We are delighted to announce that IFST has bestowed its Honorary Fellowship Award to three of its most esteemed members following the Annual General Meeting which this year took place on 31 March 2020. Due to the difficulties imposed through the current COVID-19 crisis, IFST’s AGM, the handing over of the Presidency and its various awards all had to be conducted on-line.
This highly prestigious award is made to recognise a Member or Fellow who has made extensive personal contributions to the working and progress of the Institute and to the food science and technology profession. This year, Honorary Fellowship has been awarded to:
- Margaret Patterson OBE, Hon. FIFST
- “When I heard I was to be awarded Honorary Fellowship, I was truly dumbfounded, and it was the last thing I expected. I have gained so much from IFST over the years, so much more than I put into it and its really helped my career development and get me so many opportunities that I would otherwise not have had. But I will accept this award and thank you very much.”
- Sterling Crew, Hon. FIFST
- “I would like to thank the board of trustees for this great honour. I’ve enjoyed working in food science and fascinating, subjects and it’s been great working in the food industry populated by fantastic food professionals within our largest manufacturing sector. We live in challenging times and it is marvellous to see the way that the food industry has responded. Food heroes, one and all.”
- Professor Maureen Edmondson, Hon. FIFST
- “Aristotle is reported to have said that: “distinction is not in possessing honours, but in deserving them.” And I do agree, and I am truly humbled by this award of IFST Honorary Fellow. I don’t recognise the person as described when I was given this award, but I am very grateful for your confidence. Food Science is a fantastic discipline for both study and work, and it has served me very well that I have served it. It gave me an understating of the depth and breadth and importance of this discipline and of its obligations to the wider society. And IFST as a professional body has an important role in helping us deliver those obligations. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.”
Watch their acceptance speeches: