Uncertainty, insightful ignorance, and curiosity: Improving future food science research

Background: Uncertainty is a fact of scientific life. The myriad of factors affecting the integrity of highly complex and diverse food materials contributes to uncertainty in scientific assessment. Conscious ignorance, the absence of fact or clarity, results in communal gaps of knowledge. Uncertainty and conscious ignorance drive scientists to ask better research questions. This paper is a plea for increasing the genuine state of knowledge in food science and technology. Scope and approach: Various illustrations from food science and technology and at the interfaces of food, environment and health are provided to demonstrate the gaps in knowledge and uncertainty in the science of food systems. Uncertainties in the science of water and nutrient availability, microorganisms and human microbiota, food waste, emerging technologies, food structure, packaging, consumer acceptance, fermentation, and new raw materials are discussed. Opportunities for future research are suggested. Although there has been significant progress, it is essential to gain further insights into food systems from long-term research with well-designed, carefully executed experiments. Key findings and conclusions: There is frequent reporting of observational data in food science. Without exploring the root causes for an observation, understanding limitations and accepting uncertainties in data, significant advancement in science understanding is often thwarted. Solving difficult problems in food and at its interfaces will require transdisciplinary integrative approaches to address the sustainability of future food systems. Realization and acceptance of the usefulness and relevance of food science to solve global challenges will help afford food science the recognition it deserves.

Automated summary

This paper highlights uncertainties and conscious ignorance in food science, driving scientists to ask better research questions. Various illustrations are provided to demonstrate gaps in knowledge and uncertainties, with opportunities for future research suggested. The importance of gaining deeper insights into food systems through long-term research is emphasized.