Food Innovation
Dr Carolyn Lister
Principal Scientist & Science Team Leader, Food & Health Information
I completed my BSc (Hons) and PhD in plant biochemistry through the University of Canterbury. A fellowship at the University of Glasgow in 1997 then fuelled my interest in the role of plant pigments in human health. My team manages the New Zealand Food Composition Database and analyse the nutritional and phytochemical composition of a range of foods. We also work with companies to develop nutrition and health claims for foods and to promote greater consumption of plant-based foods. A key developing area of research is centred on nutritional sustainability, nutrition sensitive agriculture and regenerative agriculture impacts on food quality. I am also passionate about communicating science to the community. External appointments include sitting on the Zespri Health and Nutrition Scientific Advisory Board, the Board of Trustees of the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust and the Anchor Center for Certification (ACC), China International Expert Committee.
