Steven Walker, was nominated as IFST’s ‘Member of the Month for Chairing the recent IFST Education Forum earlier this month and doing such a great job!
How does it feel to be recognised as ‘Member of the Month’?
Delighted and surprised in equal measures
Why is it important to be a member of a body like IFST?
Often we are engrossed in the day job. Membership of professional societies like IFST lets us take a broader view of issues and meet with like-minded individuals
Tell us about your current role
As Director-General of Campden BRI, I am privileged to lead a team of over 370 staff who provide a range of services targeted at the practical application of technical excellence to the food and drink and allied industries. Working with over 2400 member companies in 70 countries ensures we are fully aware of industry needs.
Recently you chaired IFST’s Education Forum. What do you see as the major challenge in educating young people for a career in the food industry?
As the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, the food and drink industry deserves to attract the brightest and best students. Essential to this is demonstrating the rewarding multiplicity of careers available to students, parents, teachers and careers advisers.
How do you keep up to date with the latest food science and technology news?
As Campden BRI is a science-led organisation, this gives me great opportunities to interact with senior technical people in the food and drink industry alongside scientists and policy makers in the academic sector and government departments. Every train journey allows me to catch up on the scientific publications.
Tell us something about yourself we don’t know
I am a keen amateur gardener and find it a great way to relax. I am glad its become autumn as I couldn’t manage another courgette!
