Food Politics, Philosophy & Policy
The Food Politics, Philosophy and Policy Research Group addresses the politics, philosophy and policy dimensions of food, nutrition and agriculture, and engages with issues related to nutrition and public health, ecological sustainability, animal welfare, social justice and corporate power in food systems.
This includes projects on the following themes:
Teaching
FOOD90041 The Politics of Food
FOOD90040 Nutrition Politics and Policy
These two graduate subjects are offered in the following graduate courses:
- Master of Agricultural Science
- Master of Food Science
- Master of Environment
- Master of Horticulture
- Master of Food Packaging and Innovation
- Master of International Relations
- Master of Public Policy and Management
- Master of Development Studies
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Urban Planning
- Master of Arts
Meet the academics and graduate researchers involved in the Food Politics and Policy Research Group.
Academic staff
A/Prof Gyorgy Scrinis
Gyorgy Scrinis’ research has examined the politics, policy and philosophy of food and nutrition, with a focus on nutrition science, dietary advice, functional foods, food labelling, animal welfare regulations, the role of transnational corporations, alternative proteins and new technologies of production.
gyorgys@unimelb.edu.au +61390356698Graduate researchers
Lynda Hoare
PhD Topic: Market Gardens and Agroecology Transitions. Supervisors: A/Prof Gyorgy Scrinis, Dr Michael Santhanam-Martin
Aisha Ismail
PhD Topic: A place-based case study of ultra-processed food companies corporate activity, impacts and resistance in Oaxaca, Mexico. Supervisors: A/Prof Gyorgy Scrinis, A/Prof. Simon Batterbury
Sara Guest
PhD Topic: Food Insecurity among University Students in Melbourne: social class, youth agency and practice. Supervisors: A/Prof Jane Dyson, Prof Craig Jeffrey, A/Prof Gyorgy Scrinis.
Beatrice Serini
PhD Topic: Beatrice’s research explores the interplay between folk ontologies of food and scientific ontologies in biomedicine and nutrition science. Beatrice is also a coordinator of Culinary Mind. Primary Supervisor: A/Prof Andrea Borghini, University of Milan, Italy.
The Food and Nutrition, Politics and Policy Research Group carries out social science research on a range of issues across food systems.
-
Ultra-Processed Foods & Food Corporations
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured packaged and fast-foods. This research theme examines the nature of UPFs; the corporations that produce and promote them, and policies to regulate these products.
-
Nutritionism: The Philosophy and Politics of Nutrition
This research theme examines the scientific paradigms that frame nutrition science and dietary guidelines, particularly the paradigm of ‘nutritionism’, and the scientific assumptions and political influences on these paradigms.
-
Food Insecurity of University Students
This series of projects examines the determinants and experiences of the food insecurity of university students, and explores ways of addressing food insecurity.
-
Technologies of Food Processing and Agricultural Production
This research theme examines the philosophy and politics of food and agricultural technologies, including food processing, agricultural and alternative protein technologies and products.
-
Food Labelling & Animal Welfare
This research theme addresses the politics and governance of food labels, with a focus on animal welfare and nutrition labelling.