Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) hosted the ‘Global Challenge 2018’ in Chicago, USA from 15 to 18 July 2018. I had the honour to participate thanks to the collaboration between IFT and IFST.
IFST and IFT had provided the participants with free travel, accommodation and entry to the convention. During the duration of the convention, students were required to find a realistic, food related and scalable solution to a case
study randomly picked on the first day. To overcome the challenge presented, students had to use all the tools found within the convention (e.g. expo floor, brochure). They were also allocated a mentor and expert from the food industry to guide and recommend the best solutions. At the end of the three days, participants had to present their findings to other groups. In this way many points of discussion and issues were raised and debated, creating an exceptional exchange of ideas, knowledge and points of view. This experience has given me the opportunity to improve my food science knowledge portfolio, create and strengthen work related networks and increase confidence.
I would highly recommend applying for the next edition of this challenge because it is a life changing opportunity and one-in-a-lifetime experience.
Antonio Lonigro
Photo: Blessing Nwokocha, left, and Antonio Lonigro stand either side of Challenge Mentor Bertrand Emond of Campden BRI