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Centre aims to reduce animal agriculture emissions and establish UK market lead
Two UK research councils have launched a National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre, aiming to reduce animal agriculture emissions.
Announced on 28 August, UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Innovate UK have invested £15 million into the centre, with more than 100 UK and international stakeholders committing £23 million of co-investment and support.
The centre, directed by the University of Leeds and co-led by Imperial College London, the James Hutton Institute and the University of Sheffield, will support UK research and innovation into alternative proteins including plants, microbes and insects.
It will look at whether alternative proteins can be accepted by consumers as “tasty” and “healthy” meat alternatives, while aiming to establish the UK as a leader in the fast-growing alternative protein market.
“Plant-based proteins, such as soy and peas, and lab-grown meats are excellent alternative sources of protein, supporting products that offer a more sustainable and resilient approach,” said the councils in a statement.
It added that these products also typically have a lower carbon footprint and can be produced with fewer resources.
Guy Poppy, UKRI’s food sector champion and BBSRC deputy executive chair, said: “The launch of the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre exemplifies our commitment to spearheading innovation in the alternative proteins sector.
“By harnessing the strengths of our world-class scientific community and robust industrial partnerships, this initiative addresses vital sustainability challenges and forges essential links between research and commercial application.”
Project leaders think the centre could catalyse the projected UK growth potential in alternative proteins of £6.8bn annually, with 25,000 jobs created across multiple sectors, according to Imperial College London.
Funding for the centre starts now and will run for five years.