7-9 May 2026
International Food Innovation and Sustainability Congress
IFIS serves as a multidisciplinary platform addressing the latest scientific advancements, sustainability-driven research, and transformative practices in the food sector. By bringing together experts from food engineering, biotechnology, environmental sciences, health sciences, and industry, IFIS aims to shape the future of global food systems.
Invitation
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
Global data on sustainability clearly show the urgency of shaping the future of the food sector. Hunger, food waste, limited access to clean water, and depletion of natural resources are global challenges that require collective action. In this context, as the Department of Food Engineering at Yıldız Technical University, we are delighted to announce the second International Food Innovation and Sustainability Congress (IFIS), to be held in Istanbul on 7–9 May 2026.
Our first IFIS Congress in 2024 was a remarkable success, hosting 25 industry stakeholders, 95 oral and 91 poster presentations, and nearly 400 participants. Representatives from academia and industry came together to share the latest studies in food innovation and sustainability, establish new collaborations, and develop solutions for the future.
The support of our sponsors will not only enhance the success of the congress but also
strengthen our collective steps on the journey of food innovation and sustainability.
We invite you to be part of IFIS 2026.
In 2026, we aim to present an even broader program, welcome more international
participants, and bring together leading companies from the sector. Topics will range
from food microbiology to biotechnology, from packaging innovations to digitalisation,
covering the entire food value chain.
Best regards,
IFIS Organization Committee
About the Congress
IFIS – International Food Innovation and Sustainability Congress is an international scientific congress hosted by the Department of Food Engineering at Yıldız Technical University.
The congress aims to bring together researchers, students, and industry professionals working in the fields of food science, sustainability, and technology. With its strong interdisciplinary approach, IFIS provides a platform that encourages the production of academic knowledge, supports industry–university collaborations, and fosters active interaction and networking among participants.
The main focus areas of IFIS 2026 include a wide range of topics that reflect the future of food innovation and sustainable systems, such as:
-
Innovation in Food Science and Technology
-
Sustainability in the Food Industry
-
Sustainable Food Systems
-
Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, and Food Safety
-
Food Security and Unit Operations
-
Food Machinery and Biotechnology
-
Functional Foods and Food Quality Attributes
-
Innovative Food Processing Technologies
-
Food Packaging, Additives, and Powders
-
Nanotechnology Applications in Food Science and Technology
-
Industry 4.0 and Digitalization
-
Artificial Intelligence Applications in the Food Industry
-
Sustainable Gastronomy, Nutrition, and Agriculture
-
Life Cycle Analysis in the Food Industry
-
Water and Carbon Footprint Calculations in the Food Industry
Our Purpose
1. Discussing Current Scientific Developments in the Field of Food
The IFIS Congress aims to bring together researchers, academics, and industry professionals to create a multidisciplinary platform for discussing the latest scientific advancements in the field of food science and technology. Topics such as food safety, functional foods, sustainable production methods, innovative packaging technologies, and biotechnology are among the core focus areas. Through panels, presentations, and workshops, participants are encouraged to share knowledge and collaborate on solving current challenges.
2. Promoting Sustainability-Based Research and Practices
Beyond academic discourse, the congress places a strong emphasis on encouraging environmentally and socially sustainable research and industrial practices. Themes such as reducing carbon footprint in food production, circular economy models, waste management, and green technologies are integral parts of the program. The congress offers a unique space for participants committed to sustainable food systems to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a greener future.
3. Preparing the Ground for Academic and Industrial Collaborations
A key objective of the congress is to foster partnerships between academia and industry. By facilitating interaction among universities, research centers, startups, and established companies, the congress enables the creation of joint research projects, co-publications, and technology transfer initiatives. Special networking sessions, collaboration lounges, and industry-focused presentations are designed to transform ideas into action.
4. Giving Visibility to Young Researchers
Supporting early-career researchers is a core value of the IFIS Congress. Dedicated sessions such as oral presentations, poster exhibitions, and the “Young Researcher Awards” offer promising young academics an opportunity to showcase their work and gain visibility in the international scientific community. Mentorship opportunities and meet-the-expert sessions also help connect junior researchers with experienced professionals for guidance and career support.
5. Turning Congress Outputs into Publications, Projects, and Collaboration Opportunities
We are committed to ensuring that the scientific outputs of the congress are not limited to the event itself. Presented papers will be encouraged for submission to peer-reviewed journals or included in special congress proceedings. Furthermore, participants will be guided in transforming their presentations into long-term collaborations, joint grant applications, and industrial projects. Follow-up mechanisms and collaboration tracking tools will be utilized post-congress to support this goal.
Our Vision
To create an internationally recognized, multi-stakeholder and constantly evolving scientific platform focusing on food innovation and sustainability.
Our Mission