Visit to China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing
On December 6, 2024, a delegation from TU Dublin's School of Food Science and Environmental Health visited the China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries (CNRIFFI) in Beijing. The delegation comprised the Faculty Head of Research & Innovation, Professor Christine O'Connor; Dr. Julie Dunne, Head of the School of Food Science and Environmental Health; and Dr. Furong Tian.
Established 70 years ago, CNRIFFI is a national research institution dedicated to providing technical support and innovative solutions for the development of China's food industry across the entire production chain. CNRIFFI collaborates with industry to establish national standards for whiskey, baijiu, and other fermented and distilled products. It also boasts partnerships with 66 international research laboratories worldwide.
The TU Dublin delegation was warmly received by CNRIFFI’s Center Director, Professor Deliang Wang, along with Master's students Zhu Zijian and Yunfei Yang. The delegation toured various cutting-edge facilities, including those for new product development, pilot brewing and distilling, and sensory, biotechnology, and chemical analytical laboratories. The visit also included the cognitive laboratory, equipped with advanced technologies such as eye tracking, facial recognition, EEG, and tools for monitoring cognitive recovery levels in both animal and human studies.
During the visit, Professor Christine O'Connor presented the School’s ongoing research on baijiu and whiskey analysis, including her own work as well as studies led by Dr. Tao Zhang and Dr. Azza Silotry Naik. Their research focuses on chemical profiling of Chinese baijiu and bioactive components in kombucha.
Dr. Julie Dunne emphasized TU Dublin’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and academic exchange. Discussions included supporting the two Master’s students to pursue PhDs at TU Dublin through Chinese academic exchange programs and IRC applications.
This visit reinforced the strong relationship between TU Dublin and CNRIFFI. Professor Deliang Wang highlighted the rapid growth of Chinese whiskey distilleries driven by the burgeoning domestic whiskey market. He proposed further collaboration through the International Joint Research Center for Liquor Quality and Safety (ICAB) to establish an International Whiskey Research Centre. This collaboration would open doors for scientific research funding, talent development, and expanded international cooperation.
The visit underscored the shared commitment to advancing research and innovation in brewing, distilling, and fermentation industries, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
