This paper describes the conception and initial phase of the North West Sustainable Food Research Collaboration (SusfoodNW). It provides summary findings from exploratory work packages which commenced at the beginning of the initiative and feedback from regional stakeholders concerning the role and challenges for regional academic collaborations and sustainable food research more broadly. As such, it is a collection of reflections and research outputs that aim to illustrate:
a) The process of academics from neighbouring institutions working together with a regional focus but without significant external resource
b) Some findings from initial research on the region which aimed to map and understand some of the context for sustainable food in the region and provide a grounding for further research
c) A snapshot of regional stakeholder opinion in relation to the focus and activities of a regional research collaboratio
