FFC's 36^th International Conference

Registration form        Abstract sample          Sessions and Topics

Years of research has demonstrated the efficacy of the diet rich in functional foods with bioactive compounds in reducing the risk of developing chronic disease. Decreasing the risk of chronic disease can also reduce the risk of viral disease, as those with chronic disease are more vulnerable to contracting and perishing from viral diseases. Considering the impact of the diet on both chronic and viral disease, having a greater understanding the bioactive compounds that produce the beneficial effects of the diet with functional foods can lead to improved health of the global population and decrease vulnerability to disease. Once identified, these bioactive compounds can be used in the development of functional foods for certain conditions, diseases, and their symptoms. 

To facilitate and promote the discussion of how the functional foods and bioactive compounds can be used to reduce the risks of disease, the central theme for the Functional Food Center’s 36^th International Conference will be "Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds in Healthy Aging and Disease Management". 

The conference is organized by Functional Food Center-FFC (Dallas, TX, USA), University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan, Functional Food Institute-FFI (San Diego, CA, USA), International Academic Society for Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds (ASFFBC), The Journal of "Functional Foods in Health and Disease" (FFHD), The Journal of "Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease" (BCHD) and The Journal of Functional Food Science (FFS).

The University of Tsukuba, which includes a Tokyo campus, is a highly-ranked institution both globally and nationally. While specific rankings for the Tokyo campus are not detailed, the university as a whole is often ranked among the top 10 in Japan and within the top 300-400 worldwide. It is well-regarded for research, with strengths in areas like life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences.

The University of Tsukuba proudly counts three Nobel laureates among its distinguished alumni, a significant achievement highlighting its profound impact on global scientific research. The first honoree was Sinchiro Tomonaga, a theoretical physicist who received the 1965 Nobel Prize in Physics for his fundamental work in quantum electrodynamics. This legacy continued when Leo Esaki was awarded the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the phenomenon of electron tunneling, an essential principle in modern electronics. Most recently, the university's contribution to fundamental science was recognized through Hideki Shirakawa, who received the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. These individuals exemplify the university's commitment to fostering revolutionary scientific inquiry. For more information please visit university website: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/about/history/nobel/index.html

FFC36 - In-Person, as well as a Virtual Experience (LIVE Online Event): October 8th - 10th, 2026.  For more than 25 years, the Functional Food Center has provided the functional and healthy food industry with outstanding education, training, exhibits and networking opportunities to a worldwide community of researchers, food scientists, and academics. 

For more details about conference sessions and topics, please visit conference Topics and Sessions page.

Check out this link to view an about the upcoming conference:  Informational Brochure  

Please click the link to watch about the the University of Tsukuba: YouTube video 

Call for Abstracts

Share your research with a global audience through the FFC 35^th International Conference! The abstract submission deadline is April 30th, 2026.  Abstract publication fee is $50.00. The entire abstract should have a maximum of 750 words (including extra information about authors). Please use Times New Roman Font 12 for the entire abstract.

Submit your abstract to be considered for an opportunity to showcase your work along with other leaders from the fields of medicine and food science during this event in a short or regular presentation. You will also have the opportunity to answer audience questions in real-time. 

Short Presentations: 7 minutes

Regular Presentations: 20 Minutes

Special and Keynote Presentations: 25-30 Minutes

Decisions on selection will be promptly communicated to the authors via e-mail. All contributions will be reviewed by organizing committee members, and accepted abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings book. Please email your abstract as an attachment to ffc@functionalfoodscenter.net. Please review our sample abstract.  It is mandatory to make a payment within 7-10 days after you receive an abstract acceptance letter. 

Registration Fees and Deadlines

The registration fee will cover the Conference Proceedings book (Abstract book) and a 12-month membership to the Academic Society for Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds. It will provide access to all sessions as  well as free lunches and coffee. Each registration allows the registrant to present up to 3 accepted abstracts maximum. Registration includes access to the entire program and Expo, presentation materials, and networking with expert speakers and organizing committee members. Early Bird Ends February 15, 2026.

Cancellation Policy: Before April 30th, 2026: 75% refund; before June 1st, 2026: 50% refund; after June 1st, 2026: No refund. Reimbursements will be sent after the conference. Notice of cancellation of registration must be received in writing to the Conference Secretariat. All refunds will be provided after the conference within 14 days.

Conference registration fees are in USD . 

*M: Members of Academic Society for Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds; **N: Nonmembers(N); ***If an exhibitor wants a larger space, they can rent bigger space; ****Conference is offering a 25% reduced registration fee to students and residents of UN list of least developed countries (https://unctad.org/topic/least-developed-countries/list); *** 50% discount for virtual participation

Venue and Accommodations:

Our venue will be located at University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan.

Deadlines: 

• The abstract submission deadline is April 30th, 2026.
• Full-text papers (full review or research articles) for oral presentations or posters will receive 70% discount for the article publication fee. Please note that the submission of full text papers are mandatory for oral presenters. Please review the author guidlenes before submitting your article. We will chose your article for publication in FFC's open-access, peer-reviewed journals in accordance to your article content and other parameters: 3 our journals included in the Scopus and they are: The Journal of "Functional Foods in Health and Disease" (FFHD),  The Journal of "Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease" (BCHD) and The Journal of Functional Food Science (FFS).  Full-text paper submission deadline is March 1st, 2026.
• Power Points for oral presentations should be submitted before October 1st, 2026. 

Please note that the program and sessions are subject to change. For more information about the conference, please contact us by e-mail at ffc@functionalfoodscenter.net.