The Institute of Food Science and Engineering (IFSE) was established to better focus the research and extension expertise of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture on food industry issues and challenges.
IFSE programs take a farm to table approach to assure that the food supply is high-quality, wholesome, palatable, safe and nutritious; that value is added to raw agricultural products to enhance economic development of the state, region and nation; and that the needs of society are understood, communicated and met.
The Institute of Food Science and Engineering serves as the primary entity in Arkansas for research, graduate education and extension to help ensure that;
1) The food supply is high quality, wholesome, palatable, safe and nutritious.
2) Value is added to raw agricultural products to enhance economic development of the state, region and nation.
3) The nutritional needs of society are understood, communicated and met.
The IFSE provides technical advances in food processing and packaging that foster safe, energy-efficient, environmentally responsible processing methods that will assure that Arkansas and regional processors remain competitive. It also promotes research that will result in new value-added products and the recovery and conversion of co-products to higher-value items.
The Institute of Food Science and Engineering assists companies in framing issues, focusing efforts and solving problems. It provides a mechanism for the University to package its multidisciplinary expertise to address industry needs and serves as a catalyst for mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Institute performs the following functions:
- Creates synergisms among research and extension faculty by softening disciplinary lines to facilitate cooperation and team building.
- Encourages interdepartmental sharing in purchase and multiple use of equipment via collaboration and the concept of creating core research and educational facilities.
- Provides an integrated infrastructure that will enhance credibility for securing funding through local, regional, national and international channels.
- Provides increased visibility to the University food processing program that will help attract outstanding faculty and students.