We kick off this monthly review by highlighting our fifth online networking meeting. We are particularly keen to support new SCAF members in experiencing the diversity of the Alliance (currently standing at >700 members across >250 institutions.) SCAF holds a broad range of online and hybrid activities, and our online networking events are a prime opportunity to connect in a relaxed format. On August 20th, members enjoyed a creative hour of making new connections and sparking ideas and perspectives – the topics of cattle, dairy, and nutrition were a common thread across conversations.

It is often during these events that people get together to co-create research with a difference. We have now received eight applications for our fourth pump-priming round, with assessment due to start in September. The process will be facilitated by our now large and diverse SCAF reviewing panel, with a few new members who completed the SCAF reviewer training two weeks ago.

This diversity is also instrumental when we respond to consultations: this month, we responded to the Good Food Nation national plan call for views, with contributions from across disciplines and sectors. There is one more consultation that SCAF aims to respond to, with all details shared via Slack or email request. All SCAF members are welcome to participate, regardless of career stage. 

Further reflecting SCAF’s commitment to inclusive participation, the Academy of Citizens (AoC) Panel is gaining momentum under the leadership of Cindy Gray and Michael Pierre Johnson, with the first panel meeting engaging the newly selected group of 11 members of the public, who will contribute their lived experiences and insight to SCAF’s upcoming initiatives.

On the collaboration front, the SCAF and NNEdPro teams met to explore synergies ahead of the December NNEdPro Summit. This cross-network dialogue underscores our shared goal of transforming food systems through research and action. 

Meanwhile, excitement is building for the upcoming SCAF Annual Conference (programme here) and unconference, as members actively populate the padlet with session ideas for the second day, promising lively discussions and collaborative innovation. We anticipate great company, networking, and food, and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends from across Scotland and further afield. A warm welcome to our new intern, Giancarlo Catalano, a computer science PhD student from the University of Stirling who has recently joined the team, bringing fresh perspectives to the work of Theme 1. Giancarlo will hold a session at the Annual Event unconference. 

Finally, work continues behind the scenes, with the development of the SCAF monitoring survey underway to track our impact and guide future directions, as well as new plans by the ECR management team to support training and networking.  

First published: 8 May 2025

<< Blog