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PRESS RELEASE: IFIS Publishing Celebrates Two Millionth Entry in Leading Database, FSTA - Food Science and Technology Abstracts, Paving the Way for Future Innovations 

29 November 2023, Wokingham – IFIS Publishing, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1968, is proud to announce a significant milestone as they celebrate the two millionth entry into their world-leading database Food Science & Technology Abstracts. For over 50 years, IFIS Publishing has been at the forefront of making the science of food discoverable to researchers worldwide by meticulously indexing and abstracting scientific information including journals, books, reviews, standards and patents.

In response to the huge growth in scientific information which was becoming unmanageable for researchers, four organisations came together in 1968 to found the International Food Information Service, which launched Food Science & Technology Abstracts the following year. The amount of published information continues to grow rapidly, and the proliferation of fake science and predatory journals adds to the challenge. 

In an era where interdisciplinary food research is burgeoning globally, the importance of easily searchable, trustworthy information cannot be overstated. Whether in the realms of corporate or academic research, from the quest for new bioplastics to uncovering methods to prevent human illness, the science of food remains a captivating field that profoundly impacts everyone’s daily life.

'Collaboration is at the heart of what we do', says Rhianna Gamble, Head of Marketing at IFIS Publishing. 'We work with journal publishers to license content, filter out irrelevant information, and painstakingly index interdisciplinary research and patents from a food perspective to ensure it can be easily found. Our role is fundamental in enabling busy researchers to find the reliable scientific information they need to move innovation forward.'

With a commitment to filtering out predatory journal content, IFIS Publishing safeguards the integrity of FSTA – Food Science & Technology Abstracts. The comprehensive database spans over 40 languages and covers the science of food, ranging from plant foods to packaging, artificial intelligence to manufacturing, gut-brain axis to brewing, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the food system.

Reflecting its value of accessibility, IFIS Publishing provides the database at no charge to researchers in countries through the UN Research4Life program. Additionally, the organization offers a rolling six-month database of sustainability research for free, emphasizing its dedication to fostering advancements in the field. 

Looking toward the future, IFIS Publishing continue to innovate and work to fulfil their mission to ‘fundamentally understand and meet the information needs of the food community’. ‘It all started with science, and it will carry on with science’, affirms Gamble. ‘We're excited about the next 50 years, focusing on how we can help researchers today because the world's needs are urgent. Our mission is to help scientists create a better future.’

As IFIS Publishing marks this remarkable achievement, the organization remains dedicated to its core values of quality, collaboration, and accessibility, propelling the world of food science into a future marked by innovation and impactful discoveries.

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For media inquiries and interviews, please contact:

Rhianna Gamble
Head of Marketing and Engagement
IFIS
r.gamble@ifis.org

IFIS Publishing is a not-for-profit organization established in 1968, committed to making the science of food accessible to researchers worldwide. With over 50 years of expertise, IFIS Publishing meticulously indexes and abstracts science journals, theses, and patents, maintaining a comprehensive food science and technology abstracts database. The organization's mission is to support researchers in creating a better future through collaboration, quality information, and cutting-edge technological integration.