£38m ‘Virtual’ Centre Launched to Study Alternative Proteins

A £38 million “virtual” centre that will study whether alternative protein sources such as lab-grown meat, plant proteins and insects could become part of the UK diet is due to be launched in the UK.

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (Napic), headed up by the University of Leeds, will explore whether cultured meat or proteins derived from plants, fungi, algae, insects and microbes can be healthy as well as sustainable.

As well as academics, more than 120 organisations are involved, including small and large businesses, farmers, regulators and councils, according to Professor Anwesha Sarkar, project leader for Napic and director of research and innovation at Leeds’ School of Food Science and Nutrition.

She said: “Our ambition is to create this massive innovation ecosystem with 350-plus partners so that it can drive the UK to become the global superpower in alternative proteins.”

The researchers said their aim is to create an innovation centre that can secure “a continuous supply of safe, tasty, affordable and healthy proteins which also support net zero goals and futureproof the UK’s food and animal feed security”.

Nilima Marshall | Evening Standard