Earth to Research is a podcast that rethinks research in the context of the ecological crisis. It offers a space for researchers, educators, and students to reflect on values, explore interdisciplinary perspectives, and align research practices with environmental justice. Hosted by Dr. Lucy Sabin and supported by Vrije Universiteit Open Science, the series explores the ethical and practical challenges of sustainable research, providing insights for integrating environmental awareness into academic work.

As part of Season 1 Episode 6, I was invited to chat about how I came to work on food systems and the questions that continue to shape my research. We talked about how I once wanted to be a chef, and how a traineeship in a five-star hotel in Mumbai became a turning point. Working in a space defined by abundance, global influences, and a great deal of food waste made me curious about where food comes from, who has access to it, and how decisions around food are made. That curiosity eventually led me away from gastronomy and towards food policy, sustainability, and systems thinking.

Our conversation moved through food waste and the circular bioeconomy, why waste needs to be understood as both a material and a social issue, and how many current innovations build on long-standing traditional and agrarian knowledge systems. We also discussed what it means to engage with this knowledge in ways that are fair and respectful.

The episode can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DJBricOWGYrPGvjnMFz7M?si=7152c77923314eac