Dr Chris Downs is the Founding Director of FaBA. As a leader at the interface between science and industry, he oversees the development and delivery of innovations that add value to the food and beverage sector and global consumers.
Chris Downs has more than 30 years’ experience in the agri-food industry as a scientist, innovation leader and executive, with a focus on science and innovations that enable the development of crops, foods and beverages that are healthy, safe and sustainably produced. Chris works with governments, industry and research organisations to deliver value and impacts from science and innovation. Chris brings perspectives to the opportunity for the science of food to improve the global food system.
Chris Downs wants to be known for shaping and improving organisations that support agri-food industry professionals in delivering sustainable nutrition to 10 billion people by 2050.
He has been an Executive at the Institute of Crop and Food Research in New Zealand, Leader of Food Innovation at CSIRO, and General Manager for Crop and Food Science Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. He works with universities and industry partners around the world to bring the latest agri-food innovations to producers, processors, the market and consumers.
Chris Downs has extensive governance and Board experience, including as Board Chair, in organisations and companies involved in science and innovation in the food system. He has served as Chair of the Board of the Institute of Food Technologists in the USA and served on the Boards of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research Ltd, High Value Nutrition and start-ups and innovation investment organisations in New Zealand, and the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology. He is currently a member of the National Food Council that is advising government on the development of Australia’s Food Security Strategy – Feeding Australia.
Key capabilities
Science and business leadership
Complimentary protein-based foods and beverage start-up support
Use of food pilot plant facilities to accelerate the development and scale-up of new products
Development and licencing of new food and beverage processing technologies
Engagement, development and management of strategic alliance relationships
Collaborative agreements with major multi-national food and beverage companies
Development, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property