ROOTS · ROOTS AND RECIPES: THE SCIENCE OF FOOD, IDENTITY AND BELONGING

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Project objective

Food nourishes us, it gives us life, energy and pleasure. It is a fundamental biological need, but beyond that it is full of symbolic significance and social value. Every mouthful is political, visceral and always relational. Food connects all European citizens regardless of age, gender, culture, and background with other parts of the world. This project is a celebration of the multi-dimensional aspects of food consumed in Africa and among the African diaspora in Europe. It invites families, pupils, teachers and local communities to engage in the science of food, not only what we eat, but how food shapes our societies, our bodies, and our future. It offers a deep interdisciplinary dive into the cultural traditions, societal dynamics, and scientific innovations that influence how we grow, cook, and consume food, and how these practices might evolve for a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.The European Researchers’ Night will offer a vibrant exploration of food through science, culture, and hands-on discovery. In 2026, the event will introduce key themes to the public, setting the stage for deeper exploration. The 2027 edition will showcase the outcomes of school and community engagement through a pop-up exhibition celebrating the collective impact of these collaborations. A key component of the project is dedicated to schools, engaging pupils and teachers through science education, interactive activities, and citizen science. The project will develop and disseminate one innovative educational resource designed for teachers and pupils, fostering active engagement with scientific topics related to food. The project taps into the universal relevance of food to spark inclusive public engagement with science and promote interdisciplinary EU research. By centering African diaspora foodways, amplifying underrepresented voices, and bridging generations and knowledge systems, the project contributes to a more equitable and connected understanding of food in Europe.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• MUSEE ROYAL DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE · TervurenCoordinatorBelgium
• AGENTSCHAP PLANTENTUIN MEISE · MeiseBelgium
• KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenBelgium
• Roger Van Overstraeten Society · LeuvenBelgium
• THE FOOD BRIDGE · BRUSSELSBelgium

Links

• View on CORDIS
• DOI: 10.3030/101305260