Food and Agriculture Research Mission

Our goal

We aspire to catalyze transformative, interdisciplinary science through a public health-centered approach to food and agriculture, working with academic, public, and private sector partners to ensure access to healthy, sustainable diets for all.

Areas of focus

Sustainable food systems

We focus on innovative research that will build healthier, more resilient, and biodiverse agrifood systems. Together with local and global thought leaders, we champion solutions that enhance nutrition, protect the environment, and reduce waste from farm to table.

Health of agricultural communities

Recognizing that the health of our food systems depends on the health of people who produce, harvest, process and transport our food, we advance initiatives to improve the health of agricultural communities.

Technology for food and agriculture

Agricultural technologies—from AI to advanced breeding— can help improve productivity, protect the environment, and support public health. Through strong partnerships across St. Louis’s innovation ecosystem, we help translate discoveries into real-world impact.

Governance, policy, and the enabling environment

We support and contribute research that strengthens food system governance, informing policies and practices to safeguard equitable and sustained access to nutritious food.

Leadership

Primary faculty

Morven McLean, MSc, PhD

Executive Director of Networks & Innovation, Professor of Practice

Primary faculty

Lora Iannotti, MA, PhD

Lauren and Lee Fixel Distinguished Professor

Mark Doyle, PhD

Senior network manager

Mark has more than 20 years of experience in research and program development in agriculture, nutrition, and natural resources management. Prior to joining the School of Public Health, he worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) leading interdisciplinary teams responsible for managing agriculture, sanitation, and biodiversity programs in close partnership with local communities, government, universities, international research centers, and the private sector. Before joining USAID, Mark served as Director of Global Engagement at the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and as a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the international office at the National Science Foundation.