{{Short description|Approach to food policy focusing on the eater}} {{Multiple issues| {{Essay-like|date=January 2026}} {{Too few opinions|date=January 2026}} {{Cleanup bare URLs|date=February 2026}} }} '''Shiology''' is an emerging interdisciplinary knowledge system that holistically studies human "eat + food" affairs. It centres on the needs and perspectives of ''eaters'', prioritising survival, health, social harmony, and sustainability, while examining interactions between eaters, food supply chains, and global governance structures.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Liu Guangwei |title=An Introduction to Shiology |journal=Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition) |year=2023 |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=1–18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://shiology.world/|title=Home | The World Shiology Forum|website=shiology.world}}</ref>
Unlike traditional disciplines such as agronomy (focused on food production), food science (emphasizing processing and safety), or fragmented food policies and food systems approaches (often siloed across nutrition, agriculture, and environment), Shiology integrates these into a unified, eater-centric framework.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oversea.cnki.net/kcms/detail/detail.aspx?dbcode=CJFD&filename=DBYN202401009&dbname=CJFDLAST2024|title=Principles of Shiology——Revealing the Basic Rules of Human Shiance - CNKI}}</ref> It addresses root causes of interconnected crises—like hunger, malnutrition, waste, and ecological impacts—by revealing objective laws of "shiance" (human food acquisition and utilisation) and advocating holistic governance<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.news.cn/20251031/e0a42ac5e6f34a5995ded6574d65cd38/c.html|title=Across China: From theory to practice: Forum offers new framework for global food systems|website=english.news.cn}}</ref> to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202501/25/WS6794568da310a2ab06ea94f0.html |title=China endorses Shiology interdisciplinary discipline in universities |publisher=China Daily |date=2025-01-25}}</ref>
Promoted through the biennial World Shiology Forum and supported by research centres (e.g., at Renmin University of China and the University of Pisa), Shiology has gained recognition as a public knowledge system for systemic food challenges.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=http://shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_new/2025/0416/176.html|title=Home | The World Shiology Forum|website=shiology.world}}</ref>
Shiology places a great importance on food education<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/2005347960409427968.html|title=自由談/「食」亦可成「學」\大 同 - 大公報|website=大公文匯 www.tkww.hk}}</ref> with policies inspired by Shiology implementing greater food education in schools, from cooking lessons to eating etiquette.
== Creation and background ==
Shiology was established from scratch by Liu Guangwei,<ref name="auto2"/> founder and director-general of the World Shiology Forum, in February 2019. “Shiology” is a combination of the Chinese pinyin “shi” and English suffix “-ology”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oversea.cnki.net/kcms/detail/detail.aspx?dbcode=CJFD&filename=DBYN202303001&dbname=CJFDLAST2023|title=An Introduction to Shiology - CNKI}}</ref> The character “shi” in Chinese has two meanings including the verb "eat", as well as the noun "food".<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/306318/World-Shiology-Forum-to-Tackle-Global-Food-System-Challenges-in-Hainan|title=World Shiology Forum to Tackle Global Food System Challenges in Hainan|website=www.thestandard.com.hk}}</ref>
The 4th World Shiology Forum concluded, in the Hainan Initiative,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://shiology.world/a/luntanchengguo_yingwen/|title=The World Shilolgy Forum|website=shiology.world}}</ref> that, “We need a new knowledge system - shiology - that covers all the 'eat and food' issues related to the SDGs, to comprehensively recognise the issues and holistically govern them, setting the eaters at the centre of the approach, and thus promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/other-sources/article|title=Article|website=Philanthropy News Digest (PND)}}</ref>
== World Shiology Forum ==
The World Shiology Forum (WSF) is an international conference that brings together global experts in food science and agriculture from five key sectors: 1) policymakers, 2) academia, 3) industry, 4) finance and foundations, and 5) both mainstream and social media<ref>www.shiology.world</ref>.
Shiology aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Because of this, Shiology Founder Mr. Liu Guangwei was invited to give a presentation in 2019 to the United Nations Headquarters<ref>https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1665838738360215421&wfr=spider&for=pc.</ref>.
With the World Shiology Forum formerly known as The World Eatology Forum, five forums and one summit have been successfully held in Beijing (China), Osaka (Japan), Istanbul (Turkey), and Hainan (China) . The most recent forum was hosted in Haikou, Hainan from the 28th of October to the 31st of October 2025.<ref>{{cite web | title=Across China: From theory to practice: Forum offers new framework for global food systems | url=https://xhnewsapi.xinhuaxmt.com/share/news_pc?id=1141646973296640&showType=3001&utdId=01740271ef4f4350b43bc3da342260da&version=5.0.2&twoShare=1&uuid=a77f-6bbe-d5ed-a7df-65b7 }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/News/2025/1112/361.html|title=Home | The World Shiology Forum|website=www.shiology.world}}</ref> The next World Shiology Forum is expected to be hosted in 2027, but the location and date have yet to be announced.
Each World Shiology Forum Covers a different shiance topic.
{| class="wikitable" |+ World Eatology/ Shiology Forums & World Eatology Summits |- ! Forum !! Host City, Country !! Host Date !! Topic |- | 1st World Food Forum || Beijing, People's Republic of China || 21–24 May 2017 || “The Belt and Road, Food Leads the Way” issued with Yiyin Initiative |- | 2nd World Food Forum || Beijing, People's Republic of China || 20–22 May 2018<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_related/2025/0410/154.html</ref> || “Food Production and Utilisation”<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_related/2025/0410/153.html</ref> |- | 3rd Wold Shiology Forum || Osaka, Japan || 24–26 June 2019<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_related/2025/0410/156.html</ref> || “SDGs and Food Issues” issued with Awaji Island Declaration |- | 3rd World Eatology Summit || Istanbul, Turkey || 18-19 December 2020 || “Eatology-With A Multidimensional Approach Holistically Solve Food Issues” issued with Istanbul Declaration of Eatology |- || 4th World Shiology Forum || Haikou, People's Republic of China || 10–11 October 2023<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/guanyuluntan_yingwen/</ref> || “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” issued with Hainan Initiative<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_new/2025/0411/162.html</ref> |- | 5th World Shiology Forum || Haikou, People's Republic of China || 28–31 October 2025<ref name="auto1"/> || “A Holistic Approach to Addressing Food System Challenges through Shiology”<ref name="auto3"/> |}
=== The 4th World Shiology Forum === Over 100 participants from 43 countries had the honor of receiving a written message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, reinforcing the forum’s truly global reach<ref>"The Message by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the 4th World Shiology Forum". World Shiology Forum. Retrieved December 29, 2025.</ref>.
The 4th WSF was primarily academically focused, aiming to establish global recognition and consensus around Shiology's potential<ref>http://food.china.com.cn/2023-10/18/content_116756593.htm, food.china.com.cn, 2023-10-18</ref>. The theme for this forum was “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” and the Hainan Initiative was issued<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_new/2025/0411/162.html</ref>.
=== The 5th World Shiology Forum === The 5th World Shiology Forum was successfully held from 28-31 October 2025 in Hainan (China), under the theme, “A Holistic Approach to Addressing Food System Challenges through Shiology”<ref name="auto3"/>. The forum brought together over 300 on-site participants, including representatives from the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, along with delegates from 55 countries. The event also attracted coverage from both international and domestic social media outlets<ref>https://news.cri.cn/2025-10-30/d2848f50-736b-d3b7-86cb-332095f333f1.html. Hainan Daily. 2025-10-30</ref>.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a written message to the forum, in which he wrote “we must act together to create food systems that sustain both people and planet. The holistic principles of Shiology can help light the way.” <ref>http://www3.xinhuanet.com/food/20251029/5f6d5dbcf00940f6b08820de1010f663/c.html China Food News. Retrieved 29 October 2025</ref>
Within the 5th WSF, the Global Food Systems and SDGs Report 2025 was officially launched and formally presented to the United Nations representative.<ref>https://www.cfsn.cn/news/detail/33/317264.html. Hainan Daily. 2025-10-29</ref> The report was developed with contributions from more than 100 collaborators, serving as co-authors representing the UN Member States.<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_new/2025/0408/151.html World Shiology Forum official website.</ref>
In the preface of the report, Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, described Shiology as “a framework that integrates food, eaters and food order that provides a full-chain approach to understanding food system issues.”<ref>"Home | The World Shiology Forum".</ref>
This perspective has also been echoed by many international institutions. In a letter of support, Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), noted that “the work of the forum and its participants have made valuable contributions to addressing global challenges such as food shortages, food waste, and unequal access to proper nutrition.”<ref>ibid</ref>
Discussions about how indigenous populations are being impacted by climate change, how education can play a crucial role in Shiology<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202501/25/WS6794568da310a2ab06ea94f0.html|title=China endorses Shiology interdisciplinary discipline in universities|website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref> and sustainability and how governing systems should be reformed to improve the sustainability of food systems<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/vsu-prof-first-filipina-at-world-shiology-forum-co-authors-food-systems-book|title=VSU prof first Filipina at World Shiology Forum, co-authors food systems book|first=SunStar|last=Philippines|date=November 29, 2025|website=SunStar Publishing Inc.}}</ref> took place during the 5th WSF. The conference culminated with a tour of Shiance industries in Hainan.
The Forum announced the opening of a new Shiology Research Institute at the University of Pisa<ref>{{cite web | title=Global food thinkers gather for 5th International forum on Shiology in Haikou | url=https://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/news-events/news/2025/11/05/global_food_thinkers_gather_for_5th_international_forum_on_shiology_in_haikou.html }}</ref> , the second such centre to exist, and the first in Europe.
The forum ended by publishing the 'Global Food Systems & SDGs Report',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shiology.world/food-report.pdf|title=Global Food Systems and SDGs Report - Holistic Governance of Food Supply, Healthy Eating, and Ecological Balance}}</ref> outlining the importance of food policies in the realisation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
== United Nations recognition and engagement == Shiology and the World Shiology Forum have received endorsements from United Nations leadership, highlighting the discipline's alignment with global efforts to transform food systems and advance SDGs.
At the 4th World Shiology Forum in 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a written message, greeting participants and urging the international community to address the global food crisis by making food systems more sustainable, equitable, and resilient and ensuring that "the men and women who bring food systems to life" must be supported.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shiology.world/report.pdf|title=THE 5TH WORLD SHIOLOGY FORUM - Forum Manual}}</ref> He emphasised the need for scientific and technological innovations to improve healthy food access while reducing water consumption and carbon emissions.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Message by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the 4th World Shiology Forum |url=http://shiology.world/xinwen/news_cont/2023_1128_12.html |publisher=World Shiology Forum |access-date=December 29, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=4th World Shiology Forum kicks off in Hainan |url=http://www.hicn.cn/system/2023/10/11/033055788.shtml |publisher=hiHainan |date=2023-10-11 |access-date=December 29, 2025}}</ref>
For the 5th World Shiology Forum in October 2025, Secretary-General Guterres again provided a written message, read on site, stating that the holistic principle of Shiology "points the way for exploring the path of human coexistence" and stressing the interdependence of society, ecosystems, and the economy for building resilience.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |title=World Shiology Forum focusing on food system opens in Hainan |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202510/29/WS6902109ca310f735438b7a30.html |publisher=China Daily |date=2025-10-29 |access-date=December 29, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Across China: From theory to practice: Forum offers new framework for global food systems |url=https://english.news.cn/20251031/e0a42ac5e6f34a5995ded6574d65cd38/c.html |publisher=Xinhua |date=2025-10-31 |access-date=December 29, 2025}}</ref> Dr Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator in China, was also a keynote speaker at the 5th World Shiology Forum. <ref>https://china.un.org/en/304183-5th-world-shiology-forum</ref>
Additionally, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon contributed a foreword to the 'Global Food Systems and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report 2025', released at the end of the 5th Forum. Moon highlighted the complexity of food system challenges and explicitly endorsed Shiology, stating that "Shiology is such a knowledge system" needed for comprehensive coverage of the entire food system.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Post-Forum Report: 5th World Shiology Forum Outcomes |url=http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/News/2025/1112/361.html |publisher=World Shiology Forum |date=November 2025 |access-date=December 29, 2025}}</ref>
== Research and education == Shiology research centres exist at Renmin University<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202405/25/WS6651a6c0a31082fc043c919d.html|title=Research Center for Shiology unveiled at Renmin University of China|website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref> (China) and now Pisa <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unipi.it/en/news/the-nutrafood-centre-has-signed-an-agreement-with-the-shiology-centre-of-renmin-university-china/|title=The Nutrafood Centre has signed an agreement with the Shiology Centre of Renmin University (China)}}</ref> (Italy), with over 100 co-authors contributing to global reports. Educational efforts include culinary integrations (e.g., Global Culinary Alliance) and primary school programs on eating etiquette. Publications like Liu's ''An Introduction to Shiology'' (2023)<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.aeeisp.com/jnau/en/article/id/9fb55320-c308-46eb-8392-2c00c6f84be7|title=An Introduction to Shiology|first=Liu|last=Guang-wei|date=September 25, 2023|journal=Journal of Northeast Agricultural University(English Edition)|volume=30|issue=3|pages=1–18|via=www.aeeisp.com}}</ref> provide foundational texts.
Since January 2026, the Beijing Shiology Research Centre has published a 'Shiology Newsletter'. Articles in the first issue included contributions from Dr Saheeda Mujaffar (University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago)), as well as an article from highlighting the "contributions of the World Shiology Forum" in a letter from Lok Bahadur Thapa (President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council).<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/News/2026/0121/375.html</ref>
== Liu Guangwei == === Early Life and Education === Liu Guangwei was born in Beijing, China and spent part of his early life in Shandong Province, where he engaged in agricultural work. In 1978, Liu was admitted to Jinan Business School and later became a faculty member after his college graduation.<ref>Liu Guangwei, "Shiology," Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition), 2023</ref>
=== Career === In 1986, Liu was assigned to the Shandong Provincial Tourism Bureau. He was involved in the founding the Shandong Cuisine Society, where he served as Executive Deputy Secretary-General and Vice President.<ref>https://m.haiwainet.cn/middle/3541353/2017/0329/content_30824673_1.html. 2017-03-29.</ref> He also worked as an executive chef in Shandong before founding Oriental Cuisine, a monthly culinary magazine, and establishing the Oriental Culinary School.<ref>Liu Guangwei, Shiology: An Introduction, Beijing: Thread-Binding Publishing House, 2018.</ref> . Liu organized several academic seminars on culinary education and edited over 20 professional publications. <ref>ibid</ref>
In 2018, the Theory of 34 Chinese Cuisines was put forward by Liu, which established a five-level system consisting of Chinese cuisine, regional cuisines, genres, schools and dishes.<ref>https://baike.baidu.com/reference/1346034/533aYdO6cr3_z3kATKLez62jMizNMY-vvLXUVeRzzqIP0XOpW4bkSI1859oosPRpWxjDuYhrbplHxrnyF0pH8fYQbr5qHPF3wzKQUDHDyrjk99wvwpUZ. China Food News. Retrieved 10 December 2018</ref>
Liu subsequently introduced interdisciplinary framework known as "Shiology”, a holistic system that studies the relationship between food, eaters, and broader social systems.<ref>Liu Guangwei. Shiology System —To Establish Inclusion and Juxtaposition Relationships Within Shiance [J]. Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition). 2024，31（3）：85-96.</ref> He currently serves as the Director of the Shiology Research Center at Renmin University of China<ref>http://www.sard.ruc.edu.cn/xysy/xydt/a1862df3647b405b937c9c72e5ef2b6b.htm Renmin Univeristy of China official site. Retrieved 17 January 2024.</ref> ; President of the Beijing Shiology Research Institute<ref>World Shiology Forum Official Site, worldshiologyforum.org .</ref> ; Director-General of the World Shiology Forum<ref>http://www.shiology.world/a/yingwenban/about/about_new/2025/0416/176.html. World Shiology Forum official site. </ref> ; and Executive Director of Shiology Branch, China Association of Vocational and Technical Education.<ref>https://www.360kuai.com/pc/9a1f6d55a318ade3f?cota=3&kuai_so=1&sign=360_57c3bbd1&refer_scene=so_1. People’s Daily Online. Retrieved 26 January 2026.</ref>
=== Founder of World Shiology Forum === Liu founded the World Shiology Forum in 2017 as a platform to address global food systems and related issues.<ref>World Shiology Forum Official Site, worldshiologyforum.org .</ref> The forum, held biennially, has taken place in Beijing, China; Osaka, Japan; Istanbul, Turkey; and Hainan, China. The 2019 forum in Osaka, Japan was officially recognized as a side event of the G20 Osaka Summit.<ref>https://baike.baidu.com/reference/1346034/533aYdO6cr3_z3kATKHeyqr5NS-VYomrtrfUBrNzzqIP0XOpX5nyFJA77t8q__liAEXIv5UtMoZEz6X6DFRH6ehDHuw0QLEklXb-VTLckfq7 Retrieved May 18 2020.China Economic Net.</ref>
The World Shiology Forum aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to discuss the global food crisis and systemic challenges.<ref>World Shiology Forum Official Site, worldshiologyforum.org</ref>
=== Academic work and Shiology === Liu proposed Shiology as an academic system addressing the relationship between humans, food, and global challenges, with a focus on global food security, health, and sustainability.<ref>Liu, Guangwei. An Introduction to Shiology [J]. Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition). 2023, 30 (3):1-18. </ref>
Liu has authored books such as Shiology, which outlines key concepts and frameworks in Shiology<ref>ibid</ref>,and other foundational works. His academic contributions have led to the establishment of Shiology research centers at Renmin University of China<ref>https://www.peopleapp.com/column/30045042597-500005434940. Retrieved 26 May 2024. People’s Daily.</ref>and Pisa University in Italy.<ref>https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/hxSH4gd0NQBQO_eJSoaiXA World Shiology Forum Wechatt official account</ref>
=== International engagement === Liu has actively participated in international conferences and policy discussions related to global food systems. In 2019, he attended a United Nations expert group meeting in New York, organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), to discuss the role of digital transformation in food policy.<ref>http://eatology.org/zh/xinwen/news_cont/cont14.html. World Shiology Forum official website. Retrieved 26 December 2019.</ref>
The United Nations has recognized the World Shiology Forum and its alignment with global efforts to address food security, health, and environmental sustainability.<ref>ibid</ref>
=== Publications === Liu has written extensively on Shiology, including theoretical works and educational resources aimed at expanding the discipline. His work has been published in various academic journals, including Journal of Northeast Agricultural University.<ref> https://kns.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=5e51ekeyRJa0g37Pjks0xMYEZLUQp_U50snH7yHtCXXkuBgH7BjggdB8gE2R2pfZevYl2AwfaPvZIZdezavMSHBEmPyl1hxpMIJ9GLvYZw0NSiBsKYJ-qKbC_Ukwf9DPc1xNgYdVk1D5Mrtzf-FBdCVyqbpmyOwK7hZVPhFtbzjK8iraymD48w==&uniplatform=NZKPT&language=CHS. CNKI.</ref>
=== Awards === In 2000, he represented China at the 20th International Exhibition of Culinary Art (Culinary Olympics) in Germany, earning a Merit Award.<ref>The First Beijing Olympic Park International Cuisine Competition was a spectacular event. People's Daily Online. Retrieved 3 July 2012</ref>
In August 2019, he was inducted as an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Chefs for his innovative theories on the aesthetics of culinary arts and the coding system of culinary products.<ref>"2019 Honorary AAC Inductees. August 2019" https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Academy-Connection--August-2019.html?soid=1101876440858&aid=fEPolPW0uSk </ref>
== References ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Food Policy}} Category:Food politics Category:Agricultural policy