About Us - Institute of Food Technologists Iowa Section

About Us

IFT

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) was founded in 1939 based on the vision of a small group of scientists who believed that communication among professionals involved in food science and technology was essential to the progress of these emerging disciplines.

Today, IFT has expanded its reach with members from more than 95 countries around the world and from every discipline related to food science and technology. IFT members strive to fulfill the five objectives set out by our founders:

  • Facilitate the interchange of ideas among its members

  • Stimulate scientific investigations into technical problems dealing with the manufacture and distribution of food

  • Promulgate the results of research in food technology

  • Offer a forum for discussion

  • Plan, organize and administer projects for the advancement of food science

 

Iowa Section

The Iowa Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (IAIFT) was first organized in 1947. The section charter was dated June 6, 1948. We have grown immensely from our humble beginnings and today are recognized as a Section of Excellence in IFT.

Our section spans the state of Iowa, with both student and professional members. We host four business meetings annually for members to come together to learn and network.

Iowa IFT's mission is to connect, develop, and educate with the Iowa food science community. We do this through a focus on three key pillars: networking, education, and professional development.

 

Connect: Networking

IAIFT strives to connect students and industry professionals across Iowa. Our quarterly business meetings bring all our members together to discuss the Iowa food science community and how we can better improve it. Some of the events we have done are dinners, happy hours, and going to ICubs games to get to know our peers. The biannual culinary challenge allows industry professionals to pair up with students from Iowa State in a competition to create the best dish from ingredients supplied by Iowa food companies.

Develop: Professional Development

Regardless of experience, there are always new skills one can learn. IAIFT wants to make sure that our members have the opportunity to increase their professional development skills. By providing access to webinars and local seminars, Iowa IFT is a resource for members to seek out the training opportunities they need. In addition, we provide student members of our section opportunities on campus through our association with the Iowa State Food Science Club. Some examples include resume writing seminars, career fairs, and presentation skill development.

Educate: Education

Continuous education of food industry professionals is vital to keep our industry moving forward. IAIFT wants to make sure our members have the opportunity to increase their industry knowledge. We do this by having speakers talk to us about hot industry topics, new technologies, and regulatory environments. In addition to speakers, we provide our members with tours of local food companies to learn how their manufacturing processes work and what challenges they face.

 

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