Global Food (In)Security: 

Interdisciplinary Perspectives

A Hybrid International Interdisciplinary Conference

Conference Dates: April 9-10, 2026

Location:Online & in-person (Kansas, USA)

• April 9:Online & in-person at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas

• April 10: Online & in-person at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas

Hosts:

• Center for Global & International Studies, University of Kansas (KU), Lawrence, Kansas

• Department of Dietetics & Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center (KU Med Center), Kansas City, Kansas

• Nutrition Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil

Description:

The University of Kansas’ Center for Global and International Studies and the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Kansas and the Nutrition Department at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte invite submissions for the hybrid interdisciplinary conference “Global Food (In)Security: Interdisciplinary Perspectives,”to be held on April 9-10, 2026.

Food insecurity is a complex global challenge that demands innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions. This international forum will bring together scholars, practitioners, and activists from a variety of fields, including nutrition, the health sciences, agriculture, sociology, geography, education, political science, international relations, economics, history, psychology, anthropology, journalism, literature, linguistics, film studies, and the arts to explore the representations, challenges and solutions for food security at local and global scales.

Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing global challenges, affecting approximately 673 million people—nearly one in every eleven on the planet—who experienced hunger in 2024, with acute crises worsening in regions impacted by conflict, climate extremes, and socio-economic instability. As hunger rebounds in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and persists in vulnerable populations, the critical need for unified and coordinated responses is clearer than ever. By serving as a convergence point for diverse voices and experiences, this conference fosters a unique environment where societal engagement meets academic inquiry and scientific innovation. It is through the active participation of universities, research institutes, and interdisciplinary scholars—alongside civil society, policy-makers, and community leaders—that new pathways for addressing food insecurity are charted.

The “Global Food (In)Security: Interdisciplinary Perspectives”conference encourages the co-creation of knowledge, collaborative research, and evidence-based strategies, strengthening networks that bridge scientific expertise and grassroots action. In bringing together multiple sectors, the conference amplifies collective efforts and catalyzes sustainable solutions, demonstrating the vital role of academic research and science as both drivers and mediators of social transformation in the pursuit of global food security. The conference is organized by the Global Food (In)security Network, an interdisciplinary group of scholars located in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

If you have questions, please contact Professors:

• Luciano Tosta (lucianotosta@ku.edu)
• Anna Arthur (aarthur4@kumc.edu) 
• Clélia Lyra (clelia.lyra@ufrn.br)
• Cátia Braga Martins (bragama2024@gmail.com)