Upcycled Food Foundation: Global Scientific Symposium - June 10 and June 11, 2025

Join us for an engaging symposium with global participants hosted by Dr. Lara Ramdin: an inspiring and informative two days of learning, the first ever global scientific convening on upcycled food innovation!

Dates: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 and Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Time: 8am-1pm PT / 10am-3pm CT / 11am-4pm ET

Registration gives access to both days of the symposium!

Agenda to be announced. Apply to present here.

Ticket costs:

• Student $25 USD
• Nonprofit/Startup (annual revenue under $1M USD) $50 USD
• Academia/Government $75 USD
• Industry $100 USD

Questions? Email info@upcycledfood.org

Host of the symposium

Dr. Lara Ramdin, Chief Scientist/Ambassador - FoodxClimate

Dr. Lara Ramdin is a systems and design thinking leader at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. With executive experience spanning Unilever, Estée Lauder, Molson Coors, Dole Sunshine Company, and Upcycled Foods Inc., she brings a unique perspective to transforming complex food systems. A passionate advocate for shifting from extractive to circular models, Lara focuses her work at the intersection of food, climate, and consumer empowerment. She champions access to nutritious, sustainable foods that promote longer, healthier lives—advancing the food-as-medicine movement with purpose and precision. As Chief Scientist and Ambassador for FoodxClimate, and a board member of the Upcycled Food Foundation, Lara drives scientific progress in upcycling through her leadership of the Research Fellows Program and as Co-Chair of the Scientific Committee. She also serves as Chair of the IFT Trends Group and Chair-Elect of the IFT Sustainable Food Systems Division. Often called the “Upcycling Queen,” Lara is known for transforming overlooked by-products into nutrient-dense, high-quality ingredients—cutting food waste while tackling food insecurity head-on. Her work lives at the nexus of science, sustainability, and social impact, making her a recognized thought leader shaping the future of food.
Lara is also an Emeritus Board Member of the Upcycled Food Association, where her visionary leadership continues to influence food system innovation that nourishes both people and the planet.