Student Group

We are here to help you make the most out of your time at university and to prepare you for an exciting career in food!

IFST Student Group

We are looking for students who would like to join the IFST Student Group in the academic year 2021/22. The aim of the Group is to help us develop our structure, processes and priorities relating to attracting, retaining and developing our student members.

The student group will be lead by our Chair, Lauren Devine. She was a member of last year’s Student Group and is looking to continue the good work from last year and start some new exciting projects this year. We are currently seeking students studying food science-related degrees to fill these positions:

Chair – Lauren Devine

Postgraduate Representative – Gabriella da Rosa Lau (MSc Food Systems, University of Reading)

Responsible to listen and share the ideas/concerns of postgraduate students and to advocate events and activities that support these students.

Undergraduate Representative – Michelle Pazmino (Food Science and Nutrition, Northumbria University)

Responsible to listen and share the ideas/concerns of undergraduate students and to advocate events and activities that support these students.

Secretary – Gabriele Sergalyte (BSc MSc Food Science, University of Leeds)

Arrange and take minutes from meetings, set plans of actions and help to coordinate projects from start to finish.

Student Communications  – Emma Mulley (BSc Food Science and Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University)

Will share information with IFST colleagues, the branches of IFST and the student population. As well as having a key role in any events planned/organised by the Student Group.

Student Representative liaison – Sara Dobani (PhD Researcher, Ulster University)

Monitor the representatives' Teams channel, listen and relay any proposals the reps have within the student group meetings.

Please note that in order to be successful, you need to be willing/able to develop a good understanding of IFST’s activities and structures. 

For more information about the Student Group, please see the Terms of ReferenceThe closing date for applications is 31 October 2020. If you have any questions, please contact us

Apply now

IFST Student Representatives

The new academic year has started are you ready to be a part of the IFST group of Student Representatives and make a difference?

We are looking to recruit Student Representatives at every university in the UK which offers a food-related degree. Our Student Representatives are the eyes and ears of the Student Group and provide a valuable service in promoting IFST events and membership to their peers. Being an IFST Student Representative is a great chance to improve your skills, make new contacts in the industry and bolster your CV.

More information about the role can be found here. The closing date for applications is the end of October. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Apply now

Competitions and Awards

Taking part in competitions is a fantastic way to enhance your CV, network with food professionals and make connections across the sector. We offer national and regional opportunities for students. Deadlines are staggered throughout the year so be sure to check back regularly for up-to-date information.

Student membership

At IFST, we are dedicated to supporting the next generation of food scientists. Our goal is to be your passport to knowledge, contacts and professional development at this early stage of your career and to support you as you bridge the gap between university and industry. 

If you are studying full or part-time at foundation degree level or above within the UK and are interested in pursuing a career in food, we encourage you to join IFST as a student member.

Student LaunchPad

Each year we host a series of LaunchPad events around the country. They are designed to help students prepare for their careers in food and get a better idea of the opportunities that are available to them. During our Student LaunchPads, you can meet both fellow students and industry leaders who are on hand to give advice.

Newsletter Spotlight

Read all the latest news from our Student membership, including interviews, event reports and discussions of key issues affecting the food sector.

Preparing for your career in food

View tips and guidance from our members on how to prepare for your career in food - includes interview tips, preparing a poster and oral presentation, and more.