Shaping the future of alternative proteins together
Biotechnologically produced alternative proteins can help make Europe’s food system more sustainable and resilient. However, whether they will be used in future as a supplement to or an alternative for established animal protein sources – such as meat, milk and eggs – depends not only on technological developments. Public trust, sound knowledge and the opportunity to play an active role in shaping change are also crucial.
Dialogue rather than one-way communication
The EU-funded ALT-PROACT project – ‘ALTernative PROteins – Awareness, Co-creation, Transformation’ – is investigating how citizens can be better informed about alternative proteins and involved in the public dialogue.
In doing so, the project goes beyond traditional science communication. Through citizens’ forums, workshops, co-creation processes and storytelling labs, the scientific community, civil society, politics, education and business are working together to develop communication formats that are accessible, scientifically sound & culturally sensitive.
Understanding attitudes and sharing knowledge
A survey conducted across ten European countries is examining the social, economic and cultural factors that promote or hinder the consumption of alternative proteins. Based on this, multilingual information resources and public awareness campaigns are being developed.
In parallel, ALT-PROACT is analysing societal visions of the future and narratives surrounding these innovations. The findings will also be incorporated into political dialogues and policy-learning sessions with regulatory authorities at EU, national and regional levels. The aim is to produce a jointly developed, evidence-based policy recommendation, which will be presented to a broad range of decision-makers at the end of the project.
Another key focus is on education. ALT-PROACT is developing teaching materials, professional development programmes for educators, digital learning resources and an online course on sustainability, nutrition, ethics and innovation, and is testing these in pilot projects across several countries.
Together rather than for others: the multi-actor approach
ALT-PROACT adopts what is known as the multi-stakeholder approach: rather than simply disseminating information, citizens, scientists, educators, public authorities and the food industry are actively involved from the outset in the development of messages, educational materials and policy recommendations – not merely in an advisory capacity, but as co-creators of the entire project.
Strengthening trustworthy intermediaries
Journalists, educators, science communicators, public authorities and policy-makers play a key role in public discourse. Media briefings, policy dialogues, webinars and practical toolkits help them to contextualise scientific findings in an accessible way and counter misinformation.
The role of the AIT
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology coordinates ALT-PROACT and combines social science research with expertise in biotechnology and food safety. In particular, the AIT contributes to participatory methodology, the analysis of societal attitudes and the development of governance approaches. By combining communication, education, social participation and policy-making, ALT-PROACT contributes to a transparent, inclusive and democratically grounded ‘protein transition’ in Europe.
Project duration: September 2026 bis September 2029
Coordination: AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Funded by: European Commission, Horizon Europe
Grant Agreement: 101286996
Contact: Arianna Ferrari, PhD
