GP-Food Coffee Meeting on Dec 18, 2024
On December 18, 2024, the International Joint Graduate Program in Food Science (GP-Food) held its first Coffee Meeting at Tohoku University. The event, which ran from 16:30 to 18:00 in Room E521 on the 5th floor of the Agricultural Science Building, brought together students, researchers, and faculty members to explore the connections between food, health, and human behavior.
The session opened with a lecture by Assistant Professor Fu Namai from the Laboratory of Animal Food Function, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, who highlighted the crucial role of gut microbiota in human health. He explained how intestinal bacteria influence obesity, depression, stress, and appetite regulation, even suggesting that gut microbiota could impact social isolation tendencies. Additionally, he introduced Japan’s Kyushoku (school lunch) program, which provides standardized meals to students—contrasting with the buffet-style lunches common in other countries. This sparked engaging discussions on how dietary habits shape both physical health and social behavior.
Next, Chen Yu-Yoh, a PhD student from the Graduate School of Arts and Letters, delivered a talk on the role of novel foods in addressing global food challenges. She emphasized that public acceptance remains a key barrier, as consumers are more likely to adopt food innovations when they perceive clear benefits and trust regulatory systems. She also explored the psychology of hunger, explaining that it is not just a bodily sensation but a learned process influenced by past experiences, environmental cues, and psychological associations. She argued that by aligning emerging food technologies with the psychology of hunger, it is possible to create solutions that resonate with consumers’ tastes and values. Her talk encouraged participants to consider how innovation can drive a healthier and more sustainable food future.
Following the lectures, attendees participated in an interactive quiz session via Kahoot, testing their knowledge of the presentations. Two winners received exclusive GP-Food merchandise, adding a fun and rewarding touch to the academic discussions.
The event concluded with an informal networking session over coffee, tea, and snacks. This allowed participants to continue their discussions with the speakers and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting.
The GP-Food team extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this first Coffee Meeting. We look forward to welcoming you to the next session, scheduled for March 2025. Stay tuned for further updates!
-Adi, Uyu, Kaho-
