Scientific narratives for the protein transition: Will systemic change be possible?
The PhD of Océane Duluins focuses on one of the major ongoing transformations in agri-food systems, the protein transition, understood as the shift from unsustainable animal-based dietary and production patterns toward more sustainable protein sources and production systems.
Presentation
Scientific narratives for the protein transition:
will systemic change be possible?
This dissertation focuses on the concept of the protein transition, understood as both an analytical and normative framework aimed at rethinking the role of livestock and animal proteins in our food systems. The thesis pursued three overarching goals: (1) to unpack the meanings and functions of the protein transition in relation to food system sustainability in scientific literature; (2) to examine the disciplinary contributions and perspectives to the protein transition, looking at how these disciplinary perspectives are integrated into a holistic vision of the protein transition; and (3) to assess the options and solutions being advanced under the concept of the protein transition, as well as their coherence with the underlying systemic challenges at stake. By addressing these goals, the research seeks to move beyond fragmented disciplinary debates and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the protein transition as both a scientific and a socio-political phenomenon. The integrated analysis of narratives, disciplinary approaches, and structural dynamics, contributes to a multidimensional perspective that highlights the interplay between scientific knowledge, institutional structures, and power relations in shaping pathways toward sustainable food system transformation.
USEFUL LINKS
If you want to read the whole PhD
If you want to see the slides: to be published anytime soon
If you want to watch the defense video: to be published anytime soon
membERs OF THE jury
Promotor :
Prof. Philippe V. BARET : UCLouvain
Other members of the jury:
Prof. Frédéric GASPART : UCLouvain ; President
Prof. Goedele VAN DEN BROEK : UCLouvain ; Secretary
Prof. Jereon CANDEL : Wageningen University (The Netherlands)
Prof. Erik MATHIJS : KULeuven (Belgium)
Prof. Tim G. BENTON : Chatham House (UK)
