UC Davis is gearing up for the end of the quarter, and our final Savor for the academic year is next week.

On May 29, Savor: AI in Food Innovation welcomes Carrie Alexander, postdoctoral scholar for Socioeconomics, Ethics, and Policy at AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS), Justin Shimek, CEO and Chairman at Mattson & Co. and Julien Delarue, associate professor in sensory and consumer science in the Department of Food Science and Technology. They will discuss the possibilities and limitations of AI technology and the social, cultural, and ethical implications of AI-driven food innovation.

Speaking of food science, the RMI homepage now highlights consumer sensory testing opportunities. On the right side of the page, you'll see upcoming taste tests with links to surveys to sign up. There is a sports drink test, a fried rice tasting, and the multi-session Aggie Taste Panel. Please check often and join a sensory panel to help with food and beverage research.

The final Thinking Food at the Intersections colloquium will be held on May 30-31 and explore more ecologically sustainable justice-centered visions for the future of food in communities, scholarship, art, activism, and through the senses. If you have missed their other events, listen to the Esculent Podcast to dive deep into food, culture, and much more.

The Robert Mondavi Institute was honored to host the Spring Davis Chancellor's Club (DCC)'s Bevy of Beverages earlier this month. Donors tasted coffee, tea, wine, and beer while touring the facilities. They learned about the critical and innovative work being done by UC Davis faculty, researchers, and students and how they are shaping the future of the food and beverage industries. Thank you to the DCC members for supporting UC Davis! You can watch the video to see the highlights.

For RMI supporters who cannot visit us, you can tour our facilities and hear from students, volunteers, and faculty in our virtual tour series. The Good Life Garden sits at the heart of the institute and is beautiful this time of year. It's inspired by the academic departments and surrounding centers, providing a space for peaceful study, lively celebrations, and a break to enjoy nature. I hope you enjoy the Good Life Garden virtual tour.

Sincerely,

Ned Spang
Director, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science
Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology

View the entire May 2025 newsletter.