Food Evolution Research Laboratory

Food Evolution Research Laboratory FERC focuses on food and nutrition research to enhance sustainable lifestyles of communities.

🌿 Meet the FERC TeamBehind every breakthrough is a team driven by purpose and passion. We’re proud to introduce the incr...
23/04/2026

🌿 Meet the FERC Team
Behind every breakthrough is a team driven by purpose and passion.

We’re proud to introduce the incredible minds behind FERC, led by our Director, Prof Hema Kesa - a dynamic and diverse team of researchers committed to advancing impactful, forward-thinking research.

🔬 Postdoctoral Researchers
Dr Swapnil Godbharle | Dr Alex Dimitri Tchuenchieu Kamgain | Dr Eridiong Ogbonna Onyenweaku

📚 PhD Candidates
Devishree Dunna | Sarika Sunjan | Tressilia Mumba | Thandeka Nyawo | Nokuthula Seabi

🎓Recent Master's Graduates
| Micaela Miles (Content Creator & Social Media Manager) | Yeshantha Govender | Nokukhanya Ncamane | Kirsten Francis

📖 Master's Students
Tholakele Radebe (Research Assistant & Administrator) Lebogang Magabane | Faaiza Jamal | | Rachel Monageng | Nhlalenhle Mpontshane

Together, this extraordinary team brings knowledge, dedication, and lived experience to every project, collaborating across disciplines to shape the future of research. We're proud of every one of them. 🌱



🌱 Big moves for a healthier University!This week, the FERC team was on the ground across all four of our campuses, APK, ...
10/04/2026

🌱 Big moves for a healthier University!

This week, the FERC team was on the ground across all four of our campuses, APK, APB, Soweto, and DFC, conducting data collection for the Healthy Campus Project at the University of Johannesburg.

Every data point brings us one step closer to shaping a stronger, healthier future for our entire university community. 💚

Together, we’re building a campus where everyone can thrive. 🏫✨

Yesterday, the FERC team had the privilege of empowering students with essential research skills through a Data Collecti...
27/03/2026

Yesterday, the FERC team had the privilege of empowering students with essential research skills through a Data Collection Training session for the Healthy Campus Project at the University of Johannesburg.

Equipping future researchers with the right tools is key to driving impactful, evidence-based change on our campuses and beyond.

Human Rights Day | 21 MarchToday we reflect, remember, and recommit to building a South Africa rooted in dignity, equali...
21/03/2026

Human Rights Day | 21 March
Today we reflect, remember, and recommit to building a South Africa rooted in dignity, equality, and justice for all.

📍Hartbeespoort Dam | 17th International SAAFECs ConferenceThe FERC team recently participated in the 17th International ...
13/03/2026

📍Hartbeespoort Dam | 17th International SAAFECs Conference

The FERC team recently participated in the 17th International SAAFECs Conference, hosted in collaboration with the IFHE.

Under the theme “Science as Collaboration,” the conference created an inspiring space for researchers, academics, and professionals to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches within Consumer Sciences and research.

Swipe to see some highlights from the conference. ✨

🌍 International Women’s Day | 8 MarchThis year’s theme, “Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” calls us to move beyond words a...
08/03/2026

🌍 International Women’s Day | 8 March

This year’s theme, “Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” calls us to move beyond words and into action.

At FERC, we are committed to advancing inclusive research, equitable systems, and opportunities where all women and girls can thrive.

Because equality isn’t optional, it’s essential. ✨

🤝 Collaboration in Action!Yesterday, FERC had the privilege of hosting delegates from the University of Zululand (UniZul...
05/03/2026

🤝 Collaboration in Action!

Yesterday, FERC had the privilege of hosting delegates from the University of Zululand (UniZulu), Department of Consumer Sciences, for an engaging and forward-looking discussion on collaborative research opportunities.
We explored innovative pathways to advance food, nutrition, and consumer science research, strengthening academic partnerships that drive meaningful societal impact.
Stronger partnerships. Shared expertise. Greater impact. 🌍✨

On World Obesity Day, FERC stands with the global community in recognising obesity as a complex and urgent public health...
04/03/2026

On World Obesity Day, FERC stands with the global community in recognising obesity as a complex and urgent public health issue.

Obesity is shaped by food environments, access, affordability, education, and systemic realities — not simply individual choices.

Today, we move the conversation:
From stigma to science.
From blame to understanding.
From awareness to informed dialogue.

🌱 FERC was proud to join industry leaders at the SA Chefs Business Breakfast, a powerful space for collaboration, dialog...
13/02/2026

🌱 FERC was proud to join industry leaders at the SA Chefs Business Breakfast, a powerful space for collaboration, dialogue, and action.

Conversations focused on skills readiness, funding, and building a future-fit hospitality sector. We look forward to partnering with culinary educators to strengthen food & nutrition education and modernise Food & Beverage Studies.

Thank you for creating space for meaningful connection.

🌿 Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month | February 2026 🌿As university life returns to full swing, February is the perfect t...
09/02/2026

🌿 Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month | February 2026 🌿

As university life returns to full swing, February is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and build healthy habits that support both body and mind.

At FERC, Food Evolution Research Centre (University of Johannesburg), we believe that nourishing food, informed choices, and balanced lifestyles play a vital role in student wellbeing and long-term success.

This month, let’s choose foods that fuel us, habits that sustain us, and actions that shape a healthier future, on campus and beyond.

🥗 Fuel your body

🧠 Support your wellbeing

🌱 Invest in your future

🌱 We are proud to announce an exciting evolution 🌱FERL has officially evolved into the Food Evolution Research Centre (F...
03/02/2026

🌱 We are proud to announce an exciting evolution 🌱

FERL has officially evolved into the Food Evolution Research Centre (FERC).

This name change reflects our growing focus on advancing research, innovation, and action across food systems, nutrition, and sustainable development. While our name has evolved, our commitment to impactful research, meaningful collaboration, and community engagement remains unchanged.

Welcome to the next chapter of food evolution! 🚀🌍


21/01/2026

FERL 2025 Recap 🌱
From communities and classrooms to kitchens and conversations, 2025 was a year of learning, listening, and building together. We deepened our research, strengthened partnerships, and continued exploring where food systems, sustainability, and innovation meet.
Every project and collaboration brought us closer to people-centered change. Thank you for being part of the journey.
Here’s to 2026 and what’s ahead ✨

Address

Bunting Road Campus, University Of Johannesburg, Auckland Park
Sandton
2092

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27115591050

Website

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