Alumni engagement and philanthropy



IGFS LAUNCHES JOINT E-LEARNING INITIATIVE WITH WATERS CORPORATION TO IMPROVE GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY 

14 September 2017

Queen’s Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) has launched a joint e-learning initiative with the multinational US-based company Waters Corporation, to promote food safety at a global level.

Waters Corporation will sponsor industry professionals to undertake an online Master’s in food safety at IGFS, ranked number one for research intensity in the UK for food science.

Analytical laboratory instrument and software company Waters Corporation is a member of the Governing Council of the Global Food Safety Partnership (GFSP), an innovative, public-private initiative dedicated to supporting and promoting global cooperation for food safety capacity building. With approximately 7,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 31 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries. 

Through GFSP membership, Waters has linked with the IGFS at Queen’s to run a joint initiative to increase the capacity of food safety professionals to ensure and deliver safe, sustainable and authentic food to the world’s growing population.

IGFS will run its first online distance learning postgraduate programme enabling professionals in the food industry around the world the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in food safety, food fraud and food legislation.

Dr Mark Mooney, Programme Coordinator said: “Food safety is a global challenge and this course offers professionals the chance to learn remotely on a part-time basis from renowned experts to increase their knowledge of the threats to feed and food compromising food security, and also about the techniques and methods which can be used to confirm food safety and integrity.

“Industrial partnerships with companies such as Waters Corporation highlight the benefits of working together to address this global issue.”

Having successfully completed an intensive selection process, two employees from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are the first beneficiaries of the programme and will begin the Master’s in Global Food Security from their home country.

Dr Paul Young, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Waters Corporation, said: “We are delighted to be working with the IGFS, through supporting professionals to increase their knowledge in the area of food safety. We believe that building a base of qualified food safety professionals in countries through programmes like this is an essential step towards sustainability.” 

Professor Chris Elliott, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s commented: “Food safety is a global challenge that should be addressed at a global level. We gratefully welcome sponsorship by companies such as Waters Corporation to help train future leaders in food safety across the world on our leading e-learning programmes.”

Lystra N Antoine, CEO of the Global Food Safety Partnership added: “Supporting and promoting cooperation for food safety capacity building, especially in emerging economies worldwide is at the heart of our mission and trainings like these, as supported by Waters Corporation, are critical to improving public health, facilitating market access, and enhancing food security across the globe.”

The course is currently accepting applications for October 2017 and February 2018 start dates. Click here to find out more details and how to apply.

Media inquiries to Suzanne Lagan, Queen’s Communications Office, tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5292.

 

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