The Chef-in-Residence Program is a fully funded artistic residency that brings together science and gastronomy to explore fermentation as a source of inspiration for culinary creativity, sustainability, and innovation in the food system. 

Solving food system challenges will not only necessitate development of new technologies, but also creation of new frameworks for sharing and inspiring change. This program invites chefs to join the Hill-Maini Lab for a defined period to inspire culinary creativity, advance scientific discovery, and develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable food system through the fusion of gastronomy, science, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

The resident collaborates on culinary and scientific R&D projects focused on fermentation and food innovation. The program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge fermentation techniques, the opportunity to co-develop new dishes and prototype products with industry partners and other artists, and the chance to build connections across Stanford and the Bay Area through workshops, collaborations, and public events. More information can be found here.

2025-2026 Residence: Mugaritz

Our first chef in residence program invited Mugaritz to campus for three weeks in the fall, three weeks in the spring, to collaborate and learn. Ramón Perisé Moré was hosted through a partnership between Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability Visiting Artist Program and The Office of the Vice President for the Arts.

“What began as a culinary residency became an interdisciplinary space for research, dialogue, experimentation, and creation. The experience expanded far beyond the kitchen—connecting science, fermentation, art, storytelling and community through food.” 

Ramón Perisé Moré, Head of Creativity, Mugaritz

1000

By the numbers

participants engaged across Stanford, industry, and the broader Bay Area community. 

5

Food products designed, including a new dish based on fungal fermentation on Mugaritz Menu

6+

events & outreach programs hosted for the Stanford community and the public

20

News features in leading media outlets, including BBC, El Pais

Featured outputs

Flavor of the residence

New seasoning developed in partnership with San-J International, made from fungal fermentation of byproducts

Fermented Speakeasy

Pop-up hosted in a secret location on Stanford campus, inspired by filamentous fungi & fermentation. 11 new dishes with 3 drink pairings, served omakase-style 

Media coverage

Key activities and outputs of the program highlighted in major news outlets and scientific periodicals 

Fungal Futures Zine

Self-published creative zine, developed in partnership with students and community members - printed in 500+ copies and distributed to chefs, academics, and the public

Fermentation festival

Public event with 500+ participants, hosted at the Stanford Farm to celebrate fungi, fermentation, and food - from lab to plate 

Interested in supporting our residency program? Contact us.