Ralph Blanchfield has been an ongoing very active member for IFST for 52 years (including as its President in 1979 and 1980). Find out why it's important to be part of an organisation like IFST, How industry has changed over the last 50 years and his biggest professional achievement.

Why is it important to be part of an organisation like IFST?

It is doubly important - both for what one gains and what one contributes. One gains the benefits of being part of the (mainly) UK network of professionals; and one contributes to building and strengthening that professional body.

This weeks Volunteer of the Week is Sterling Crew. Sterling Crew is Vice President of the Institute of Food Science and Technology , chairs its Food Safety Group and sits on its Scientific Committee. He has recently joined the Campden BRI Science and Technology Committee. Sterling is a scientific commentator with regular columns and has published a number of papers.

This weeks Volunteer of the Week is Peter Sampson. Peter has been a IFST member since his student days. He is an active member of IFST's Western branch.

This weeks Volunteer of the Week is Leo Stevenson, a Fellow and Chartered Scientist. He is been actively involved with IFST for many years including committee membership of North of England Branch.

This week's Volunteer of the Week is Alex Kent, who has been a member of the South East Branch since the late 80’s. During this time he has been Branch Treasurer, Vice Chairman and Chairman. He has also helped with the organisation of the last three Spring Conferences and is involved in this year's Food Safety Conference, helping with the programme and exhibition.

Tom Holland is the Volunteer of the Week for his help with reading through and reviewing 50+ food safety articles for potential contributions to our new Trusted Resources part of the new food safety site.

Carol Phillips is the Volunteer of the Week for her help in relation to the new degree course accreditation scheme and the Young Ambassador Prize.