Riddet Institute Fellow Laureate receives New Years Honour

12 January 2026 - Distinguished Professor and Riddet Institute Fellow Laureate Paul Moughan was awarded the CNZM for his lifetime of research into protein digestion and metabolism, as well as the founding of globally significant research centres and his international advocacy for science.

Professor Moughan is one of New Zealand’s foremost scientists in the areas of growth biology, digestive physiology and metabolism, and food chemistry. He has received numerous international awards in recognition of his work including the Alltech Medal of Honour (USA), the Wageningen University Supreme Silver Medal (Netherlands) and an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Guelph (Canada).

Professor Moughan says he was delighted to receive the New Zealand honour which recognises a lifetime of fundamental research into protein digestion and metabolism.

“It is particularly meaningful to be recognised by one’s fellow countrymen. It also gives pause to reflect on the numerous individuals who made it all possible, my postgraduate students, colleagues, my university, and first and foremost, my parents, wife Meredith and my immediate family.”

Professor Moughan says he is particularly proud of his team’s contribution over many years to research which significantly advanced an understanding of biological processes underlying growth, development and nutrition and the mechanisms of nutrient absorption and metabolism. Their findings have been applied in human nutrition and particularly in infant nutrition and in developing countries.

His work underpinned the development of the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score, which describes the protein quality ranking of foods, and was globally implemented in 2013 by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

“That work has had a great economic impact, particularly for the animal- based food industries and for New Zealand’s Primary Production sector. It is wonderful to see science and science advocacy recognised.”

Professor Moughan was also recognised for his prominent role in advocating for science. He has given more than 400 invited international scientific and public addresses, chaired reviews of overseas universities and science bodies and has led the FAO and World Health Organisation (WHO) expert consultations. He was a long-time advisory board member of the food company, Ralston Purina International and was Director of the Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation, the fourth largest philanthropic organisation in Australia, for more than 16 years.

Professor Moughan co-founded the Riddet Institute with Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh, and was the co-Director until 2017. In recognition of his past and ongoing contributions, he accepted the position of Riddet Institute Fellow Laureate.