Highlighting Plekhanov Professors: Dr. Yojna Bansal Co-Authors Research Paper in Springer Nature Journal

When people make more responsible food choices, what really drives them: concern for the planet, personal health, or something more personal?

This was among the questions explored by Dr. Yojna Bansal, Associate Professor at Plekhanov University, and five fellow academics in their research paper, “How Food Choice Perceptions Shape Responsible Food Consumption in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.”

Academic research can offer a closer look at the everyday decisions that shape wider social and sustainability challenges. At Plekhanov University, faculty members contribute to this growing body of knowledge through research that examines real-world questions from different perspectives and across diverse contexts.

The co-authored research paper was published in the Springer Nature journal Discover Sustainability. It examined how perceptions of vegan food choices influence attitudes, purchase intentions, and responsible food consumption behavior among consumers in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its findings suggest that people are more likely to view these choices favorably when they associate them with health benefits, positive emotions, and alignment with their personal values. Environmental benefits also matter, but their influence varies across countries. In other words, responsible food choices are not shaped by sustainability concerns alone. The way a choice fits into a person’s health priorities, emotions, and values can be just as important.

We are proud to have accomplished academics like Dr. Yojna Bansal contributing to the academic community at Plekhanov University, inspiring the next generation of researchers, professionals, and changemakers.