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Chris Downs

IFT’s Chris Downs Named Director of Australian Food and Beverage Accelerator

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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Chris Downs

Chris Downs, Ph.D., Board President of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), is taking on a new role as Director of the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) Trailblazer program funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and hosted by The University of Queensland.

The FaBA Trailblazer program—part of Australia’s $150 million effort to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage industry—is expected to help attract more than $1 billion in investment and generate more than 15,000 jobs across the Australian food and beverage sector.

“I am truly honored to be a part of such an important program and look forward to continuing my pursuit of a healthier future for Australia’s foods and beverages in this role,” said Dr. Downs.

Dr. Downs has more than 30 years of experience in the agri-food industry as a scientist, leader and executive. He previously served as general manager for Crop and Food Science at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. He also previously led the Food Program at Australia’s national science agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

In addition to his new role, Dr. Downs will continue to serve as IFT Board President, a role that he assumed in September 2022.

“As IFT Board President, Chris Downs has championed IFT’s mission of promoting and advancing the science of food and its application while engaging and supporting food professionals around the world. His passion for creating a safer and more sustainable food supply through science and innovation is second to none, and we wish him all the best in his new role,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean.

 

Chris Downs

Downs Named President of the Institute of Food Technologists

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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Chris Downs

Christopher “Chris” Downs, Ph.D., is the new president of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). IFT is a nonprofit scientific institute committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system. Downs is the organization’s 83rd president and follows 2021-2022 President Vickie Kloeris, MS, CFS.

Downs, who is based in Australia, currently serves as general manager for Crop & Food Science with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Queensland. Previously, he led the Food Program at Australia’s national science agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Throughout his 30-year career, Downs has worked with governments, universities and industry partners around the world to bring the latest food system innovations to the market and consumers.

“Since the moment Chris became an IFT member in 2015, he has enthusiastically brought a global perspective and extensive knowledge as a science of food professional to IFT,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “With the curiosity, compassion and commitment to supporting the global science of food community Chris exudes, we’re confident he will make a significant impact in his role as president of IFT this year.”

As an IFT member, Downs has served in various roles including the IFT Board of Directors, the IFT Strategy Working Group, the IFT Audit and Risk Committee and IFT’s Cannabis Content Review Panel. He has been a strong supporter of IFT’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and notes that he is passionate about IFT engaging with food professionals from around the world.

“IFT has played a significant role in my career and life’s work, so it’s an honor to serve as president this coming year,” said Downs. “We are a passionate and knowledgeable group of professionals, spanning academia, government and industry, committed to embedding the voice of science into our global food system. I look forward to working with our talented board of directors, dedicated volunteers and members to promote and advance our work on a global scale.”