Young scientist wins international award

23 May 2024 - Riddet Institute post-doctoral researcher Thomas Do is heading to Italy in September after being awarded an IUFoST Young Scientist Award.

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) is a global scientific organisation that focuses on food science and technology, food safety and sufficient food supply, and that promotes the development of foods for healthy diets.

Dr Do is one of eight young scientists selected for this award  by international juries. These eight nominees, amongst the best young scientists in the world, will attend the 22nd IUFoST World Congress of Food Science and Technology in Rimini, Italy, from September 8-12, 2024.

This is the highest honour awarded to Young Scientists by IUFoST as it affords the winner the opportunity to present in front of a global audience in a plenary setting during the congress. The award includes travel roundtrip to Rimini, accommodation during the congress period and registration fees.

The Riddet Institute is a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) hosted by Massey University in Palmerston North. 

Dr Do’s academic supervisor Dr Alejandra Acevedo-Fani said she was immensely proud of Thomas and congratulated him on the award.

“It is a well-deserved achievement in winning this prestigious award,” says Dr Acevedo-Fani. “Dr Do’s dedication, creativity, commitment to excellence and unwavering passion for his work have set a remarkable standard. This recognition is a testament to Thomas’ talents and contributions to our team.”

As part of his work at the Riddet Institute, Dr Do has developed a new way to isolate intact protein bodies from hemp seeds. This is a promising new method that allows humans to digest and utilise plant proteins in the body.

Dr Do will present his research on the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and trypsin hydrolysis of protein bodies from hemp seeds at the World Congress as part of the Young Scientist Award.

Dr Do completed a PhD with the Riddet Institute in 2020 and commenced his postdoctoral role in 2021.  He is working on a CoRE research  project  to investigate the structures, functionality and digestion of plant protein bodies. The institute’s CoRE Research Programme aims to provide the fundamental underpinning science to support tomorrow’s food innovations. These foods will be sustainable, support optimal nutrition and appeal to the preferences of global consumers. 

The IUFoST Young Scientist Award is open to candidates who have high achievements in food science and technology, and great presentation skills. They must be working in their first post-doctoral position, first academic position, and be aged 35 or under.

The 2024 IUFoST World Congress will feature food science and technology sector challenges and will include presentations from a wide range of scientists. The Young Scientist Award has been part of the IUFoST World Congresses since 2006.