provide an update on the latest research on nanoscale science. “Emerging Research: Nanoscale Food Science, Engineering, and Technology” is scheduled for 8:15–9:45 a.m. on Sunday, and “Encapsulation and Delivery of Bioactive Compounds Using Novel Nanostructures” is slated for 8:30–10 a.m. on Monday. Presenters for these new sessions were recruited specifically by the Journal of Food Science Nanoscale Food Science, Engineering, and Technology Section Editorial Board.