Food Waste Innovation's purpose
Food waste is arguably one of the most pressing societal challenges of our times.
Food Waste Innovation's goal is to harness the best scientific expertise to provide effective solutions to Aotearoa's food waste problems. Our research is already providing a credible evidence base for decision-makers in New Zealand:
- Advising government and international committees on waste reduction targets, measurements and policies
- Communicating to the New Zealand public about reduction initiatives
- Providing consultancy services on waste-related issues to councils, businesses and industry organisations
Contact us:
Email food.waste@otago.ac.nz
Research sub-themes
We have three food waste research sub-themes which focus on the most effective approaches and technologies to reduce waste.
- Metrics and Management - Understanding how much food is being wasted, where it is being wasted and its social, economic and environmental impacts.
- Technical Innovations - Using the latest science and technology to make the most of the business opportunity that food waste provides.
- Social Innovations - Using behavioural science to understand the drivers responsible for food waste in order to make recommendations on minimisation initiatives. Testing solutions and providing impact analyses.
Our Food Waste Innovation group has been formally endorsed with Research Theme status by the University of Otago.
More about New Zealand's place in the global food waste picture
Food Waste Innovation's structure
Our vibrant research community involves an interdisciplinary team of researchers who are passionately conducting fundamental and translational food waste research focused on improving human and planetary health.
Our Food Waste Innovation Research Theme is led by a Steering Committee of three highly accomplished researchers, based at the University of Otago, and a representative from our supermarket sector.
- Associate Professor Miranda Mirosa, Director and sub-theme research leader for Social Innovations
- Professor Sheila Skeaff, sub-theme research leader for Metrics and management
- Professor Phil Bremer, sub-theme research leader for Technical Innovations
- Ms Francesca Goodman-Smith, Waste Minimisation Manager, Foodstuffs, as Industry Representative
Our research leaders are supported by Principal Investigators with highly specialised research expertise:
More about our Principal Investigators
We also encourage and support opportunities for postgraduate research students:
More about our Associate Investigators