Discover Université Grenoble Alpes

Our goal is to support and study the consumption of insects in our societies in order to provide scientific insights into the benefits and risks, as well as the knowledge-related, economic, societal, and political issues involved.

The objective of the project is to develop a translational approach that spans from molecular screening to consumer studies on insect consumption. It is divided into four parts: upstream, a biological and preclinical evaluation (1); downstream, a study of knowledge dissemination and market aspects (2); and a consumer evaluation (3). The final task will be to establish new training programs focused on these new products (4).

The Issues

The PUNAISES? project contributes to one of the world’s major challenges: feeding the entire global population while minimizing the environmental impact of food production as much as possible.

Interdisciplinarity

By its very nature, nutrition is a systems science that facilitates the development of a multidisciplinary and translational approach. Thus, the project proposes a translational study ranging from molecular screening to the consumer and public policy.

A Transformative Project

It is clear that food production methods and eating habits will have to change. However, it is crucial to take behavioral, biological, and medical realities into account as eating habits evolve. The goal of this project is to support society through these changes in eating habits in a way that ensures both the nutritional balance of the population and the management of food-related risks.

A national and international reach

The PUNAISES? project is aligned with societal expectations. It is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals as defined by the FAO, which aim to reduce the environmental impact of global food production and promote healthy aging. Furthermore, this project is also fully aligned with the expectations of institutions, particularly those outlined in the Investment for the Future Plan 4 "Sustainable Food"

To increase the visibility of the Grenoble site

This project promotes cohesion and coordination among the various multidisciplinary components within the UGA under a single structure, brings together all the forces in Grenoble working in the field of nutrition, and gives them visibility at the local, regional, national, and international levels.