In the last ten years, behavioural science researchers have mobilized themselves to investigate how, exactly, to encourage populations around the world to consume healthy, plant-based diets and reduce food waste to promote food system sustainability Many behavioural interventions have been developed and trialled in research labs, restaurants, workplaces, supermarkets, online food delivery and other contexts. Consequently, we now have a far clearer idea of which behaviour change techniques are effective, how they work, and for whom. Yet, globally, red meat consumption is rising and levels of household food waste are rising and the greenhouse gas emissions footprint of our food system continues to skyrocket. This special issue is dedicated to consolidating what we currently know regarding the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to shift populations towards healthier, more sustainable diets and to reduce food waste, and outlining which are the current 'big questions' in the field that we must now focus our efforts on to create change at the speed and scale required to benefit the environment. For researchers who wish to make an impact, where do we go next in the study and application of behavioural science to encourage more a more sustainable food system?

What is the current state-of-play on behaviour change interventions that are effective in encouraging a shift towards healthier and more sustainable diets and to reduce consumer-stage food waste, what works for different population groups (particularly those consuming the least healthy, highest emissions diets and wasting most food) and which behaviour change interventions are most appropriate for application at scale to reach impact beyond the lab?

In addition, where next for behavioural science research in sustainable food system transitions? What are the current gaps in our knowledge, what are the major research barriers to address, which behaviour change interventions hold promise and need further research, how do we engage stakeholders within the food system, and how do we overcome challenges to adoption and scale of interventions that we already have good evidence of effectiveness?

The focus on this special issue is on how to use behavioural science evidence, approaches, and methods to create impact in the real world, rather than inviting submissions that detail theoretical perspectives or methodology papers.

Perspective pieces or commentaries are welcome, if these include good quality, peer-reviewed research references.
Research reviews and meta-analysis are invited, as are papers exploring novel or underutilised research methods with real-world relevance, and research questions that should priority areas of focus for the field in future.
We welcome summaries of the research, or original research studies, that explore practical application of behaviour science and affiliated research fields to encourage dietary transitions in the real-world (i.e. implementation science, strategy foresight, policy research)
Studies exploring novel technologies (i.e. alternative proteins) are welcome if these are explored in the context of the broader diet and consumer adoption

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Where Next for Behavioural Science to Promote a Sustainable Food System?