The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Phi Tau Sigma chapter has 14 active members and supports excellence in Food Science & Technology through student-led professional development, outreach, and community-building. Over the past year, chapter programming included outreach activities such as the AppleJack Festival, member engagement events such as an Ice Cream Social, invited speakers for departmental seminars, and informal community activities (e.g., movie nights) hosted in partnership with the UNL Food Science Club. The UNL chapter was recognized with the 2025 Chapter of Excellence Award and received the Dr. Suzanne Nielsen Chapter Program Award, which will help support the chapter’s 2026 flagship event, the Battle of the Food Scientists.

The 2026 Battle of the Food Scientists is scheduled for March 12, 2026 (4:00–8:00 PM) at the Food Innovation Center. The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students (Food Science & Technology and other majors) competing in teams of 2–4 (individual registration and team matching available). The 2026 theme, “Fermented Fiesta,” features two rounds: Mystery Basket – Plant-Based Muffin (AI-assisted brainstorming with a revealed mystery ingredient) and the Fermented Flavor Challenge (a dish featuring a fermented ingredient comprising at least 10% of the recipe). Entries will be evaluated by UNL faculty and industry professionals using a rubric that emphasizes creativity, taste, presentation, and effective use of required ingredients. Sponsors for ingredients include Conagra and Tate & Lyle. This event aligns with Phi Tau Sigma’s mission by promoting scholarly engagement, experiential learning, industry networking, and chapter visibility through flyers, livestreams, and newsletter/social media features. Chapter members also gain practical experience in event planning, leadership, science communication, and social media outreach.