Healthy and Sustainable Food
A healthy and sustainable diet is crucial for disease prevention and the promotion of public health. At the same time, the demand for food is increasing due to global population growth, which is further exacerbated by climate change and soil degradation. Agriculture faces the major challenge of producing more and higher-quality food in a more sustainable way. At TUM, scientists are conducting intensive research on plant-environment interactions and utilising various techniques to better understand the genetics of yield formation and stress resistance. These insights aim to increase crop yields and improve food quality.
In the field of AgriFoodTech, innovative solutions are being developed to meet the needs of farmers, food producers, and consumers – from land use and energy balancing to food quality and health promotion. Digital technologies, such as digital farming, play a key role in enhancing productivity and sustainability in agricultural production.
There is also a growing trend toward personalised foods that are tailored in taste, texture, and packaging to meet specific dietary needs. Scientific standards ensure the safety and health benefits of these products. Personalised nutrition helps achieve individual health goals and promotes long-term well-being.
A sustainable diet offers numerous advantages:
- It supports a balanced nutrient intake, reduces the consumption of highly processed foods, and promotes a plant-based diet that lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- It protects the environment by reducing CO₂ emissions and water consumption while decreasing pesticide and waste pollution, particularly through the increased consumption of regional and seasonal products.
- A sustainable diet can be easily integrated into everyday life by purchasing regional foods, reducing meat consumption, avoiding food waste, and using environmentally friendly packaging.
What we do – One Health
The TUM School of Life Sciences promotes the development of healthy and sustainable food to safeguard global health through the "One Health" concept. Climate change, population growth, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity present significant challenges that require innovative solutions.
Our scientists are working to create food systems that ensure a healthy diet for all while preserving natural resources. Through interdisciplinary research, valuable knowledge is generated to make food production more sustainable and future-proof. From molecular approaches to the study of entire ecosystems, our researchers are striving to promote a diet that protects both the environment and the health of future generations.
Doctorate Program
The Proteomes that Feed the World – Enhancing the Molecular Understanding of Crop Plants
From the lab to the plate: TUM participation in the BMBF's NewFoodSystems innovation space
A more plant-based diet benefits the environment and supports our health.
In order to reduce the consumption of animal-based foods, Prof Weisz is investigating the suitability of sustainable functional ingredients for use in various new foods.
"Our aim is to be able to launch as many product innovations as possible on the market together with our industrial partners once the project is complete"
A holistic assessment guides the development of new products and processes. This ensures a successful transfer to the market and ultimately to the plate.
Innovative weed control
Detecting and removing weeds from pastures with drones, robots and AI in organic dairy farming.
Food of the future: Meat from the laboratory
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Certification programmes in the area of sustainable food
In collaboration with the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning , we offer a variety of scientifically grounded certification programmes designed to further educate professionals and executives from academia, business, and society at all career levels.
Our lecturers integrate the latest research insights from the School of Life Sciences and other disciplines at the Technical University of Munich, combining them with evidence-based, practice-oriented approaches.
Food / Agro / Biotech start-ups that are revolutionising our nutrition
Through our research and targeted support, pioneering food, agro, and biotech start-ups emerge, driving the future of nutrition with innovative ideas and technologies. Learn more about young companies developing solutions for sustainable, healthy, and innovative nutrition, making a significant contribution to society.
FOODYOU
With the Protein Match platform, Food You supports food companies in selecting the right protein.
Koralo
Creating New F!sh - a delicious and nutritious alternative to seafood for healthy people and oceans.
Prevo
Prevo enables a wide range of new ingredients for healthier people and a healthier planet, such as those based on protein isolates, fish oil, and meat oil.
Collaborating for sustainable food production
To pave the way for sustainable food production, we work closely with industry and institutions. Together, we develop innovative solutions. Our collaborations are a key step in translating research findings into practice and shaping the future of nutrition in a more sustainable way.
