MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University food scientist Sam Chang has been elected a fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology and will represent MSU in this field’s largest academy in the world.

A certified food scientist, Chang is professor and head of the MSU Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion. He was elected as a fellow based on his outstanding contributions to the field of science and technology.

“[Chang’s] contributions for the further development of our field of science and technology are in a time of increasing challenges for the … global society,” said Walter Spiess of Germany, head of the International Relations/Food Security Task Force for the academy.

Chang will be recognized and inducted as a new fellow of the academy at the 17th World Congress of Food Science and Technology in Montreal, Canada, Aug. 17-21.

George Hopper, dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said Chang’s recognition by this international organization affirms the quality of the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion.

“Dr. Chang’s professionalism and dedication to improving food safety and quality are paramount as we face challenges to feeding a growing population,” Hopper said. “Dr. Chang is very deserving of this honor.”

The International Academy of Food Science and Technology is the premier organization for these fields. It is a federation of national food science organizations. Among its goals are improving international cooperation and exchange of information, promoting food science and technology and other sciences important to this area, and stimulating international education and training in food science and technology.