Research & training
The IEHCA’s actions draw together multiple approaches and provide a channel for cooperation and communication between top international researchers, with a number of objectives in view: multidisciplinary research, scientific popularisation and synergies between public bodies and companies.
→ Close partnership with Tours University’s Pôle Alimentation
Our contribution to the development of scientific research is primarily built on the close collaboration that has been forged between the IEHCA and L’Équipe Alimentation (LÉA, food team), which together form the cornerstones of Tours University’s Pôle Alimentation (centre for Food Studies). The LÉA, awarded “Équipe d’Accueil” higher education and research unit status (EA 6294) on 1 January 2012, conducts research in the humanities and social sciences, covering a wide range of expertise in the field of food cultures (food identities, innovation strategies, communication processes, promotion of the heritage of producing regions, social behaviours and table manners, etc).
→ Top-level scientific meetings
Researchers can present their works to peers at various events, including the Tours symposium, IEHCA conferences and the summer university. With its network of over 400 researchers, the IEHCA provides scientific and logistical support for the organisation of colloquia, conferences, study days and exhibitions.
→ An ambitious and recognised editorial policy
The scientific journal Food & History, launched by the IEHCA in 2002, with three issues per year, has made its name as a touchstone international publication. The Institute also joined forces with Presses Universitaires François-Rabelais and Presses Universitaires de Rennes to create the Tables des Hommes collection, devoted to food cultures.
→ A documentation centre unique in Europe
Established in 2002, the IEHCA’s library holds a collection specialised in food history and cultures numbering over 7,000 volumes and still growing. Readers can also consult our collections of specialised periodicals and a list of more than 21,000 bibliographical entries drawn up in partnership with Harvard University (Villa I Tatti, Florence, Italy).
