Global Food Security (GFS) is the UK cross-government programme on food security research. Interdisciplinary and whole system approaches to research on UK and global food systems are cornerstones of the GFS programme. GFS coordinates scientific research supported by its partners across government departments and agencies, the devolved administrations, research councils and Innovate UK. We build on partners’ existing activities, aiming to add value to their current and future investments, and complementing their individual strategies. GFS facilitates new interdisciplinary research to address food system challenges, and provides a platform for working in partnership with a wide variety of stakeholders and users, both internationally and in the UK. The programme also supports effective translation of research for use by food producers and processors, retailers, consumers and government, enabling them to respond to and manage the challenges facing the UK food system as well as related global issues, including the many challenges confronting the developing world in the face of environmental and demographic change.