Who We Are…
Hi, I’m Mia, the founder and CEO of Chefstigator!
I have years of experience in food and science education, along with an MEng in Chemical Engineering from Imperial — most of all, I’m super passionate about making food and science approachable and fun for everyone!
My dream is to see kids (and adults!) chefstigating every day — exploring the magic behind food and cooking to eat in ways that are better for both us and our planet, while uncovering the funky science behind our everyday lives.
Mia Jones, Founder and CEO
This is Katie, the creative genius behind all the Chefstigator illustrations (and yes, she was definitely the cooler kid between us)!
With a professional background in science communication, a BSc in Biology from Imperial, and a passion for making complex scientific concepts fun and approachable for kids and families, she brings our ideas to life in the most exciting ways.
Katie Long, Head of Design
…And Why Chefstigator Started!
Did you know?
🍟 2/3 of UK adolescents' energy intake comes from ultra-processed foods.
🌱 Our global food system contributes to 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
🗑️ A staggering 25% of food produced is lost or wasted.
Our food system is broken, and we urgently need a more food-curious next generation ready (and excited!) to tackle BIG challenges.
What does food education currently look like in the UK?
Food education is mandatory in UK schools, but it’s often under-delivered due to limited time, resources, and expertise.
When taught, kids typically learn how to follow recipes without understanding why each step matters. This leads to a surface-level understanding of food, contributing to unhealthy (ultra-processed, unbalanced) and unsustainable (environmentally intensive, wasteful) eating habits.
Cooking is a crucial life skill — and when paired with playful investigation, it helps kids see how science applies to everyday life while sharpening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
💡Enter Chefstigator!
We’re on a mission to revolutionise food education in the UK by turning kids into chefs and investigators to teach them more about food, science, and sustainability — all while eating and having fun!
Through our activities, kids not only learn to become awesome chefs — they also get an early introduction to key science concepts they’ll encounter in secondary school.
Our at-home activities make this learning accessible, fun, and engaging for all. Our in-person workshops reinforce this learning and offer an opportunity for curious chefstigators to create and investigate together!
So… ready to get chefstigating? Let’s explore the magic of food and science together! 🎉