Plant Protein Innovation Center

???Join Us at PPIC's 6th Annual Research Spotlight Meeting 2025!??? We are thrilled to announce PPIC’s 6th Annual Research Spotlight Meeting on?May 21-22, 2025. This event will showcase cutting-edge research in the plant proteins space, including projects funded by PPIC. Don't miss the presentation by?Audrey Girard, Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, on?"Inhibition of Legume Flavor Degradation Pathways with Polyphenols". Audrey's work addresses off-flavors in legume proteins, a key challenge for consumer acceptance of sustainable proteins. Her innovative use of polyphenols shows promising results in reducing off-flavors and improving protein functionality. This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of plant proteins! Register now: https://lnkd.in/gH-_jA2m Additionally, there will be 12 presentations from esteemed researchers covering topics such as breeding, protein chemistry and functionality, processing, nutrition, fermentation, and cell culture. Highlights include: Panel Discussion: Industry partners and supporters will discuss key research needs in the plant protein products category. Interactive Poster Session: Engage directly with students and researchers. Networking Opportunities: Connect with potential collaborators, customers, partners, and fellow plant protein enthusiasts. Exhibitor Booths: PPIC member companies will showcase their ingredients, products, technologies, and engineering capabilities. #PPIC #ResearchSpotlight2025 #PlantProteins #FoodScience #Innovation #Networking Featuring Speakers: Milena Corredig, Alissa Nolden, Baraem Pam Ismail, Tom Michaels, Michael Nickerson, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Fernanda F G Dias, Jing Zhao, Audrey Girard, Charlene Van Buiten, Job Ubbink, Osvaldo Campanella, Matt McNulty Challenges and Opportunities in the Alternative Protein Space Panelists: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Tammy Kimbler, Jennifer Kimmel, Mindi McKibbin, Aidin Milani, Heidi Teoh, Kristin Soave Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth

???Join Us at PPIC's Protein Basics Short Course 2025!??? ???May 19th - 20th, 2025 Jennifer Kimmel, Head of R&D Americas at Roquette America, Inc., will be presenting on?"Industrial Challenges of Plant Proteins – from Field to Fork"! With nearly 20 years in the food industry, Jennifer leads a team dedicated to protein functionality and ingredient innovation. The Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) is hosting its 5th Protein Basics Short Course. This event features industry and academic speakers discussing market trends, food proteins, protein chemistry, production, and more. Attendees can participate in lab, food prep, extrusion, and pilot plant demos. ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gcBjPbA4 #PPIC #ProteinInnovation #FoodScience #PlantProteins #ShortCourse2025 JoAnne Berkenkamp, Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Heidi Teoh, Baraem Pam Ismail, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth, Robert Mitchell, Gary Reineccius, Mitchell Maher

???Join Our Research Spotlight Meeting with Dr. Jing Zhao!??? We are excited to feature Dr. Jing Zhao, Associate Professor in Foods and Nutrition at San Diego State University, as our speaker. Dr. Zhao's extensive research focuses on sustainable food proteins, including plant, algae, and edible insect proteins. She is also the Chair of the Protein Division at the Institute of Food Technologists. Presentation: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Predict Protein Gelation Properties Discover how AI and machine learning can optimize protein functionalities in food applications. Dr. Zhao will share insights on: Automating data extraction from literature Constructing predictive ML models for gel hardness and water holding capacity Evaluating model sensitivity and specificity Testing model robustness through cross-validation Don't miss this opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research in protein functionality! ?? Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gH-_jA2m #ResearchSpotlight #FoodScience #ProteinResearch #AI #MachineLearning #SustainableProteins #DrJingZhao Featuring Speakers: Milena Corredig, Alissa Nolden, Baraem Pam Ismail, Tom Michaels, Michael Nickerson, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Fernanda F G Dias, Jing Zhao, Audrey Girard, Charlene Van Buiten, Job Ubbink, Osvaldo Campanella, Matt McNulty Challenges and Opportunities in the Alternative Protein Space Panelists: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Tammy Kimbler, Jennifer Kimmel, Mindi McKibbin, Aidin Milani, Heidi Teoh, Kristin Soave Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Serap Vatansever, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth

Have you participated in PPIC's Protein Basics Short Course yet? ???Protein Basics Short Course 2025!??? ???May 19th - 20th, 2025 Join us for our 5th Protein Basics Short Course. Learn from industry and academic experts about market trends, food proteins, protein chemistry, ingredient production, and more. Participate in hands-on lab, food preparation, extrusion, and pilot plant demos. With over 28 years of experience in Food Chemistry research, Dr. Ismail is a leading expert in protein chemistry and bioactive food constituents. She will be teaching the following topics: Overview of Food Proteins and Trends Protein Chemistry and Functionality: Relating Structure to Function Protein Modification to Enhance Functionality Don't miss this chance to learn from a top expert! Register now. ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gcBjPbA4 #ProteinBasics2025 #PlantProtein #FoodScience #PPIC JoAnne Berkenkamp, Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Heidi Teoh, Baraem Pam Ismail, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth

???PPIC's Research Spotlight Meeting??? Join us as Dr. Fernanda F G Dias Dias, Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, presents her innovative research on enhancing pea protein flavor through AI and fermentation. Dr. Dias combines advanced AI models with fermentation trials to significantly improve flavor properties, paving the way for sustainable food innovation. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gH-_jA2m ???Presentation Topic:?Transforming plant protein flavor through fermentation and AI Integration Discover how this dual approach can revolutionize plant-based proteins! #SustainableFood #PlantBasedInnovation #FoodTechnology #ResearchSpotlight #PPIC #FoodScience #Innovation Featuring Speakers: Milena Corredig, Alissa Nolden, Baraem Pam Ismail, Tom Michaels, Michael Nickerson, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Fernanda F G Dias, Jing Zhao, Audrey Girard, Charlene Van Buiten, Job Ubbink, Osvaldo Campanella, Matt McNulty Challenges and Opportunities in the Alternative Protein Space Panelists: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Tammy Kimbler, Jennifer Kimmel, Mindi McKibbin, Aidin Milani, Heidi Teoh, Kristin Soave Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Serap Vatansever, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth

???PPIC's Research Spotlight Meeting??? Join us as Dr. Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Associate Professor and Founding Director at The University of British Columbia’s Dan On Food & Beverage Innovation Centre, presents his groundbreaking work on plant-based food technologies. With over 100 publications, 7 patents, and 3,200+ citations, Dr. Pratap-Singh is driving sustainable food innovation. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gH-_jA2m ???Presentation Topic:?Mitigating off-flavors in plant-based proteins using microwave-vacuum dehydration and lactic acid fermentation. These innovative methods significantly reduce off-flavors while maintaining nutritional integrity, enhancing the palatability and marketability of plant-based proteins. Discover how these scalable solutions support the global transition toward sustainable food systems. #SustainableFood #PlantBasedInnovation #FoodTechnology #ResearchSpotlight #PPIC #FoodScience #Innovation Featuring Speakers: Milena Corredig, Alissa Nolden, Baraem Pam Ismail, Tom Michaels, Michael Nickerson, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Fernanda F G Dias, Jing Zhao, Audrey Girard, Charlene Van Buiten, Job Ubbink, Osvaldo Campanella, Matt McNulty Challenges and Opportunities in the Alternative Protein Space Panelists: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Tammy Kimbler, Jennifer Kimmel, Mindi McKibbin, Aidin Milani, Heidi Teoh, Kristin Soave Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Serap Vatansever, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth

???Spotlight on Dr. Michael Nickerson!??? We are honored to have Dr. Michael Nickerson as a speaker at PPIC's 6th Annual Research Spotlight Meeting. Dr. Nickerson is a Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Research Chair and Professor in Protein Quality and Utilization at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. ???Research Focus:?Dr. Nickerson's work is dedicated to enhancing the use of plant protein ingredients within the food industry. His research targets five key areas: Protein/feedstock quality Protein fractionation Protein functionality Ingredient modification Value-added plant-based protein innovations ?? With over 220+ internationally peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Nickerson's contributions to the field are vast and impactful. His research primarily focuses on proteins derived from pulses, oilseeds, grains, and alternative protein sources. ???Presentation Highlight:?Dr. Nickerson will present on "Enhancing performance of pulse protein isolates through the power of microbes," offering valuable insights into the future of plant protein utilization. Join us to learn from Dr. Nickerson and other leading experts in the plant protein space! ??https://lnkd.in/gH-_jA2m #PlantProteins #ResearchSpotlight #PPIC2025 #FoodScience #Innovation #ProteinResearch Featuring Speakers: Milena Corredig, Alissa Nolden, Baraem Pam Ismail, Tom Michaels, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Fernanda F G Dias, Jing Zhao, Audrey Girard, Charlene Van Buiten, Job Ubbink, Osvaldo Campanella, Matt McNulty Challenges and Opportunities in the Alternative Protein Space Panelists: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Tammy Kimbler, Jennifer Kimmel, Mindi McKibbin, Aidin Milani, Heidi Teoh, Kristin Soave Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Serap Vatansever, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth

???Join us for the Research Spotlight!??? We are excited to feature Tom Michaels, Professor of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. With a focus on classical plant breeding and genetics, Tom's current research includes improving industrial hemp, sweet sorghum, and dry edible beans. He works on developing breeding lines for hemp farmers and is a founding director of the Open Source Seed Initiative. ???Presentation:?"The Joys and Frustrations of Breeding Hemp for Protein." Don't miss this insightful talk from a leading expert in the field! Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gH-_jA2m #ResearchSpotlight #HorticulturalScience #PlantBreeding #HempResearch #UMN #ExpertTalks Featuring Speakers: Milena Corredig, Alissa Nolden, Baraem Pam Ismail, Michael Nickerson, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Fernanda F G Dias, Jing Zhao, Audrey Girard, Charlene Van Buiten, Job Ubbink, Osvaldo Campanella, Matt McNulty Challenges and Opportunities in the Alternative Protein Space Panelists: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Tammy Kimbler, Jennifer Kimmel, Mindi McKibbin, Aidin Milani, Heidi Teoh, Kristin Soave Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Serap Vatansever, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth

PPIC is excited to announce that The Land Institute has renewed their membership for an additional three years at the Associate level! We look forward to our continued collaborations with The Land Institute to help advance their?breeding efforts to develop perennial grain crops like Baki? bean?and engage in exciting developments of novel proteins from sustainable crops. We are grateful for The Land Institute's continued support of our shared mission toward elevating regenerative agriculture toward a sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/g3ahz-2A #sustainability #nonprofit #perennialcrops #support #protein #collaboration Baraem Pam Ismail, Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Adiella Abelseth

???Register now for the Research Spotlight Meeting!??? We are thrilled to feature Dr. Baraem Pam Ismail, Founder and Director of the Plant Protein Innovation Center and Professor at the University of Minnesota's FScN | Dept of Food Science & Nutrition at UMN-TC. With over 28 years of experience in Food Chemistry, Dr. Ismail's research focuses on enhancing the functionality, safety, and bioactivity of food proteins. ???Presenting:?"Advocacy for Plant Protein Structural and Functional Traits through Breeding." Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert in the field! Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gH-_jA2m #ResearchSpotlight #FoodScience #PlantProteins #Innovation #ExpertTalks #UMN Featuring Speakers: Milena Corredig, Alissa Nolden, Tom Michaels, Michael Nickerson, Anubhav Pratap-Singh, Fernanda F G Dias, Jing Zhao, Audrey Girard, Charlene Van Buiten, Job Ubbink, Osvaldo Campanella, Matt McNulty Challenges and Opportunities in the Alternative Protein Space Panelists: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Tammy Kimbler, Jennifer Kimmel, Mindi McKibbin, Aidin Milani, Heidi Teoh, Kristin Soave Denis CHEREAU, Christina Connelly (she/her/elle), Laurice Pouvreau, Milena Saqui Salces, Julie Simonson, Ph.D., Sergiy Smetana, Jason Robinson, CSM, Karthik Pandalaneni, Ph.D., Echo Crawford, Taylor Otness, Serap Vatansever, Sima Saeidy, Emily Nelson, Sarra Grazza, Getrude Okiko, Sarah Martinez, Ph.D., Dilek (Kocer) Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Adiella Abelseth