Riddet Institute scientists recognised for leadership in sustainable dairy innovation

11 November 2025

Two co-founders of the Sustainable Nutrition Initiative® (SNi) project at the Riddet Institute were recognised with awards from the International Dairy Federation recently.

Professor Jeremy Hill received the prestigious IDF Award for 2025, the Federation’s highest individual honour recognising outstanding contributions to global dairy progress. Established in 1998, the IDF Award celebrates individuals whose work has significantly advanced dairy science and contributed to the sector’s ongoing success.

Nominated by the New Zealand National Committee of the IDF, Professor Jeremy Hill was honoured for his remarkable contributions to dairy science, technology, nutrition, and sustainability over a career spanning more than 35 years.

He is an inventor on over 100 patents, author of more than 100 scientific publications, and has played a pivotal role in establishing research and industry bodies such as the Sustainable Nutrition Initiative. While Professor Hill has contributed to many global initiatives, it is his leadership in science, technology, nutrition and sustainability that is recognised by the IDF Award.

At the same event, the 2025 Prize of Excellence was awarded to the IDF Action Team on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), co-led by SNi’s Dr Andrew Fletcher.

The award celebrates the extraordinary contributions of grassroots volunteers who demonstrably advance the federation’s strategic program through Speed, Worldwide visibility, Impact, Focus and Transparency (SWIFT).

The IDF Action Team consists of 60 world-class experts from 22 countries, working to position the global dairy sector at the forefront of credible climate action. Their work has been critical in harmonising LCA methodologies, ensuring the dairy industry can measure, manage and communicate its environmental footprint with scientific integrity and global consistency.

“The LCA Action Team’s dedication and expertise have been pivotal in strengthening the credibility of dairy as an environmentally efficient source of nutrition,” said Gille Froment, president of the IDF. “Their work embodies the SWIFT spirit, delivering impactful, transparent and globally recognized solutions with remarkable speed and focus. This team has provided the entire sector with the tools to turn environmental commitments into measurable action.”