How will we feed the world in the future? Federal President Steinmeier visits the UBT stand in Kulmbach

How can sustainable food be developed? How international are the degree programmes at the University of Bayreuth? And what role do food security and innovation play in the future of our food supply? Students from the University of Bayreuth discussed these and other questions with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, at the Harvest Festival in Kulmbach.

The Ecumenical University Chaplaincy organised one of the ten stalls at the ‘Market of Opportunities’, which took place following the ecumenical harvest festival service. Students and lecturers from the University of Bayreuth’s Department of Food, Nutrition and Health were also in attendance. On display were the University Chaplaincy’s International Café, a project by the Food Innovators in Food Valley Kulmbach to produce vegan ice cream from brewers’ grains, as well as information and an interactive survey on protein requirements and sustainability. In addition, information materials on various activities organised by the University and the University Chaplaincy were available, including the ‘Stadtgespräche’ (City Talks) and the mentoring programme.

The Federal President and his wife showed particular interest in the innovative ice-cream creations made from beer spent grain, which they sampled on the spot. This was followed by an in-depth discussion with the students present and their professor. The focus was on the food-related degree programmes at the University of Bayreuth and their international orientation. The students themselves were also at the centre of the discussion. They spoke about their academic paths, their motivations and their countries of origin. Students from Uganda, Mexico, Germany and the USA were represented. Questions about their choice of degree programme, educational pathways and funding opportunities highlighted just how diverse and international the student body at the Kulmbach campus is. The thematic framework of the Harvest Festival provided a fitting occasion to showcase the research and teaching of the Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Health. The issue of food security played a key role in numerous speeches delivered throughout the day. The University of Bayreuth was able to contribute its interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on food sciences, nutrition research and health sciences.

A total of around 300 guests attended the ecumenical harvest festival service; further visitors joined them for the subsequent presentation of the harvest wreath and a visit to the harvest market. The university’s stand attracted a great deal of interest and provided numerous opportunities for discussion about current challenges and future prospects in the field of food.