Kiwi food scientist wins prestigious international award

Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh’s contribution to the field of food science is being acknowledged with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Singh is Director of the Riddet Institute, a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) hosted by Massey University on the Palmerston North campus. He was instrumental in creating the world-class food centre in New Zealand.

The Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University professor will be awarded one of the top international prizes in food science and technology next month. Singh is receiving the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) Lifetime Achievement Award in Chicago at the IFT Annual Conference and Expo on 14–17 July.

Singh will receive the award on Sunday, 14 July at a special awards ceremony and reception.

Singh has published more than 500 scientific papers in leading academic journals. Last year, Stanford University named him as one of the world’s most influential scientists, designating him as the highest-ranked food scientist in New Zealand and the second highest in Australasia in the discipline of food science and technology, since the 1960s.

His international standing and contributions to food science have been recognised by many prestigious national and international awards. In 2012, he was the co-recipient of the Prime Minister’s Science Prize, the highest science honour in New Zealand. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, International Academy of Food Science and Technology and the Institute of Food Technologists (USA).

Singh is deeply honoured to receive the award. “This recognition reflects the collective dedication and support of many remarkable individuals in my research group whose amazing creativity and hard work have been instrumental in this journey. This award inspires us to continue striving for excellence and make meaningful impact on the food sector globally,” he said. 

Image credit: iStock.com/gorodenkoff