The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1990.
ISIC is dedicated to contributing and consolidating balanced scientific information on coffee production and consumption - providing a reference for professionals and authorities who address the health and wellbeing of both people and the environment. Its activities include:
Research demonstrates that moderate coffee consumption – typically 3-5 cups per day – may contribute to a healthy balanced diet. This amount is in line with recommendations on caffeine intake from Food Safety Authorities such as EFSA.
ISIC supports independent research and works with experts to understand and expand the evidence-base on the impact of coffee consumption on human health and wellbeing. While coffee’s effects are widely studied, ISIC supports research that specifically explores the underlying scientific mechanisms behind its impact on the body.
For many years, coffee farmers, scientists, manufacturers and trade associations have been working together to understand, measure, and possibly reduce the environmental impact of coffee farming. Many initiatives are already ongoing locally and internationally to drive developments in sustainable and climate-resilient coffee growing, along with a sustainable livelihood for farmers and local communities.
When grown and managed in the right way, coffee has significant potential to contribute as a restorative source for the planet. ISIC focuses on five main areas where coffee science can aide coffee farmers and manufacturers to drive positive environmental changes, namely:
Millions of people around the world enjoy a cup of coffee, whether at home, whilst on the move, or at work. Coffee is one of the most researched commodities; resulting in the publication of hundreds of scientific studies every year.
In 2003, research among healthcare professionals across Europe identified a widely spread lack of current knowledge about the health effects of coffee and many misconceptions among doctors, nurses, dietitians and other healthcare professionals who, in turn, provide advice to patients and clients about the effects of coffee on health.
ISIC thus started to provide medical and healthcare professionals and specialist medical media with a comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge and understanding on the effects of coffee consumption on human health and wellbeing. This complements ISIC’s support to independent research and experts to understand and expand the evidence-base on the impact of coffee consumption on human health and wellbeing.
In 2022, ISIC broadened its focus to cover both the health of people and the environment.
Globally, there is rising awareness on the possible detrimental impacts of human activities on the environment, and an increasing realisation that enhanced sustainable practices will help secure coffee as a viable commodity over the long term.
Science and agricultural expertise must continue to drive positive improvements for the planet, and ISIC is supporting independent scientific research on the environmental impact of coffee farming, guided by ongoing consideration of the latest scientific developments and current knowledge gaps.
ISIC respects scientific research ethics in all its activities. All ISIC communications are based on sound science and on evidence and scientific studies derived from peer-reviewed scientific journals and publications.
In supporting independent scientific research, ISIC adheres to the following principles:
ISIC works with a range of experts, many of whom are recognised leaders in their fields of research, to support independent scientific research on coffee.
This drives the ISIC mission to inform trade organisations, NGOs, medical and healthcare professionals, as well as media, about the current scientific knowledge and understanding on coffee.
The ISIC panel of researchers, doctors and scientists are available for media interviews and to provide expert commentary on the latest coffee research relating to health and sustainability. They can cover a range of health topics, from cardiovascular health, to G.I. disorders and sports performance and can also talk about sustainable improvements in agriculture and coffee growing. If you would like to speak with a member of the ISIC expert panel please click here.
