Dr Rounaq Nayak

Global slavery generates over £116bn in profits every year, more than one-third of which is generated in developed countries, including the EU and the UK. My research interest lies in understanding why labour conditions in many parts of the world in the food sector are still breaking a lot of national laws and international conventions. That people will not strictly adhere to every single protocol is a given - what I am interested in is understanding how we should design food systems such that we would achieve maximum compliance while ensuring food and people safety and happiness at every point along the food value chain.

I am a social scientist with a specialisation in applying human factors methods to complex systems. I have a keen interest in understanding the impact of change on human behaviour. Specifically, in understanding and exploring the negative impacts of change on the food system, and identifying how change can be managed positively. In addition to carrying out research in the food sector, I also have experience in carrying out Quality Improvement in the healthcare sector at the Oxford University Hospitals. 

I am interested in collaborating with researchers, and stakeholders of the food industry within and outside academia on research projects within my areas of research interest. My skills include carrying out systems analyses using Human Factors techniques across industries, using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods leading to quality improvement. 

I am a member of 'SALUS: the Food Safety Culture Research Group', a research group comprised of researchers concerned with improving local, national and global food safety cultures.

I am always keen to learn more about applying human factors methods across the food industry, so whether you have similar interests, or want to find out more, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Areas of Research Interest:

Applying human factors methods to improve resilience in food systems:
1. Modern slavery (in the food sector)
2. Food Safety Culture
3. Food Fraud & Crime
4. Food Policy & Supply Chain transparency

Professional Memberships

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health