“When we collaborate with diverse people to try and make a positive change in the world, no matter how small it is, it can be really rewarding.”
Ms Michelle Grant is a food systems specialist and educator who runs a world-leading research centre tackling the world’s most profound global food system challenges.
Grant is the founding Executive Director of the World Food System Center (WFSC) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), an internationally top ranked research university based in Zurich, Switzerland.
The WFSC is a hub of excellence that delivers new knowledge, training and solutions to address global food system challenges. These challenges include reducing food waste, building food system resilience and supporting diversity in food production and consumption.
Under Grant’s leadership, the WFSC has established more than 30 research projects and awards 1.6 million CHF (approximately $2 million AUD) in competitive research funding each year.
Throughout her career, Grant has demonstrated a commitment to educating and cultivating young leaders. Over the last decade, in current and previous roles, she has designed and implemented post-graduate level education programs on sustainability and food systems in Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe - training thousands of graduates.
The Swiss Federal Council recently appointed Grant as a member of the Swiss National Committee of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (CNS-FAO). This committee advises the Swiss government on matters of international importance regarding food security, agriculture and food systems.
Grant advocates for the power of small but collective approaches to tackling complex issues in both her professional and personal life. In her spare time, she teaches yoga and is the co-founder of a donation-based, community yoga initiative that raises money for various charities.
Grant also holds a Masters in Management, Technology and Economics which she completed at ETH Zurich in 2009.
College Affiliation
The Women's College within The University of Queensland, 1999-2001
