Science

The science of alternative protein

Cultivated meat, plant-based foods, and fermentation offer exciting research opportunities with huge societal benefits.

As an international NGO, the Good Food Institute works with scientists to develop, fund, and promote open-access research on alternative proteins. Israel’s thriving academic ecosystem has over 70 active alternative protein researchers across 11 academic institutions, and two dedicated food tech research centers have been announced, leading to breakthroughs for existing and new startups.

Learn the science of alternative protein

People everywhere want a sustainable, secure, and just food system. However, studies show that people’s daily food choices are driven by taste, price, and convenience. At GFI Israel, we’re working to make alternative protein products more delicious, more affordable, and more nutritious.

By making meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood from plants, cultivating them from cells, and with the help of fermentation, we can make better foods that reduce our environmental impact and feed more people with fewer resources. Read more about the innovative technologies making this possible.

GFI’s online course

GFI’s open-access online course explores the science behind alternative proteins. In five self-paced modules, you’ll learn about the processes used to produce plant-based, fermentation-made, and cultivated meat, as well as the environmental and economic drivers behind these sectors.

Alternative protein course database

Our alternative protein course database lists educational programs focused on alternative proteins and their enabling technologies. In this database, you can expect to find courses offered online and at institutions around the world.

Tools for educators

Explore Israel’s alternative
protein science community

Scientist illustration

The field of alternative protein development comprises a growing community of academics from multiple disciplines. This Nature Biotech paper explores the various reasons why this is a fascinating area of study and the countless opportunities for researchers entering the space.

Researcher database

Check out the Israel Alternative Protein Academic Database, which provides an overview of researchers in Israeli academic institutes in the alternative protein space. For global research labs, explore our global directory.

Global alternative protein ecosystem map

Explore the map to discover hubs of alternative protein research and innovation globally and in Israel:

Meet some of Israel’s alternative protein scientists

Meet the researcher: Dr. Sharon Schlesinger

Discover Dr. Sharon Schlesinger’s inspiring journey from stem cell biology to leading cultivated meat research in Israel. Explore her insights…

Meet the researcher: Dr. Roni Rak

Meet Dr. Roni Rak, leading Israel’s first cultivated meat lab. Discover her path from cancer research to transforming the future…

Photograph of Dr. Iftach Nachman

Meet the researcher: Dr. Iftach Nachman

A pioneering scientist in the Israeli cultivated meat space, Dr. Iftach Nachman reflects on how far the Israeli alt protein…

Research and technology resources

Find research funding

Research funding database

Research funding database

GFI’s research funding database provides curated grant opportunities for open-access alternative protein research. Learn how to use this database in this 2-minute tutorial.

Research grants tracker

Research grants tracker

Explore our alternative protein research grants tracker to discover insights about open-access research, including what’s being funded, who is funding it, at what levels, and more.

Credit: NRgene, David Stobbe photography

GFI’s research
grant program

Powered by donations from a small number of generous donors, our research grant program funds open-access alternative protein research. Learn about the projects we’re funding and find funding opportunities for your own research.

Research tools

Ideas and inspiration

Advancing Solutions for Alternative Proteins (ASAP) is GFI’s database of research gaps, commercial white spaces, technological needs, and investment priorities along the alternative protein value chain.

Tools and open-access data

Image credits:
Students in library – Milner Moshe, Israel Gov. Press Office. Sea life – Einat Anker, Israel Gov. Press Office. Cultivated meat dish – Aleph Farms.

Our news, events, and blog

From your lab to FoodTech applications with GFI Israel Alternative Meats Sandbox!

GFI Israel partnered with the experienced food engineers Liran Gruda and Asaf Cohen-Jonathan to launch a new initiative designed to supercharge…

Empowering Research in Alternative Proteins: GFI Israel’s 2024 Grant Awards

We are thrilled to share the outcomes of GFI Israel’s 2024 Research Grant Programs and introduce the scientists and their…

Meet the researcher: Dr. Sharon Schlesinger

Discover Dr. Sharon Schlesinger’s inspiring journey from stem cell biology to leading cultivated meat research in Israel. Explore her insights…

Learn more from our global affiliates

GFI’s experts work worldwide with stakeholders across all academic, political, and business sectors to advance the alternative protein industry and enable market breakthroughs. Learn more about their work.