Members Offer Ideas for Current & Future IFT Programming
At the Town Hall Forum on Tuesday afternoon, about 100 members, volunteer leaders, and staff gathered to learn more about and provide input on current and future IFT programs. The forum hosted three information stations on “IFT Board of Directors Retreat Suggestions,” “Cultivating the Next Generation of Food Scientists,” and “Certified Food Scientist (CFS),” which provided an opportunity for IFT members to ask questions, exchange ideas, and hear more about a variety of new IFT initiatives.
These stations included descriptive posters and Idea Worksheets (open-ended question boards). Volunteer leaders were on hand to explain the programs in more detail and answer questions.
Members had the opportunity to jot down their ideas and comments on the Idea Worksheets set up around the perimeter of the room. Here’s a sample of some of the questions:
- How can we work together to enhance the perception of food science and promote food science as a viable and rewarding career option?
- What are some “food science stories” that we must tell as part of the World Without Food Science video series?
- What is the #1 topic/issue in need of research that IFT should help promote to advance in the areas of Food, Health & Nutrition, Food Safety & Quality, and Food Processing & Packaging?
- What are some innovative ways that we can work with university admissions offices and food science departments to increase enrollment?
Along with the Idea Worksheets, members had the opportunity to answer the questions via a paper form. If you were not able to make it to the Town Hall Forum and would like to offer your ideas, please stop by the IFT Central booth 943 for an Idea Worksheet form.
At the conclusion of the event, President-Elect John Ruff thanked the members for their valuable input. “I heard some great conversations and diverse opinions, which will help shape our direction for IFT,” stated Ruff.
