Jack Bobo

Jack Bobo is recognized for his expertise in food systems, drawing on a background in international law, environmental policy, and behavioral science. With more than 20 years of experience in global food systems and food policy, Bobo has held roles at the U.S. Department of State, The Nature Conservancy, and the University of Nottingham. He serves as executive director of the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies and is an honorary professor at the University of Nottingham. Bobo's work centers on reducing polarization and strengthening public confidence in science and agriculture, with a focus on food systems, trust, and innovation.

Bobo began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching natural and physical sciences in Mekambo, Gabon. He later worked at the U.S. Department of State for 13 years as a senior advisor for global food policy, traveling to nearly 60 countries to advise on biotechnology, food security, and regulatory cooperation. He has also served as chief communications officer and senior vice president for global policy at Intrexon Corporation, a synthetic biology company, and as chief executive officer of Futurity, a food foresight company. At The Nature Conservancy, Bobo led teams specializing in fisheries, agriculture, and freshwater policy.

Bobo holds bachelor's degrees in biology, chemistry, and psychology, a Master of Science in environmental science, and a Juris Doctor in law from Indiana University. He completed fellowships in international law at Cambridge University and at the Jean Monnet School of Law in Paris. This multidisciplinary foundation supports his ability to bridge science, policy, and public communication in the food and agriculture sector.

Bobo is the author of the book "Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices," which examines how psychology and food environments influence consumer behavior. He has been named one of Scientific American's 100 most influential people in biotechnology and is a recipient of the Borlaug CAST Communication Award. Bobo has delivered more than 1,000 speeches in over 50 countries and leads Nudge the Planet, an initiative focused on advancing a sustainable, nutritious, and equitable food future. Through his leadership at UCLA, he continues to promote efforts to reduce polarization and build trust in food and agriculture.