Passion and perseverance brings polish to post-graduate presentations

6 October 2026 – This year’s student communicator of the year left the audience with no doubt about the importance of his research.  

Qayyum Shehzad edged out close competition with a compelling presentation on the structural modification of pea protein, winning the Ansley Te Hiwi Student Communicator Award at the 2026 Riddet Institute Colloquium, held in Palmerston North in September. 

In his presentation, Qayyum discussed his research on the effects of various modifications to pea protein, such as pH shifting and ultrasonication, and his efforts to find ways to tailor its behaviour for food applications. Some modifications surprisingly had the opposite effect than expected which he eventually traced to a reduction in flexibility of the protein.  

Justine Coomson was runner-up after two days that saw 17 inspiring doctoral researchers presenting snippets of their research findings. Justine’s impassioned presentation was about large-scale food fortification in Ghana, a country with many serious and life-limiting micronutrient deficiencies. Her research has found food fortification regulations have been in place for two decades, but many food producers either did not comply, or barriers prevented them from doing so.  

The Riddet Institute Colloquium not only featured remarkable doctoral researcher oral and poster presentations but on the final day attendees were treated to a lesson in public speaking from Board Chair, the Right Honourable Sir Lockwood Smith. The former politician, TV presenter, Parliamentary Speaker and High Commissioner to London noted in his closing address that communicating science was one of the top skills doctoral researchers ought to acquire in their studies.  

“Think about the wider skills you develop as part of your PhD study – what you can learn about leadership and communication.”  

Many of this year’s Colloquium participants demonstrated their abilities to present their findings clearly and with panache. But Sir Lockwood had a tip for those finding this a challenge: “Always remember it’s the audience you are trying to convince, not the slides!” 

Sir Lockwood Smith also singled out award winner Qayyum for the “outstanding clarity” he used in presenting his results. 

“He didn’t present too much data,” noting to Qayyum, “you left the audience with a full understanding of the impact and value of your work.” 

Student Communicator of the Year runner-up Justine Coomson received high praise as well.  

“Hers was an absolutely effective oral presentation,” Sir Lockwood said. “It was clear and the passion she used in getting her point across was very powerful.” He said she used her voice magnificently. 

Alongside the oral presentations was a scientific poster competition, where 40 competitors presented their findings via an A1 research poster. Doctoral researchers were judged on their posters summarising an aspect of their PhD research and how they answered questions from delegates and judges during the dedicated poster sessions. 

Rushikesh Tamhane won this year’s closely fought competition with his research on enhancing soybean proteins. Mohadeseh Soleimani came second with her sensory science work on the sweetness liking of drinks. 

The Communicator of the Year Award has been awarded since 2008, and in 2022 was renamed after Ansley Te Hiwi, a much-loved staff member who passed away. 

• Results 2026:  

Ansley Te Hiwi Student Communicator Award winner: Qayyum Shehzad 

Runner-Up: Justine Coomson 

Honourable mentions:  Nick McGrath and Manfred Goh 

Poster Presentation winner: Rushikesh Tamhane  

Runner-up: Mohadeseh Soleimani