![[Center for Advanced Food Technology]](http://njaes.rutgers.edu/_common/images/subheads/caft.gif "[Center for Advanced Food Technology]"){kind=small}
Membership is offered either on a full or a cluster- by -cluster basis. (See below for a description of each research cluster)
The dues are structured to reflect cluster-by-cluster membership and incentives have been provided for full membership.
The meeting format is a semiannual technical progress report for each cluster and a semiannual Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meeting. We are constantly making greater use of electronic communication (e-mail, web site, databases) to allow company scientists to access information in the most efficient manner.
Annual dues by cluster are as follows:
Food Safety and Security $15,000
Ingredient Technology $15,000
Nanotechnology Applications to Foods $25,000
Functional Foods and Health Promotion $25,000
Annual dues for Full Membership (all four clusters) $45,000
The dues for each cluster are a function of the amount of leverage provided by external grants and contracts. For example, Nanotechnology and Functional Foods and Health Promotion are our most highly leveraged programs thus $25,000 provides full access to research being funded at a total level of approximately $2.5 million from Federal grants and contracts.
The dues by cluster approach enables companies to participate in areas of highest relevance to their business needs. This is especially relevant to suppliers of specific ingredients.
Over 80% of the member dues are used to fund project activity in contrast to the customary 64% because of the special treatment given to cooperative research programs by the University.
RESEARCH CLUSTERS
Functional Foods and Health Promotion
The overall objective of the Functional Foods and Health Promotion research cluster is to identify health promoting compounds in foods and food ingredients, and to quantity the influence of processing operations (including nonthermal, membrane and similar technologies) on these compounds. The outcomes from the research would include the identification of compounds that improve quality attribute of foods, and the opportunities for product differentiation through clinical trials and the potential for label claims.
Nanotechnology Application to Foods
The objective of the nanotechnology cluster is to apply emerging advances in nanotechnology to food resulting in improved quality and functionality or innovative new products. Research outcomes include novel encapsulation methods or delivery systems (e.g., solid lipid nanoparticles, hydrophobilically modified starch or chitosan nanoparticles, nanoemulsions) for flavors with improved stability or nutraceuticals with improved oral bioavailability and other functionalities; Novel biopolymer nanocomposites for edible films or food packaging applications are another possible outcome; reduced energy consumption during food processing is another area of investigation
Ingredient Technology
New food ingredients are appearing almost daily in response to health benefits and concerns as well as sustainability, green, organic, GMO and economic issues. The objective of this cluster is bring members up to date on the latest developments in the area of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, flavors and nutrients and engage in active discussion on these important topics. Research as well as applications will be addressed.
Food Safety and Security
The overall objective of the food safety research cluster is to ensure safety of the food supply; from both microbiological and toxicological agents. The research outcomes would include information on application of new technologies (nonthermal, antimicrobials, etc) for control of microbial pathogens, as well as rapid methods for evaluating the influence of product formulations on creation of compounds of toxicological concern during processing operations.
MEETING FORMAT / ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Cluster accomplishment meetings will be held semi-annually. The Research Monitors from each member will meet with the cluster coordinator immediately after the session to provide feedback to the researchers. Time will also be provided for one on one private conversation with the researchers to clarify points and ask confidential questions which members may be reluctant to ask in the open session.
The IAB meeting format is a dinner followed by a half day meeting the next morning held semi-annually to set strategic direction and briefly review cluster accomplishments. Guest speakers are invited to discuss topics such as technology management, emerging science, food policy and regulations and other topics of interest to the members as appropriate.
CAFT has recently upgraded its web site to reflect our programs and services. The database containing all past accomplishment reports, presentations made at the semi-annual accomplishment meetings and poster presentations is password protected and available on-line to any authorized employee of a member company.
Meeting agendas and abstracts are routinely made available via e-mail and will be posted on the web site approximately two to three weeks prior to each semi-annual meeting to allow time for circulation, comment and feedback within member companies.
We are exploring the use of Microsoft Net meeting or similar software to make participation more accessible to those who can’t attend in person.
Research Cluster Management
In order to provide actionable member input into management of project activity, the industrial monitors provide feedback to the cluster coordinator after each meeting to assist the faculty in setting research direction for the next six months. The feedback helps the faculty design their projects in a manner that is close aligned with the interests of the member companies.
TARGETED PROJECTS
Member and non-member companies will be eligible to submit requests for targeted projects. The costs of these projects will depend upon the scope of the work requested. This service is free of charge to member companies. Non-member companies are charged a fee for preparation of a proposal and associated consultation