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Abi Glencross
Farmer │ Bioengineer │ Communicator │ Sustainable Food Systems
Professional Background
Abi Glencross has carved out an impressive career that bridges the worlds of biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. With a strong educational foundation in Chemical Engineering, Abi began her professional journey as a cellular agriculturalist at King's College London, where her groundbreaking research focused on growing skeletal muscle tissue in vitro. It was here that Abi experienced her initial passion for science, yet over time, she discovered her true calling lies in transforming the entire food system.
Recognizing the importance of grounding her knowledge in practical experience, Abi transitioned from the laboratory to the fields, gaining invaluable insights into agriculture. Her commitment to understanding the complexities of our food system led her to work as the Head of Grains at Duchess Farms Ltd and co-founding The Sustainable Food Story. Through these positions, she established a robust understanding of agricultural policies, societal impacts, and supply chain dynamics—elements essential in addressing our current food production challenges.
Her expertise uniquely positions her at the intersection of farming and biotechnology, allowing her to innovate in areas such as sustainable food production and bioengineering. With a track record of working on diverse projects, from cellular agriculture to creating 3D bioreactors, Abi has developed a multifaceted approach to her work. Recently, she has embraced public speaking and communication, effectively translating complex scientific materials into engaging discussions for the wider audience. She's been featured in major media outlets such as VICE and has made notable contributions as part of programs like 'My Million Pound Menu' and Code Hospitality's '100 Most Influential Women in Food.'
Through her role as Co-Founder and CTO of foodloop.earth, Abi continues to pave the way forward in creating sustainable food systems that benefit both agricultural producers and consumers alike, emphasizing that delicious food can—and should—be sustainable.
Education and Achievements
Abi Glencross pursued a rigorous academic path that equipped her with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for her career. After excelling in her AS & A levels, where she attained four A grades in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Perspectives in Science at Bodmin College, Abi advanced to Bath University. There, she successfully completed her Master of Engineering (MEng) in Chemical Engineering, graduating with a commendable 2:1.
Not only has Abi built a robust educational foundation, but she also possesses extensive practical experience through various roles across the agricultural and biotech sectors. A key highlight of her career involves her transformational work as the Technical Head of Farming at pale green dot, where she merged her extensive knowledge of biotechnology with hands-on farming practices, ultimately advancing sustainable methodologies.
In addition, Abi successfully co-founded The Sustainable Food Story, an initiative aimed at linking farming practices directly to the consumer's plate, enhancing public awareness around food quality and sourcing. Her collaborative work with Carbon13 marks another significant achievement, as she played an integral role in a cohort aimed at fostering climate-focused startups within the food industry.
The release of her first book in early 2022 is a testament to her commitment to knowledge sharing and education in sustainability. The publication is poised to inspire and empower readers to make informed choices in their culinary practices and support a more sustainable food system.
Achievements
Abi Glencross's career is distinguished by various roles and accomplishments that underscore her expertise and dedication to improving food systems. She has become a recognized voice in sustainable agriculture, being featured in several influential publications and platforms. Her contributions to the media have not only amplified her reach but have also served to educate a broader audience about the significance of biotechnology in farming.
In her continued effort to promote sustainability, Abi's ongoing work with foodloop.earth focuses on innovative solutions for food production, aiming to connect local farmers and consumers while reducing waste in the food supply chain. Her commitment to advancing sustainable practices has not gone unnoticed, as she was awarded the honor of being listed among the ‘100 most influential women in food’ by Code Hospitality.
Furthermore, Abi's diverse experience, ranging from her early career as a Researcher at the University of Ottawa to her hands-on work at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, shows her ability to navigate multiple sectors of the food ecosystem successfully. She combines scientific rigor with practical knowledge, emphasizing the critical relationship between biotechnology and sustainable farming.
Abi Glencross's distinct perspective and personalized approach contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue around sustainable food practices, making her a key figure in the movement to repair today's broken food systems.