Our institute
Our institute
About us
Science to the service
Of sustainable food
The Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF) is the largest consortium of researchers in Canada dedicated to research and innovation in the field of food and health. With nearly 775 scientists working collaboratively, the institute aims to address complex issues related to sustainable food supply, benefiting the bio-food sector, the population, and the planet.
Established at Université Laval in the early 2000s, INAF is a multi-faculty institute with experts primarily from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, as well as the faculties of medicine and pharmacy. Supported and funded by Université Laval and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologies (FRQNT), INAF serves as a strategic hub for food research in Quebec. Its 131 researchers represent the three major sectors of Quebec research (nature and technology, health sciences, society, and culture) and come from 15 universities and affiliated research organizations.
Each year, approximately 500 graduate students benefit from mentorship in this exceptional environment, and more than 200 private and community partners collaborate with INAF scientists on research and development projects.
Affiliated institutions
Our
Mission
Contributing to a sustainable food supply through:
- cutting-edge RESEARCH
- cultivating highly qualified personnel through TRAINING
- facilitating the TRANSFER of knowledge and technologies
- fostering INNOVATION in the industry and professional practices.
Our Vision
Becoming a true catalyst for change in the food industry, thanks to dedicated scientists employing interdisciplinary, participatory, and cutting-edge research approaches aligned with the needs of the community.
Our values
Excellence, Ethics and Transparency, Rigor, Collaboration and Sharing, Creativity, Commitment, Social Utility
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INAF:
A POWERFUL NETWORK
INAF members primarily come from Université Laval and fourteen other prominent Quebec universities and research organizations.
We take pride in serving as a strategic alliance in the field of food for Quebec and having experts from the following esteemed affiliated institutions among its members.
Affiliated
Institutions
Université Laval
At the heart of INAF’s network lies Université Laval. The majority of INAF researchers are affiliated with this university, and the Institute’s headquarters and administrative offices are situated in the Pavillon des services on Hochelaga Boulevard in Quebec City.
Université de Montréal
INAF researchers at Université de Montréal contribute to research on the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and aging.
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Université de Sherbrooke
INAF researchers at the Research Centre on Aging are interested in the effect of nutrition on healthy aging and the prevention of age-related diseases, including cognitive health, cardiovascular diseases, and immune disorders.
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Université du Québec à Rimouski - UQAR
INAF researchers at UQAR focus on chemistry, biochemistry, and bioprocesses to identify and utilize marine biomolecules with high potential for applications in nutrition and health.
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Institut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS
INAF members based at INRS contribute to research topics such as food safety and the impact of bioactive compounds on neurodegenerative phenomena.
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Université McGill
Collaborations with McGill University in recent years focused on food engineering and the effect of processes on the nutritional quality and added value of foods.
UQÀM
INAF collaborates with UQAM on innovation processes and the management of technological and agri-food industries.
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières - UQTR
Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
The Food Research and Development Centre of Saint-Hyacinthe closely collaborates with our research in food processing, dairy products, and probiotics.
Concordia University
ITHQ
TransBIOtech
The Biotechnology Transfer College Centre of the Lévis-Lauzon Cégep brings leading-edge expertise in immunology and pharmacodynamics to INAF. TransBioTech and INAF, whose missions are highly complementary, have been working in close collaboration since their inception.
Merinov
Merinov is the largest integrated centre for applied research in the areas of fisheries, aquaculture, and the processing and valuing of aquatic products in Canada.
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Cintech Agroalimentaire
Settled in the heart of the most important agri-food centre of excellence in Quebec, Cintech Agroalimentaire is recognized as a College Centre for Technology Transfer in support of innovation in the agri-food processing sector in Quebec.
ITEGA
The Institute Technology of Packaging and Food Engineering (ITEGA)’s mission is to develop and share innovative practices in food packaging and processes so that the organizations it serves are standing out economically, environmentally and socially.
INAF is at the helm of a strategic food group supported by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologies.
