Staff and students celebrated at the NZIFST Conference

Held in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland at the end of June, the three-day conference centred on the theme of Growth, exploring how Aotearoa New Zealand’s food sector can expand its economic impact while operating within environment boundaries and advancing sustainability.

The conference, in association with the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, brought together food science professionals, researchers and industry leaders from across the country to share research, industry insights and emerging innovations. As one of the country’s most significant food science events, it provides an important forum for collaboration across the food and beverage sector.

During the conference, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Associate Professor Lovedeep Kaur and Professor Jaspreet Singh were inducted as NZIFST Fellows in recognition of their outstanding contributions to food science and technology.  

Dr Kaur’s research spans muscle chemistry and processing, food microstructure-digestion relationships and the digestion of foods including alternative and plant-based proteins. Her work has helped solve practical challenges faced by industry while advancing understanding of how food proteins are digested, contributing to improved health outcomes and informing the development of commercial food products.

In recognising her Fellowship, NZIFST noted her contribution to the development and promotion of the food industry, her success in translating research into industry impact through partnerships and her commitment to training future food scientists.

Professor Singh’s research focuses on food microstructure and its influence on digestion. His work has significantly advanced understanding in the field, supporting improved health and sustainability outcomes while helping inform the development of new food products.

NZIFST recognised Professor Singh’s strong contribution to the sector through research and development, technology transfer, consultancy and education.

Both academics were also acknowledged for their longstanding support of NZIFST and for encouraging postgraduate students to participate in and contribute to the conference.

Current Massey students were also among those celebrated, with three of the top five places in the NZIFST Student Essay Competition awarded to Massey students. The annual competition encourages food science and technology students to communicate scientific developments to consumers in a clear, engaging and accessible way, helping to develop science communication skills alongside technical expertise.

Entries this year were received from all five New Zealand universities offering food science programmes.

Bachelor of Food Technology (Honours) students Amberleigh Dyer and Hunter Read placed first and second respectively. Amberleigh’s winning essay explored how food architecture can be used to influence appetite, while Hunter examined the brewing science behind no- and low-alcohol beers. As part of their prizes, both essays will be published in FoodNZ and the students will receive complimentary NZIFST memberships.

Fifth place was awarded to Xu Han from the Massey-Jiangnan cohort, whose essay examined whether seafood by-products could become a sustainable source of collagen. 

Massey’s contribution to the sector was recognised beyond the award presentations.

Speaking on the role of partnerships in strengthening New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, Northland Inc Chief Executive Paul Linton highlighted the importance of collaboration and referenced several collaborations involving Massey, including a partnership with NorthTec aimed at expanding the study and research opportunities in the region. 

Massey alumni also featured prominently in conference discussions, with AsureQuality Chief Executive Kim Ballinger and Little ‘Lato founder Hannah Engelsman sharing insights into their career journeys as part of a panel session.

Head of the School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences Professor Jamie Quinton says the achievements reflect the strength of Massey’s Food Technology community.

"The successes shown by Massey’s staff and students at NZIFST highlights our longstanding leadership in food science and technology. Our people are internationally recognised for their expertise and their commitment to advancing knowledge, supporting industry, and developing the next generation of food scientists. Our students’ successes are our successes, and it is so wonderful to see both our domestic and transnational students making such an impact. To have two staff members appointed as Fellows in the same year underscores the vital role Massey continues to play in shaping the future of the food sector."