Communication about food is increasingly complex in a world of food-related controversies, amongst fad diets, foodborne illnesses, genetically modified organisms, food scarcity and more. 

Effective and reliable communication about food and agriculture is becoming increasingly necessaryand urgent given the centrality of food to human and non-human life.

Research projects in this theme may investigate any science-related communication about food and agricultural sciences from a range of perspectives: consumers, farmers and other food producers, genetic scientists and agronomists, and at government or corporate levels.

Our research investigates: 

• What are the public attitudes and concerns to genetically modified (GM) foods?
• How do farmers acquire scientific information and how do heuristics, risk and uncertainty influence farming decisions?
• What influences people’s perceptions of trustworthy sources when it comes to dieting and nutrition?
• How do commercial enterprises present agricultural research? 
• How do we improve public health communication regarding food?

Relevant CPAS courses are: 

Undergraduate

• SCOM2031: Science, Risk and Ethics
• SCOM3027: Science and Public Policy
• SCOM3033: Health Promotion Principles and Practice

Postgraduate

• SCOM6027: Science and Public Policy
• SCOM6031: Science, Risk and Ethics

Students also undertake research in this theme for undergraduate coursework, postgraduate coursework and higher degrees by research.