AIFST Student Product Development Competition finalists announced

Innovative entries from students at Deakin University in Victoria and the University of Western Sydney in NSW have been chosen as finalists for the 2011 Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Student Product Development Competition.

The teams who produced ‘So Chicky’ (Deakin Uni) and the ‘Mediterranean Savoury Muffin Bar’ (Uni of Western Sydney) have been invited to present their products, the thinking behind them and the research applied for final judging at the 44th Annual AIFST Convention to be held in Sydney from 10-13 July.

An impressive selection of entries was received from student groups all around Australia.

Melanie Spaggiari, Business Director for National Starch ANZ, the sponsor of the competition, said: “This competition gives students a great opportunity to showcase their talents - and it’s those talents that have a lot of appeal to prospective employers. The judges, all long-standing industry professionals, also offer valuable and relevant feedback. What with the prize money and tickets to the AIFST convention, it’s a win-win situation for the students.”

Finalists share $1500 in prize money and receive a fully funded trip to the AIFST convention for their presentation to the judges.

Entry to the competition is open to undergraduate student AIFST members.

Competition winners will be announced at the convention closing dinner, Parkside Ballroom, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on 12 July 2011.

The recipient of the Malcolm Bird Award, which also acknowledges budding young food scientists, will also be announced on the night.

For convention registration details, visit www.aifst.com.au/annualconvention. Bookings made before 3 June attract an early bird rate.