Unlocking Food Systems Innovation: Concrete actions for collaborative impact

Dhanush is the Founder and Chief Climate Catalyst of Clim-Eat, the ‘think and do tank’ for food and climate which he established in 2021 at COP26. Clim-Eat focuses on bridging science and policy on food and climate issues by synthesizing knowledge, convening stakeholders, providing strategic advice, and policy engagement.

His previous work experience includes roles within the private sector, NGOs, and the UN and CGIAR systems, in China, India, Thailand, The Netherlands and the UK. He has worked on a range of issues including forestry, environmental policy, climate change adaptation, and advocacy, at the national, regional, and global levels.

Dhanush has an interdisciplinary academic background, combining an MBA, MSc in Carbon management, and a PhD in Environmental Governance. He is a member of the Advisory Boards of the EAT Foundation. ClieNFarms and the Global Food and Environment Institute at the University of Leeds.

Leanne is the driving force behind Clim-Eat’s institutional knowledge development and partnership initiatives, focusing on innovation and the future of food systems. With her expertise in both organizational and technological innovation, Leanne is strongly embedded in her field. She seeks to accelerate the transition to more sustainable and equitable food systems through research and collaboration with various stakeholders. Currently, she focuses on understanding the role of innovation in the dynamics of inertia and change within food systems.

Leanne previously worked on communications and knowledge management at the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). She has studied the Master International Development at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in evaluation, knowledge management, and innovation at the Knowledge, Technology and Innovation group. She holds a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Governance, Economics and Development from Leiden University College. She is passionate about exploring creative ways to look at today’s challenges around food systems, climate change and development, including rethinking how we see and approach learning & failure.