Last steps before research starting

High Value Nutrition is in countdown mode to launching its main streams of research. These Priority Research Programmes are aiming to address significant science questions to capture emerging consumer demand in key over-the-horizon opportunities in food-for-health. To ensure the highest quality of science the detailed science plans are currently being reviewed by a panel of esteemed international scientists from across Europe, the US and Asia.

“We have several world-first in our programmes, but to ensure we are pushing the boundaries of science excellence even further, we are getting the very top scientists globally to advise us on our plans, says HVN Science Director Dr Cameron-Smith.”

Concurrently the Challenge is holding a series of workshops with selected food and beverage businesses to test the research’s expected outputs, hence ensuring not only research excellence but also industry relevance.

“It is always useful for our scientists to hear first-hand the challenges of the industry and ensure their research is consumer driven, relevant and useful” says HVN Challenge Director,  Dr Smart.

Once those final science investments approved by the High-Value Nutrition Board research will start in October.

Forum on weaning food for health in November

One of HVN’s priority programme included in our Research Plan – weaning foods – is still being developed and is scheduled to start later in 2016. To ensure HVN captures the latest science the Challenge is scheduling a Weaning Foods for Health Forum in November. This will bring together the best international scientific knowledge and industry intelligence for this critical life stage that may be addressed by food and beverage products with health benefits.. Stay tuned for further information.

HVN National Roadshow highlights strong interest from scientists and businesses

As well as these priority research programmes, the HVN team has been busy on the road promoting the HVN story and exploring opportunities for industry and scientists to come together for the contestable funding round described in the Request for Proposals released in early June.

Attentive audiences were drawn in Palmerston North, Wellington, Lincoln, Dunedin and Auckland for the week long road show. The HVN Team has also met with over 30 separate groups to provide feedback on proposals in development and their fit with the RfP. Proposals are due on 31 August and decisions made by the HVN Board in November, with a view to getting research underway early in 2016. Dr John Smart says he was delighted with the engagement of business and scientific leaders and feels encouraged the roadshow, one on one meetings and the industry workshops are providing the building blocks for an ongoing relationship in the future.

For your information the presentation of the Roadshow can downloaded below.