Coronavirus research: Food security, energy and supply chains

Experts from the Institute for Sustainable Food and Energy Institute are working with industry partners to understand the fragility in our supply chains and collaborate on ways to improve food security for all.

food factory: assembly line with apples and workers - stock photo
On

Our latest research

An illustration showing attributes of a sustainable food ecosystem

Local food suppliers proved their value during the pandemic, so how do we ensure they thrive?

Local food suppliers saved the day during the Covid-19 pandemic food shortages, but new research from the University of Sheffield also finds lessons need to be learnt if national food systems are to survive future crises.
Cropped shot of young Asian woman shopping for fresh organic red onions in supermarket. She is shopping with a cotton mesh eco bag and carries a variety of fruits and vegetables. Zero waste concept

Feeding the world without costing the earth

Researchers from the University of Sheffield’s Institute for Sustainable Food are hosting national discussions about the sustainability of global food systems today (Monday 14 March 2022) at the Royal Society in London.
Empty shelves in a supermarket.

New reports show how local areas across the UK responded to household food insecurity during COVID-19

A suite of reports exploring local responses to household food insecurity across the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic have been published today (23 July 2021).

News - Picture of a child looking into a bare fridge.

New map shows where millions of UK residents struggle to access food

In one out of every six local authorities, rates of hunger are more than 150 per cent the national average. Shockingly, in one in 10 local authorities, the rate is almost double, according to new research by the University of Sheffield.
Tomato seedlings growing at home In the city. They are growing in a tray next to a window which overlooks a city urban area.

The coronavirus pandemic is a symptom of a broken food system

The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of our food supplies – but building a more resilient system could provide a path to recovery.
Empty egg shelves in a grocery store or supermarket

More local food supplies could prevent empty shelves after pandemic, say experts

University of Sheffield academics to investigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local food suppliers
Picture of a loft in constuction.

Experts call for renovations instead of new builds for sustainable post-pandemic recovery

It’s essential to reuse more materials and renovate existing buildings rather than constructing new ones to achieve a low carbon recovery from Covid-19, according to researchers from the University of Sheffield

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Blue light pattern artwork. Stock image.

New Sheffield materials science lab to drive forward innovation post-Covid-19

New laboratory - a first for the UK - will explore how materials can be improved to support the UK’s energy industries and boost Britain’s post-Covid-19 recovery.
Campylobacter bacteria being examined in a dish

Intensive farming increases risk of epidemics, warn scientists

Research from the University of Sheffield and the University of Bath has discovered how a common pathogen is able to infect both cattle and humans.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Woman wearing a mask in a supermarket and gloves. She is picking up an apple.

Covid-19 pandemic highlights urgent need to change Europe’s food system.

Q&A with Institute for Sustainable Food director Professor Peter Jackson.

| Published by the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine
Market (authentic bazaar) in downtown Jaipur, Rajasthan, India - stock photo

What a visit to an Indian market reveals about the danger – and importance – of food markets

For Professor Bhavani Shankar, a trip to an Indian vegetable market revealed many issues of health and safety, but also highlighted the importance of such places for global nutrition

| Published by Geographical Magazine
Picture of a girl holding a bag of apples in a food bank

Coronavirus: inspiring community attempts to stem increased hunger need government help

The coronavirus pandemic has revealed just how much we depend on easy access to food.
colourful shipping containers

Sharing resources on the global supply chain will help countries bounce back from COVID-19

Professor Lenny Koh, Professor in Operations Management and Director of the Advance Resource Efficiency Centre, shares her thoughts on how countries can come together to strengthen respective supply chains and recover after the coronavirus outbreak.
Photo of the landscape of Sheffield on a cloudy day

Urban land could grow fruit and veg for 15 percent of the population

Growing fruit and vegetables in just 10 per cent of a city’s gardens and other urban green spaces could provide 15 per cent of the local population with their ‘five a day’, according to new research.

Explore more research

Research flagships

Our flagship research institutes are taking an interdisciplinary approach to tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the planet.

Podcast series: Coronavirus, Examined

We live in a world that is facing one of its biggest challenges in living memory. The coronavirus pandemic has devastating potential as it sweeps across the globe. To fight this virus and slow its spread, we've had to change almost everything about how we live our lives.

In Coronavirus, Examined we talked to experts from the University of Sheffield to explore the different ways in which coronavirus is changing our world and the way we live.

Our Coronavirus, Examined podcast

Contact

If you have any questions, please get in touch with our media team.

Related information

Centres of excellence

The University's cross-faculty research centres harness our interdisciplinary expertise to solve the world's most pressing challenges.

Centres of excellence