The Institute’s Annual General Meeting was held at ExpoCité on June 6. This opportunity to celebrate the work carried out by INAF and its members attracted nearly 200 participants, with a balanced representation of researchers, professionals and students from Université Laval, as well as from other member institutions of the strategic provincial grouping that is INAF. The day was a success, bringing people together in an enriching and dynamic way, with presentations, announcements, member testimonials and a panel discussion.

The day began with words of welcome from Renée Michaud, Executive Director of INAF, followed by those of Nathalie Savoie, President of the Institute’s Board. With pride and enthusiasm, they spoke of the wonderful year that was drawing to a close, and of the Institute’s already forward-looking outlook, reflecting a strong shared commitment to excellence and innovation. The presentation of the balance sheet began with the excellent news of the renewal of the FRQ-NT’s Regroupement stratégique grant for the next six years.

The day’s presentations were made and moderated by Renée Michaud and Laurélie Trudel, Assistant Director of INAF. The presentations were enlivened by brief questions on VoxVote, as well as four testimonials from committed members. The result was a powerful and very positive review of the year’s highlights, once again highlighting the projects carried out by the Institute.

Just before lunchtime, the Institute was able to announce new member support and structuring projects in the pipeline, such as the continuation of the BÉNÉFIQ conference, scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2025. The presentation concluded by highlighting changes in governance, accompanied by thanks to members for their departures and arrivals, underlining their invaluable contribution. In addition, a warm and inspiring speech on commitment was delivered by Eugénie Brouillet, Vice-Rector, Research, Creation and Innovation at Université Laval.

On the return journey, the Institute kicked off its afternoon in style with the grand unveiling of its new strategic plan, to the satisfaction of the audience. The plan is the fruit of extensive consultation and a dynamic co-creation process with our members, governing bodies and numerous partners. This 2024-2029 vision is strategically positioned at the convergence of the economic, environmental and social challenges of healthy, sustainable food.

A panel discussion followed on the future of healthy, sustainable food, moderated by Guillaume Cantin, co-initiator and general manager of La Transformerie. Six panelists shared their ideas (in the same order as in the photo at the bottom of the page):

• Laurence Guillaumie, INAF member, professor at Université Laval
• Jennifer Larouche, former INAF student, Scientific Director at Ribozome and future coordinator of the Pôle de recherche et d’innovation en bioalimentaire sponsored by FRQNT and INAF
• Mylène Turcotte, research professional at INAF and business development manager at Cuisine ferme Simard
• Amélie Loiselle, INAF student member, doctoral student in communications under the supervision of Ariane Bélanger-Gravel
• Salwa Karbourne, INAF member, professor at McGill University
• Catherine Trudel-Guy, former INAF student, co-founder of Escargot gourmand

Finally, the day ended with a cocktail party, an opportunity to exchange ideas among peers in good spirits and with a sense of pride typical of Africa. Until next year!