With a dynamic history of scholarly distinction, the department continues to set the standard in research. The department is home to a team of highly qualified and dedicated academics who are leaders in their fields.
Graduates have the option to pursue further studies through honours, Masters, and PhD programs, allowing them to specialise in their field of interest. In 2024, the Department received the University of Pretoria’s inaugural RE.SEARCH Magazine award, highlighting its commitment to impactful research.
The academics in the department engage in a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects that address local and global challenges, such as food security, product development, sensory evaluation of food and clothing, food and textile waste, and sustainability. Students have the opportunity to participate in these research initiatives, gaining valuable hands-on experience and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in consumer and food sciences.
A wide range of postgraduate research projects is conducted in the department in food chemistry, food microbiology, sensory science, consumer science (foods, clothing, and textiles), and consumer behaviour. These research projects also contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and well-being) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production).
The department collaborates with the CSIR Centre for Nanostructured Materials, SA Harvest, FALKE SA and The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa, and with international partners like the Norwegian Food Research Institute, Nofima, VTT Technical Research Centre, and the University of Helsinki in Finland. Furthermore we also collaborate with industry partners to develop sensory-friendly clothing ranges.