Explore · Share · Innovate | Jiangnan University “Newma Cup” Experimental Case Competition Concludes Successfully, Unlocking a New Future for Food Research

To advance technological innovation in the field of food science and stimulate research vitality, the “Niumag Cup” Large Instrument Application Experimental Case Competition – Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) Analyzer Session, sponsored by Suzhou Niumag Analytical Instruments Co., Ltd. and hosted by the School of Food Science at Jiangnan University, was successfully held on May 19, 2025.

Under the theme of “Explore · Share · Innovate”, the competition focused on the innovative applications of LF-NMR technology in food science, attracting numerous students and faculty members. Cutting-edge research projects competed side by side, showcasing experimental case studies that deepened the application of LF-NMR technology and injected new momentum into the development of the food industry.

The competition received nine outstanding entries, covering hot topics such as frozen foods, gel systems, and dietary design. For example, LF-NMR technology was used to optimize gel interface structures, enabling high-precision 3D-printed foods for people with swallowing difficulties, achieving breakthroughs in both functionality and texture. In another case, the technology precisely revealed the relationship between moisture migration and texture deterioration in frozen rice, providing a scientific basis for cold-chain food preservation. These results demonstrate the powerful potential of LF-NMR technology in exploring micro-level mechanisms and supporting industrial applications in food science.

The competition jury included Lily Fu, Party Secretary of the School of Food Science at Jiangnan University; Li Cheng, Vice Dean; Wenlong Wang, Laboratory Director; Yin Zhi Zhang, Platform Specialist in Spectroscopy; Senior Experimentalist Yun Ma; and Yang Yi, Marketing Director of Niumag Analytical. Using a “project presentation + live defense” format, the jury thoroughly evaluated each case for innovation, technical depth, and practical value. The event combined rigorous academic atmosphere with a spirit of innovation, as participants responded to layered questions with robust data and logical reasoning, demonstrating solid research capabilities.

As a leading hub in China for food science research, Jiangnan University’s School of Food Science has always promoted interdisciplinary study and technological innovation. This competition not only showcased cutting-edge research but also exemplified the School’s integrated “industry-academia-research-application” philosophy. Through in-depth application of LF-NMR technology, participants achieved breakthroughs in areas such as moisture migration mechanisms, gel structure analysis, and optimized 3D-printed foods, demonstrating the School’s leadership in food science research.

As a pioneer in analytical instrumentation, Suzhou Niumag Analytical continues to support researchers with precise and reliable instruments, helping them overcome technical challenges and advance LF-NMR technology. Although the “Niumag Cup” Experimental Case Competition has concluded, the pursuit of innovation in food science continues unabated. Looking ahead, Jiangnan University and Niumag Analytical will continue to collaborate, using technology as their pen and innovation as their ink, to write a new chapter in food science research!