George Washington University and world-renowned chef, author and humanitarian José Andrés HON ’14 today announce a historic partnership to launch the Premier Global Food Institute in GW. This is an innovative and unprecedented collaboration that makes us the world leader in food. Providing system solutions.
GW’s central location in the nation’s capital, its depth of academic expertise across countless disciplines, its track record of leading important public and private sector dialogues, and its global reach Thanks to our partnerships with people, we are uniquely positioned to drive global progress in the food sector. From the White House to the World Bank.
“Three centuries into the history of George Washington University, we are focused on accelerating the positive impact of interdisciplinary scholarship on society, including through innovative partnerships with visionary leaders. GW President Mark S. Righton said. “We are excited to partner with José Andrés to create the Global Food Institute, a center for generating new knowledge on food system issues and shaping progress nationally and internationally.”
Driven by Andrés’ vision to change the world through the power of food, GW’s Global Food Institute takes an interdisciplinary systems approach across three main pillars: policy, innovation and humanity. We will work to transform people’s lives and the health of our planet. The Institute will enable faculty and students, industry leaders, policy makers and eminent experts from any school or university to work and teach across these pillars to create and improve national and global food policy. and produce cutting-edge research to foster and design innovative new technologies. Have an entrepreneurial spirit and lead critical conversations about the impact of food on humanity.
“Our global food system faces a crisis brought on by systemic inequalities, widespread hunger and poverty, the climate crisis, and declining public health and nutrition,” said Andrés. . “But food has the power to solve problems. It can rebuild lives and communities, heal both people and the planet, and create hope for the future, but it can also help us create greater opportunities. Only if you think about it in perspective.” The Global Food Institute is redefining how we think about food, breaking down barriers between industries, politics and nations, inspiring the next generation and reshaping our food system. empowers you to develop systematic solutions to ”
Over a decade ago, GW and Andrés launched a multidisciplinary course, The World on a Plate: How Food Shapes Civilization, forging a fruitful academic partnership that sparked ambitions for greater impact. .
“GW has a 200-year track record of outstanding academic cooperation and interdisciplinary research and teaching. It’s the ideal place to develop solutions and educate the next generation of advocates to drive the food system transformation we need,” said Christopher Alan Bracey. President and Vice President for Academic Affairs of GW.
Importantly, the Global Food Institute engages professional and academic pursuits through a food perspective, bringing together diverse leaders across a range of careers who have the knowledge and skills to create tomorrow’s food solutions. prioritizing the education and training of future generations.
Vice Chancellor for Research Pam Norris said, “The Global Food Institute will be a hub of active research activity drawing on many disciplines across the university.” “Their collective work will inform evidence-based policies centered on food as solutions to our most pressing problems.”
A founding gift from Andrés has enabled the establishment of the Global Food Institute, whose work will be driven by philanthropy and supported by partnerships with organizations, businesses, foundations and individuals. A significant donation from the Nelson A. Carbonell & Michelle M. Carbonell Family Foundation grants the position of Executive Director. The Rockefeller Foundation has also pledged financial support to the Global Food Institute.
“We are extremely honored and grateful for the generous support from visionary donors who share our ambition to solve these seemingly intractable challenges,” said GW Development and said Donna A. Arbide, Vice President of Alumni Relations. “GW’s choice to invest in our university to lead this effort is a testament to GW’s unique strength and commitment to changing the world for the better.”
A 1985 GW graduate, honorary chairman of the GW Board and recipient of an honorary degree in 2021, Carbonell and his wife, Michele, strongly believe in the urgency of the World Food Institute’s efforts. , looking forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.
“The time has come to undertake the food transformation the world needs,” Carbonell said. “The interdisciplinary nature of the Global Food Institute is unique, and Michele and I believe that our donation will help finance GW to hire proven leaders for its operations. I hope it will be a solid foundation.”
With initial funding and formal approval in place, the institute will move forward with several key operational items in the coming months. Begin searching for Executive Director positions, identify additional leadership, staff and relevant faculty, identify physical space, and begin developing opportunities for engagement for the community and potential partners.
GW will host a launch event for lab partners and university leaders this evening at the University’s Jack Morton Auditorium. Information about the Global Food Institute can be found at globalfoodinstitute.gwu.edu.