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spending. This stimulates household income, a key determinant of food security. By increasing educational opportunities and re- taining skilled graduates in rural areas, regional universities help stabilise communities economic- ally. Improved income directly translates into better food affordability and access. University-led pro- grams, such as those addressing nutrition in remote Indigenous communities, also show how research and outreach can directly enhance food security. Finally, public engagement is indispensable. Aus- tralians must see the connection between soil biol- ogy, packaging innovation, nutrition science and the meals on their tables. By highlighting how innovation supports both sovereignty and social equity, univer- sities and research institutions can make food secur- ity part of the national conversation. Prof. Johannes le Coutre is a recognised in- novator in the Life Sciences with profound indus- try experience, Professor Johannes le Coutre is responsible for the UNSW Food & Health program in the faculty of Engineering. References 1 Food insecurity, 2023 | Australian Bureau of Sta- tistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/ food-and-nutrition/food-insecurity/latest-release [Accessed October 22, 2025] 2 Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 - Foodbank Reports. https://reports.foodbank.org.au/food bank-hun- ger-report-2024/ [Accessed October 22, 2025] 3 Alexanderson MS, Luke H, Lloyd DJ. Regenerative agriculture in Australia: the changing face of farm- ing. Front Sustain Food Syst (2024) 8:1402849. doi: 10.3389/FSUFS.2024.1402849/BIBTEX 4 Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy - DAFF. https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/food/nation- al-food-security-strategy [Accessed October 23, 2025]
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