Szymon Lara

I have worked in the hospitality industry as a professional chef for over a decade. This included running my private dining company and working in renowned establishments all whilst completing my university education. Deciding to further continue my education by becoming a doctoral student, I pursued a career in higher education, with specialism in food and nutrition security. 

Currently, I contribute as a module leader and lecturer at the University of West London, where I teach on the BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Food Management, MSc Food Business Management and MSc Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing programmes. In addition to my teaching role, I am undertaking doctoral research focused on increasing food and nutrition security through the diversification of the supply chain using forgotten edibles. I also contribute as a guest lecturer at other academic institutions.

My doctoral research seeks to enhance food and nutrition security by addressing biodiversity loss and building resilience in food supply chains through the reintroduction of neglected and underutilised crops. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, combines archival research on historical crop varieties native to Britain with sensory analysis and supply chain mapping. Additionally, the research involves collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders across agriculture and the food sectors, including growers and chefs to identify practical solutions for improving food security and fostering sustainable practices. 

The primary goals of my research are to combat biodiversity loss by reintroducing forgotten crops, build resilience in global food supply chains and promote sustainable agricultural practices that enhance food and nutrition security. I engage with both enterprises and individuals within the agricultural and food sectors to facilitate communication and drive the adoption of strategies that support sustainability in agri-food systems.

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