Recently, Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, and Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, wrote an article that was published in Fréttablaðið on 30 November.
There is a good and successful collaboration between Matís and the University of Iceland. An agreement is in force on teaching and research, and it covers, among other things, the sharing of resources and infrastructure, co-operation on research and the development of human resources with the aim of being at the forefront of key areas of Icelandic society.
The agreement between the University of Iceland and Matís laid the foundation for the strengthening of theoretical and practical education in the field of food research and food safety, as well as co-operation in other fields of teaching and research. A total of 64 master's and 23 doctoral projects have been carried out at Matís since 2007, most of them with the University of Iceland.
Sustainable food production is the key to fulfillment global goals of the United Nations. The collaboration between Matís and the University of Iceland also includes a collaboration with the United Nations University's Fisheries School, which operates in Iceland and has supported five doctoral students to complete their studies at the Faculty of Food and Nutrition at the University of Iceland in collaboration with Matís. Iceland is one of the leading fisheries nations in the world and certainly has a lot to contribute to increased food security and welfare in developing countries.
With valuable experience in the bag and an unwavering belief in the value of science for development, Matís and the University of Iceland aim for continued strong collaboration in the coming years. Among the priorities of this co-operation will be the necessary infrastructure development in the field of food and research aimed at the sustainable utilization of life resources on land and at sea.