Thailand’s Role in the Future of Alternative Proteins

The global food system is undergoing a transformation, and alternative proteins—such as plant-based, insect-based, and cultured (lab-grown) proteins—are at the forefront of this shift. As concerns over environmental sustainability, food security, and ethical food production grow, many countries are exploring their role in shaping the future of protein production. A new study by ENVS PhD candidate Waverly Eichhorst and ENVS Associate Professor Peter Newton, published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, examines Thailand’s potential as a leader in producing cultured protein (CP).

Why Thailand?

Thailand has a rapidly industrializing economy, a strong presence in global food production, and an interest in sustainability. However, the development of cultured protein technologies in middle- and low-income countries remains largely unexplored. This research seeks to understand how Thailand can foster an innovation system that supports cultured protein production.

Key Findings from the Study

Eichhorst and Newton used a technological innovation systems framework to assess Thailand’s current landscape for CP development. Their mixed-methods approach included a qualitative document review and semi-structured interviews with 17 industry experts. Their findings highlight both opportunities and challenges in the country’s path to becoming a leader in alternative proteins.

Opportunities for Growth

• Initial Industry Engagement: Various actors, including government agencies, private companies, and research institutions, are beginning to explore CP technologies.
• Sustainability & Food Security Benefits: Cultured protein could reduce environmental pressures from traditional agriculture while improving food security.
• Transnational Collaboration Potential: Leveraging global expertise could help Thailand build its CP sector.

Challenges to Overcome

• Regulatory Approval: Thailand lacks clear regulations for CP products, which could slow innovation.
• Manufacturing & Technical Expertise: The country needs more specialized knowledge and infrastructure to scale CP production.
• Consumer Acceptance: Widespread adoption of CP products will depend on cultural perceptions and market demand.

What’s Next?

A couple of years ago, and before the paper was published, Waverly travelled to the Netherlands to share the team's preliminary findings with a diverse audience at the International Scientific Conference on Cultured Meat in Maastricht, the Netherlands. They received some great feedback on their work during the conference, and Waverly was also able connect with other researchers conducting research on cultured proteins from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

For Thailand to establish itself as a leader in cultured protein, stronger stakeholder engagement is needed. The study suggests that transnational partnerships could help bridge gaps in expertise and resources, while further research into consumer attitudes and market potential will be essential.

As global food systems evolve, Thailand has the opportunity to position itself at the cutting edge of sustainable protein production. With strategic investment and collaboration, the country could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food.

🔗 Read the full paper here:

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We are thrilled to announce that Undergraduate Chair and Professor Peter Newton has been selected for the 2025 Research and Innovation Office (RIO) Fellows Research Leadership cohort! This prestigious program recognizes exceptional faculty members who are eager to expand their leadership skills, foster professional growth, and make an impactful contribution to the university community. Being accepted into this program is a testament to his dedication to both his own academic pursuits and the broader goals of our campus community.

The 2025 RIO Fellows Research Leadership cohort offers an exciting opportunity for faculty to engage in three multiday retreats, where they will receive training in leadership development, research strategies, and collaborative skills. Fellows also gain access to individualized coaching, helping them achieve personal and professional milestones. These retreats are designed to support long-term career goals while strengthening the cohesion of the faculty network.

Professor Newton shared his excitement about the program: “I'm honored to be selected for the 2025 cohort of RIO Faculty Fellows. I am looking forward to building my leadership skills through this professional development opportunity, and to building meaningful connections with other faculty across campus.”

We couldn’t be more excited for Professor Newton to join this dynamic group of colleagues. His participation in the 2025 cohort will undoubtedly strengthen both his leadership potential and the impact he can have across our department and across campus. Congratulations again, Professor Newton—we look forward to seeing all the amazing ways you will grow through this opportunity!

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Dr. Joanna Lambert and current PhD Student, Alma "Rosie" Sanchez have been working for years on the Colorado wolf reintroduction initiative. Now, a film series tells the success story of this initiaitve, which is the first time a federally protected endangered species has been reintroduced via a democratic vote/ballot initiative. The first film of the series features both Dr. Lambert and Rosie! It premiered on July 18, and was followed by a speaker panel in which Dr. Lambert participated (as shown in image). 

See the film trailer below and learn more about this incredible iniative .

[video:https://vimeo.com/979366728] 

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Dr. Max Boykoff, ENVS Chair, and Dr. Beth Osnes, who is the Director of Graduate Studies in Theatre & Performance Studies at CU were interviewed by the World Economic Forum's Radio Davos podcast about how they’ve been  in the use of comedy to communicate the realities of climate change for about a decade now, and . Their findings point to a happy conclusion. “This can help break down defenses,” Boykoff said. “This can help us come together.”

Read more about Dr. Boykoff and Dr. Osnes' work to incorporate comedy in climate change communications in the World Economic Forums' blog  or listen to their intereview

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Dr. Litt's work has been featured in a on the connections between health and gardening. The article write the following about Dr. Litt's work: "Gardening, especially in community or allotment gardens, can help people build social connections and combat loneliness. In the Colorado study, participants talked about the relationships they developed and said they felt more bonded to their community through gardening. They’re fostering social connection. They’re getting more involved,” Dr. Litt said. “They talk about sense of belonging. They talk about shared learning. All of these processes are really important for mental health.”

Dr. Litt's work is also cited in a separate article, , about the science of loneliness. The article details the study, called RECETAS, which tries to create an environment where deep connections can emerge. Its name means both “recipes” and “prescriptions” in Spanish and is an acronym for Re-imagining Environments for Connection and Engagement: Testing Actions for Social Prescribing in Natural Spaces. 

Read the full articles linked above.

Photo credit:

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Earlier this month, Dr. Zia Mehrabi and team published an excellent paper in 'Nature Ecology & Evolution'.

Intensive agriculture with high reliance on pesticides and fertilizers constitutes a major strategy for ‘feeding the world’. However, such conventional intensifcation is linked to diminishing returns and can result in ‘intensification traps’—production declines triggered by the negative feedback of biodiversity loss at high input levels

The paper addresses the double losses in biodiversity and food security associated with these intensification traps - showing that, across a number of contexts, large biodiversity gains could be achieved for small crop productivity losses, and in many contexts loosing biodiversity leads to an intensification trap -- where crop yield is lower with higher levels of inputs.

Give it a read ! 

See Zia's other publications

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Join us in welcome Dr. Naomi Oreskes as this year's Patricia Sheffels Visiting Scholar! We are thrilled to hear from Dr. Oreskes on her talk, Epistemic Privilege and the Gender of Climate Change Denial. 

About Naomi:

Naomi Oreskes is Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University. A world-renowned earth scientist, historian and public speaker, she is the author of the best-selling book, Merchants of Doubt (2010) and a leading voice on the role of science in society, the reality of anthropogenic climate change, and the role of disinformation in blocking climate action. You can learn more .

Event Details:

On Thursday April 4, ENVS will host a social hour, including lunch, with Dr. Oreskes at 2:00pm in the SEEC Atrium. Following this, Dr. Oreskes will present on her work at 3:00pm in SEEC C120. 

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The Department of Environmental Studies (ENVS) at the 91������ (91������) is seeking lecturers to teach the following three undergraduate courses in the Spring 2024 semester (January 16 – May 8, 2024). The three courses are listed below, together with the class meeting patterns (days and times). Lecturers should hold a masters or PhD in a related subject. Class materials (e.g., syllabi, assignments, PowerPoint presentations) are available from previously-taught iterations of each class. All classes will be taught in-person.

• ENVS 3020 Advanced Writing in Environmental Studies – up to 19 students – T/TH 8:30-9:45am

• ENVS 3034 Foundations of Environmental Justice – up to 75 students – MW 2:30-3:20pm (supported by a graduate student Teaching Assistant)

• ENVS/EBIO 3040 Conservation Biology – up to 75 students – T/TH 9:30-10:45am (supported by a graduate student Teaching Assistant)

Interested applicants should contact Amie Redding (ENVS Program Coordinator) at: Amie.Redding@colorado.edu. In your application email, please include: 1) your CV, and 2) a one-page (maximum) letter expressing your interest, qualifications, and experience. Within your letter, please indicate which of the three courses you are interested in teaching.

Compensation for these positions is $6,740 per course.

Please submit your application as soon as possible. We will begin reviewing applications on October 16, 2023 but the positions will remain open until filled.

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• We’re proud to share that the work of ENVS Professor Matthew Burgess and his research group has been cited by USA Today, Newsweek, and the Daily Caller. Read about our ENVS peers’ research about climate change politics.

  • Daily Caller: "" 

  • USA Today:

  • Newsweek: ""

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We would love your feedback about who you would like to hear speak at our 2024 ENVS Commencement.  Take a moment and fill out the following survey with as many suggestions as you have and we'll see what we can do!  

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