A new research project funded by UKRI and led by a cross-institutional team that includes UCL School of Management associate professor Dr Yiting Deng, has launched to address the serious environmental and agricultural challenge of post-harvest vegetable loss.

The six-month initiative was awarded a £122,644 Multidisciplinary Food Systems Commercialisation Catalyst Award and began work earlier this month. It brings together expertise from Dr Lindsay Williams (University of Edinburgh), Dr Bethan Mead (University of Liverpool), and UCL School of Management’s own Dr Yiting Deng.

Post-harvest food loss accounts for up to 50% of harvested vegetables and contributes to 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The project aims to advance a genetically engineered, harvest-inducible technology that extends shelf life and quality in leafy brassica crops such as broccoli and rocket. This innovation could significantly reduce waste and improve sustainability across the supply chain.

Dr Deng’s role focuses on the economic and consumer analysis, using supermarket data to quantify how extended vegetable storage affects pricing, inventory, waste reduction and consumer acceptance. Her work will help shape commercialisation strategies and stakeholder engagement for this next-generation agricultural technology.

Speaking about the project, Dr Deng said:

“Our work represents an exciting step toward bridging scientific innovation and real-world impact. By combining insights from bioscience, economics, psychology and data analytics, we hope to demonstrate how interdisciplinary research can drive meaningful change - reducing food waste, improving supply chain efficiency and contributing to a more sustainable future.”

The project is a milestone for the School of Management and exemplifies the School’s leadership in data-driven, interdisciplinary research, combining bioscience, psychology, and marketing analytics to tackle real-world sustainability challenges.