INFORM February 2026

MEETING SUMMARY INFORM 33

• biosynthetic regulation and metabolic engineering • lipid–protein interactions and flavor formation • lipid nutrition, health, and metabolic mechanisms • environmentally friendly protein processing • computational lipid science and AI-assisted lipid design • future protein sources and sustainable food systems This multisector dialogue reflected how lipid and protein research is now drawing equally from chemistry, biophysics, materials science, nutrition, computational biology, and biotechnology, forming a more integrated scientific ecosystem. PROTEIN AND PEPTIDE SCIENCE: EMERGING DIRECTIONS AND STRATEGIC ADVANCES The conference featured a strong program on protein and peptide science, delivered across three thematic sessions, over 20 invited talks, and one panel discussion. Internationally recognized experts, including professors Jianping Wu, Lingyun Chen, Yonghui Li, Rotimi Aluko, Lutz Grossmann, joined leading local scholars such as professors Aimin Shi, Zhongjiang Wang, Liangxiao Zhang and many others to deliver high-impact presentations.

The discussions focused on several key scientific issues: • new protein resources and sustainable bioprocessing • advanced structural modification strategies • bioactive peptide identification and functional validation • protein–lipid interfacial science • flavor challenges in plant proteins • AI and molecular simulation for protein design • processing innovations Protein research is accelerating, driven by the need for healthier, more sustainable protein solutions and by breakthroughs in omics, structural biology, and AI. The protein and peptide sessions ultimately underscored a clear message: Future protein science must align sustainability, functionality, and consumer

acceptance to drive the next wave of food-protein innovation. Keshun Liu from the United States Department of Agriculture, although absent from the conference, contributed a lot for the session organization. YOUNG SCIENTIST FORUM & GRADUATE FORUM: THE NEXT WAVE OF INNOVATION Among the most energetic components of the meeting were the Young Scientist Forum and the Graduate Forum, which brought together more than 80 young researchers and over 40 posters. Presentations covered four dynamic areas: • lipid resource exploration and evaluation • lipid biosynthesis and structural modification