A researcher from New Zealand’s Riddet Institute has received the IUFoST Young Scientist Award for developing a new way to isolate intact protein bodies from hemp seeds.
Post-doctoral researcher Thomas Do’s innovation has been referred to by the Riddet Institute as, “a promising new method that allows humans to digest and utilise plant proteins in the body.”
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 will present his research on the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and trypsin hydrolysis of protein bodies from hemp seeds at the the 22nd IUFoST World Congress of Food Science and Technology in Rimini, Italy this September.
The award is described as the highest honour presented to young scientists by IUFoST as it provides the winner the opportunity to present in front of a global audience in a plenary setting during the congress. It is open to candidates who have high achievements in food science and technology in their first post-doctoral position, first academic position, and who are aged 35 or under.
Do’s academic supervisor Dr Alejandra Acevedo-Fani said, “It is a well-deserved achievement in winning this prestigious award. 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.”
Do 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 develop foods that will be sustainable, support optimal nutrition, and appeal to the preferences of global consumers.
According to a recent report from NZ think tank FoodHQ, hemp is ranked high among emerging proteins that New Zealand could be a leader in producing, the country possessing multiple regions suitable for growing hemp seeds.
The Riddet Institute has produced numerous innovations in the novel foods sector that has received worldwide recognition – in late 2024, the institute’s Dr Debashree Roy was selected as the Falling Walls Lab winner in NZ for her plant-based cheese technology, which she claimed has nutritional and sensory qualities on par with traditional dairy cheeses.
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