IFST's Young Scientist Competition - Meet the Judges

Meet the judges and find out what they will be looking for on 9 May, London Metropolitan University

Dr Craig Duckham

Craig Duckham, CD R&D Services (Head Judge)

Craig is an independent consultant and formed CD R&D Consultancy Services in 2012, having worked at a senior level in two microencapsulation technology based SMEs. Craig now supports businesses looking to improve the bioavailability, stability and performance of specialist functional ingredients and food flavours. Craig obtained a PhD in Plant Physiology at the University of Nottingham, carried out postdoctoral research on biogenic volatile hydrocarbon emissions at Lancaster University and investigated food flavour formation at Reading University. Prior to his move into the functional ingredients market Craig spent time in the water industry where he specialised in analytical method development. Craig is Chair Of the SCI Food Group, Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Royal Society of Biology and British Society of Flavourists.

What am I looking for?

As a judge Craig will be looking for the industry applicability of innovations in novel products and processes.

 

Peter White

Owen Evans, Food Technologist, Marks and Spencer

Owen currently works as a Food Technologist for Marks & Spencer, having previously worked in process development for the Daniels Group (now Hain Daniels). He has an in depth knowledge of what is required to conduct scientific projects to deliver real business benefit targeted at either delivering a customer need or driving improvement in the industry: recent examples of his work includes gelatine replacement in sugar confectionery, enzyme technology in baked goods and infra-red baking. While currently working with chocolate and confectionery products Owen brings experience from a wide variety of different product types during his time in the industry to the panel such as; raw meat & poultry, bakery, dairy & cheese, ready to eat meat and fish, ready meals, fresh prepared fruit, sandwiches and sushi. Owen also sits on the Industrial Advisory Board for the University of Leeds and the IFST South Eastern Branch Committee.

What am I looking for?

As a judge, the most important thing that Owen will be looking for is how the projects can benefit either the industry or the end consumer.

 

JULIA HEWERDINE, CSCI, GROUP FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY PROJECTS MANAGER TECHNICAL, DUNBIA (UK) AND DAWN MEATS (ROI)

Julia Hewerdine

As an MLC scholar Julia gained an MSc in Meat Science at the University of Bristol and has gone on to spend a career focused on the animal protein industry.

Over the years her roles for several food manufacturers have included product development, process application, account management and technical management, spanning the industry from slaughter through to value-added processing and cooking.

In Julia’s current role she actively develops and manages scientific and technical based projects across Dawn Meats, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure innovation and best practice is delivered across the business.

A strong advocate of British food and farming, she is passionate about encouraging young people to consider careers within the food manufacturing sector.

What am I looking for?

As a judge Julia is keen to see innovative and creative research with considered relevance to the UK food industry demonstrated. Consideration should also be given to the impact and sustainability of the project.

 

CHARLOTTE FOXTON, Technical manger, SAINSBURY'S SUPERMARKETS LTD

Charlotte joined Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd in June 2016 where she has been working as a Product Technologist looking after ambient snacks. Prior to this she worked in the supply base for 6 years working in the meat industry, where she gained lots of valuable knowledge in both chilled and frozen processing. Charlotte has always worked in a technical function and enjoy getting into the detail of manufacturing ensuring the products are safe, legal and of the highest quality.

What am I looking for?

Charlotte is looking forward to her second time judging at the IFST Young Scientist competition and will be looking out to see who has taken the bigger picture into account and how their projects will impact everyone in the supply chain. 

 

Stephen Micallef
Stephen Micallef, Pret A Manger

I graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science and Nutrition) from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. And have been working in the food industry for almost 20 years, with a background in food manufacturing, retail and food service. Most of that tine has been in Australia and have worked in multiple areas of Poultry, Seafood, Meat, Crisps, Snacks and Confectionery. Currently working for Pret A Manger, looking after the quality of food in our partnership part of the business, where we are taking Pret quality food around the world and in new locations. Favourite food: Chocolate

What am I looking for?

Stephen is looking for something that is thinking out of the box and is relevant and applicable to the food industry.
 

 

 

Dr Ken Spears BSc MPhil, PhD, PGCE, FIFST

Im a professional food scientist and specialised in food analysis and biochemistry during my degree. Following my degree, I completed a postgraduate certificate in chemistry at the University of London and then attained Qualified Teacher Status following practical experience teaching chemistry and science. Over my career I have taught at all levels of the Qualifications Framework – from GCSE to PhD.  During my higher education studies I completed periods of industrial training at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the Food Research Institute Norwich). At these institutions I developed my practical knowledge and skills in analytical chemistry. I joined London South Bank University (LSBU) in 1980 as a Senior Lecturer and taught food chemistry, food analysis, laboratory techniques and practical skills. At LSBU I was promoted to Principal Lecturer and later to Head of the London Food Centre; a funded unit providing technical assistance and consultancy services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – mainly in the food industry sector but also to start-up companies in perfumery and healthcare products.

Enterprise activity and research is essential to maintain the currency of knowledge in courses such as food science, analytical chemistry and bioscience. Over the years I have delivered knowledge transfer programmes (KTP) generating over £0.5M in funding; developed a food product which won a ‘Great Taste Award’; was runner up for the London Development Agency Knowledge Transfer Awards; won a University ‘Enterprising Staff Award’ and contributed technical knowledge and practical advice to a range of radio and TV programmes including ‘The Food Inspector’, Sky News, and BBC 4’s ‘You and Yours. I have been involved with professional activities with the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) for over 40 years and help to organise technical visits, seminars and educational events as well as promoting the Institute and professional networking to new graduates.

 

SPONSORS

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for sponsoring this competition:

  • London Metropolitan University - Venue
  • DdUNBIA - a division of Dawn Meats - Sponsors of the Undergraduate Prize
  • Pret a Manger - Sponsors of the PostGraduate Prize 
  • SCI - FREE membership & Sponsors of Finalist Prizes

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