Technical Leaders Lecture: Showcasing AgriFood Futures
02 June 2026, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM BST
G11 Lecture Theatre, Henley Business School, University of Reading, RG6 6UDLecture summary
National and global challenges in our food system include climate-driven disruption of food production, rising levels of malnutrition and hunger, and the degradation of natural resources. Agrifood Futures is a new, ambitious research strategy that builds on the University of Reading's reputation for research excellence and work with global partners.
Join three lecturers as they explore how Agrifood Futures will be a major driver of change in the way that we produce, consume and think about food as we move towards 2050.
Lecture series
The series features a range of free in‑person and virtual sessions led by inspiring speakers exploring the emerging technologies and career pathways that shape the future of the food system.
The lectures are free to attend and bring together technical colleagues from across the supply chain including the Technical Leaders Forum and Network.
Whether you're a retailer, supplier, manufacturer or foodservice operator, this is your opportunity to make new industry connections and develop your understanding of sector leading innovations and pathways.
16:30 - 17:00
Networking (Henley Business School)
17:00 - 18:00
IGD Lecture, Showcasing AgriFood Futures
18:00 - 19:00
Drinks reception and networking
Speakers
Professor Simon Willcock
Director of Sustainable Farming Systems
University of Reading
Professor Willcock is a systems scientist whose research integrates ecological, agricultural and social processes to address complex sustainability challenges. He has led and contributed to major interdisciplinary programmes in the UK and internationally, with field experience across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Prior to joining the University of Reading, he held senior academic and research leadership roles at Bangor University and Rothamsted Research. His work combines field experimentation, modelling, stakeholder engagement and policy-relevant research, with a strong emphasis on translating science into practice.
Professor Tom Oliver
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (Environment) & Professor of Applied Ecology
University of Reading
Tom Oliver is a Professor in Ecology and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research (Environment) at the University of Reading. He regularly advises the UK government and the European Environment Agency on environmental topics. Tom is a frequent contributor to broadcast media, including BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Channel 4 and ITV News, and the mainstream press such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Hindu Times, New Scientist, Guardian, The Times, Independent and Telegraph. In addition, he regularly gives talks on environmental science to general audiences.
Professor Carol Wagstaff
Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Research (Agriculture, Food and Health)
University of Reading
Carol Wagstaff headed the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy before taking up her current role. She is a Professor of Crop Quality for Health in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences.
Carol has held a number of leadership positions since joining the University in 2007. She is currently Co-Director of the BBSRC-funded Horticulture Quality and Food Loss Network and the Director of the AgriFood Training Partnership, which delivers high-level skills and training for people working within the agriculture and food industries using a combination of face-to-face and distance learning. She is also Principal Investigator on one of four £6m projects awarded under the Transforming the UK Food System Strategic Priority Fund, which focuses on “co-production of healthy, sustainable food systems for disadvantaged communities.”
Her research focuses on improving the quality of horticultural food crops, including the nutritional value, appearance, flavour and shelf life, as well as helping consumers make healthy dietary choices.
Carol did her graduate degree in Biology at Royal Holloway and her DPhil in Plant Science from the University of York.
She started her six-year term as Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Research (Agriculture, Food and Health), formerly Research Dean, in August 2021.