LOVE FOOD, LOVE SCIENCE - Key Persons
Adaeze is a scientific intern supporting the Institute's Scientific Committee on technical projects such as identifying and creating advisory knowledge-sharing materials suitable for food science professionals.
Adaeze is studying for her MSc in Food Processing Engineering at Teesside University and has an interest in innovative food technology. She enjoys trying out new food and spending time with family.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Education Committee
- Chairman of Education and Careers
- Chief Executive Officer of SSERC
Alastair is currently Chief Executive Officer of SSERC, an organisation that offers a broad portfolio of services, principally in support of the STEM areas of the curriculum, specifically; Provision of Career Long Professional Learning for early years, primary and secondary teachers and school and college technicians, The Advisory Service and Lead Coordination role for STEM Ambassadors in Scotland and wider STEM engagement activities. As well as being a FIFST, Alastair is an active STEM Ambassador and a previous member of the IFST Education and Careers Committee. In his spare time, Alastair is a gym enthusiast and a season ticket holder and an avid supporter of Rangers FC.
The Education and Careers Forum oversees the Institute's activities and policies relating to education, careers and skills at all levels.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Board
- Independent Food Safety Consultant
Alec Kyriakides is an Independent Food Safety Consultant. Prior to this, he was Head of Product Quality, Safety & Supplier Performance at Sainsbury's where he worked for 28 years. Prior to Sainsbury's, he worked in the manufacturing industry including the dairy and brewing sectors. His responsibilities include the management of specialist teams collectively responsible for the safety and quality management framework for Sainsbury's.
He was a member of a number of industry and government committees and sat on the government Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) for 10 years. Alec is the author of books on the microbiological safety of foods including Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli and Clostridium botulinum.
Andrew is responsible for helping the business run smoothly, from supporting the Finance Committee to overseeing our finances, premises, office facilities, services, and IT. He manages our education and careers and our professional development team members and related activities.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Board
- Chairman of Professional Development
Anita has worked in the food industry for over 30 years, spending the first 13 years in manufacturing before moving into the out-of-the-home retail sector. Her current role involves looking after the technical aspects of drinks, supporting both technical and safety teams around the globe and ensuring that they maintain the standards and constantly improve. Anita was recently involved in implementing a new recipe management system into the business. She leads allergen management within their business. She is also a founding member of the Industry Exchange Group, which seeks to share best practices across the out-of-the-home sector for topics such as allergens and new legislation.
The Professional Development Forum oversees all of the Institute's initiatives, assessment and accreditation relating to professional standards and levels of membership, continuing professional development activities, member assessment, and examinations.
Bharat is responsible for IFST's finances, premises, facilities, and IT. He also supports the Finance and Nominations Committees ensuring they can run smoothly and efficiently.
Bharat has a background in law and finance. During more than 25 years working in charities, he has gained experience in strategy in finance, HR, and IT as well as organisational development, change, and process efficiency. His experience also includes governance including mergers and constitutional change.
To relax Bharat has a keen interest in poetry, writes short stories, and walks.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Board
- Chairman of Scientific Committee
- Professional Food Technologist
Chris is a professional Food Technologist with 40 years of experience in retail and manufacturing, having managed quality, food safety and sustainability in both own label and branded supply chains. Much of this time was spent working at the interface between agriculture and the primary processors. Chris was previously a NED at Quality Meat Scotland, where he chaired the R&D committee and at the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI). A Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and a Registered Food Safety Principal, Chris is currently working as a consultant In the food industry, using experience and expertise to help others meet their objectives.
The Scientific Committee is the Institute's key source of information concerning scientific, technical and legislative affairs. They produce material on scientific and technical issues on behalf of IFST, advise the Board on emerging scientific and technical issues, and ensure that IFST are producing reliable, authoritative information on food science topics.
With a Master's degree from the University of Westminster and broad events management experience across the globe, Daiane is responsible for managing and coordinating all events activities and membership communications at IFST. Outgoing, curious, and creative - she is passionate about delivering innovative and successful events.
She is very interested in food nutrition and health style. In her free time, she is enjoying meditation, cooking, travelling, visiting rooftop bars/restaurant and walk around the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nominations Committee
Job Titles:
- Business Development Director
- Member of Publications Committee
Deborah is responsible for leading IFST's business development plans and developing growth opportunities as well as new projects and workstreams which will contribute to the sustainability and growth of the Institute.
She is also responsible for the marketing and communications team to ensure an aligned approach to these activities with our membership and with the aim of achieving maximum impact and reaching a wide and engaged audience externally.
Deborah has enjoyed a varied career including ten years as an auditor and a quality manager in the industry as well as food law enforcement. Most recently Deborah managed business development and marketing for various university-based continuing professional development projects for industry professionals. Since graduating in Food Science and Microbiology from the University of Leeds, Deborah has achieved both a Chartered Institute of Marketing postgraduate diploma and a Masters in Marketing Management. As a Fellow of IFST Deborah has contributed to special interest groups and educational initiatives in secondary schools.
Pastimes include pilates, yoga and overseas travel. Deborah is also a keen cook and volunteers with her local ReEngage group to help older people make new friends.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Business Development Manager
Delia is responsible for the coordination of our marketing activities. She develops promotional support materials and tools to enhance the awareness of our events and activities and works with external promotional support contractors on IFST marketing projects.
In her role, Delia manages the end-to-end delivery of our key conferences, lectures and launchpads to ensure they are creative and engaging. She also coordinates and actively manages approaches to food-industry employers to promote and progress our group membership scheme, CPD and professional registration schemes.
Delia has worked in HR, finance and business analysis and has a master's degree in marketing. She appreciates the relationship management side of her job and enjoys building strong relationships with members, stakeholders, suppliers and corporate partners by fully understanding their professional needs, strategies and objectives.
Delia is a book lover and enjoys dancing, travelling and cultural diversity.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nominations Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of Publications Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Honorary Secretary
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Nominations Committee
- Associate Professor in Food Insights
Wayne is Associate Professor in Food Insights and Sustainability, at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln. Wayne has delivered sustainability research since 1998, starting out as an agronomist for Levington Agriculture he has worked at CSIRO Australia, the EC Joint Research Centre and the OECD Paris. He leads the Food Insights and Sustainability Research agenda at NCFM, working with food and beverage manufacturers so that we can align practice and business with climate-neutral actions and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He frequently publishes thought-leading articles, supports Early Career Researchers and delivers transformative food system research.
The Nominations Committee oversees the election and appointment of Board Trustees. It is chaired by the Hon Secretary and comprises the immediate Past President (whether serving on the Board or not), the Chief Executive and two ‘ordinary' professional members.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Board
- Chairman of Publications
- Member of Publications Committee
Emma studied Animal Physiology and Nutrition at Leeds University followed by a Master's Degree in Food Science. After working in Clinical Biochemistry research at the University of Oxford, Emma then moved into the food industry working initially as a Process Technologist, then in a variety of manufacturing Technical Management roles for 14 years. She has experience in flour milling, bakery, snacks and a variety of chilled convenience food production operations. This includes extensive experience in both branded manufacture and supplying into the retail own-label sector. Joining the University of Nottingham in 2009 in a predominately teaching role (and completing her doctorate) she conducted research with the UK industry to establish a competency framework for technical graduates entering the food industry. ‘Competencies for Food Graduate Careers' is now available on the IFST website, now used by a number of universities as a career development tool. It is currently being refreshed in collaboration with other universities and industries. She has a passion for ensuring her graduates are ‘oven ready'. Emma specialises in translating Food Science principles into realistic modern manufacturing and retail applications for students. Additionally, she is currently the Academic Director for Degree Apprenticeships across the University. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Job Titles:
- HR and Business Administrator
- the HR & Business Administrator
Hayley is the HR & Business Administrator and currently supports the team with Recruitment, Payroll & Project administration. She has previously worked in Local Government, Environmental Health, Trading Standards and the NHS.
In her spare time, Hayley loves going to the cinema, live music, reading and writing fiction, and scouring Record Shops for old vinyl.
Job Titles:
- President of the Board
- Fellow of the Institute of Food Science & Technology
Helen has a wealth of experience in the food and drink sector. Most recently Helen was the Food and Drink Federation's Chief Scientific Officer, where she was accountable for the diverse food safety and science policy briefs, but also had responsibility for sustainability and contributed to health and wellbeing policy.
She started her career with Mars Petcare where she spent 20 years in various roles including nutrition research, product development and innovation processes. A significant period of time was spent overseas, gaining invaluable international experience. Helen served as Head of Research at the Mars Petcare Global Research Centre for over five years.
Helen has also held the position of Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for Coca-Cola and worked as Lead Technologist in AgriFood at InnovateUK.
Helen is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science & Technology, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Registered Nutritionist. With her qualifications in Agricultural Science and Meat Science, together with her vast business experience, Helen has broad and deep knowledge across the entire AgriFood chain.
Helen is currently running a small farming and food business which she hopes will help citizens understand the food supply chain better from farm to fork, including the vital processing step.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chairman of External Affairs
The External Affairs Committee is the Institute's primary group providing guidance to the board and executive concerning its external engagement and policy setting. It identifies and prioritises areas where IFST can positively engage externally and helps to formulate key policy messages and positions IFST wishes to make. The Committee also advises the Board on appropriate measures of effectiveness and impact of the Institute in relation to its stakeholder relationships.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nominations Committee
- Member of Publications Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nominations Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of Publications Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Independent Assessor
Maureen Edmondson, OBE, BSc, PhD, FIFST, CSi, FIAFoSt, FECSS. Maureen was educated in Food Science at Queen's University of Belfast and worked in Universities in NI and Melbourne Australia before joining the Mars company where she worked for 20 years. She was Director of International Scientific Affairs at Mars Inc until 2000. She served six years as the Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee and as a Northern Ireland Member of the Food Standards Agency Board. Maureen is Chair of the Patient and Client Council, the Ofcom Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland, the Board of Governors of Edgehill Theological College and is a visiting Professor at the University of Ulster School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. She is a Past President of IFST.
In her role as the Independent Assessor, she acts as an observer, acting on behalf of the members to ensure that the Board of Trustees and the Executive operate according to the Institute's charitable principles. Maureen is also a member of the Volunteers' Advisory Group.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Board
- Member of the Northern Ireland Food and Feed Advisory Panel for the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland
Michael has over thirty-four years of experience in the food industry and has been the Executive Director of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) for over 22 years. He previously worked in Northern Ireland and Malta for twelve years working closely with major retailers and was a member of the Board of Ormeau Bakery.
Michael has an Honours Degree in Food Science and is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (FIFST) and a Chartered (Food) Scientist (CSci). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (FIoD) and is a Chartered Director (C Dir) He also has a Leaders in Industry Programme Food and Drinks Manufacturing sector award from Queen's University, Belfast. Michael is Chairman of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council (Agrisearch) and a member of the Safefood Expert Advisory Committee.
In addition, Michael is a member of the Northern Ireland Food and Feed Advisory panel for the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland and a board member of Agri-Quest - the Food Innovation Competence Centre.
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientific Affairs Manager
Natasha's principle focus is on scientific activities and affairs, contributing to the communication of our scientific voice. She is responsible for writing new scientific materials for our members and other interested parties as well as in response to specific external enquiries.
In addition, Natasha supports the Scientific Committee, coordinates the relationship with our Special Interest Groups and acts as an external scientific representative for collaborations with other relevant organisations.
Since graduating from University of Reading with a BSc (Hons) in Food Technology, Natasha has taught Food Science in China and worked in product development, quality, project management, factory technical and regulatory roles in the food industry. As an IFST Fellow herself, she is fully aware of the importance of supporting and uniting food professionals for the advancement of the sector.
Natasha enjoys travel, cooking and yoga.
Patricia is currently looking after all our student members, building relationships with Higher Education Institutions and working with new graduates.
Her job is to also make sure IFST is promoting and inspiring the next generation of Food Scientists and Scientists alike to develop their careers within the Food Sector and participates in the organisation of the annual Ecotrophelia competition. She was previously responsible for collating the education and career content as part of her internship.
With a business management undergraduate degree, her true passion is baking and cooking with a focus on health and nutrition which led to her starting her MA in Food Business Management. Among other interests she enjoys learning about international cuisine, reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing and Communications Officer
Robin is responsible for creating digital content including photography, videography, graphics and printed materials. He manages the new IFST webinar program and Instagram account. In addition, he creates food science fact sheets aimed at the general public.
Robin has an undergraduate degree in Food Science from the University of Nottingham and worked for PepsiCo during an industrial placement year. He achieved a Master's degree in research with a project for McCain Foods. Since graduating he worked as a researcher for Channel 4's ‘Food Unwrapped' documentary responsible for creating topical ideas to communicate facts about the food industry and dispel myths.
Robin enjoys hockey, canoeing, illustration and photography.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Director of Berry Ottaway & Associates Ltd
- Honorary Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee
Sam Jennings FIFST is a Director of Berry Ottaway & Associates Ltd, a consultancy providing scientific, technical and UK/EU regulatory support to the food industry. She has almost 19 years of experience in advising industry and governments internationally, specialising in food supplements and functional foods.
The Finance Committee advises the Board on financial matters. It is chaired by the Honorary Treasurer.
Job Titles:
- Registration & Accreditation Manager
Sarah is responsible for coordinating and actively managing applications for IFST membership and other registration assessment processes via its network of trained assessors. She also manages the accreditation of training programmes and courses and is the Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
Sarah has a background in architectural history having completed postgraduate studies in University College Dublin on the area and has worked in the Football Association of Ireland, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She recently completed an MSc on accreditation frameworks for pharmacy continuing education.
Sarah's interests include roller derby, fitness, food and reading.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Committee
- Vice - Chair
Job Titles:
- Scientific Policy Director
Stephen is responsible for leading IFST policy development and engagement on scientific and technical issues, and policy relevant to IFST mission in education, skills and professional recognition. In addition, he supports the External Affairs Advisory Committee and Consultations Group. In this role, Stephen engages with key government departments from the UK nations, key opinion leader academics, and food sector industry leaders to support the IFST mission.
Since graduating from University of Sheffield with a BSc. (Hons) in Physiology and a Ph.D. in Gastrointestinal Physiology and Nutrition, Stephen had an academic career in research and teaching prior to joining Mars Inc. During his time with Mars Inc., Stephen worked in a variety of research and Scientific and Regulatory Affairs roles for the organisation in European and Global roles, and in Confectionery, Food, and Petfood sectors of the business.
Outside of work, Stephen is a Governor at a leading independent day school and a volunteer at a local community garden. Stephen enjoys running, cycling and is a keen gardener.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President Elect
Sterling has 35 years of experience working in the field of food safety and global supply chain governance. He started his career in government before a successful track history in retail. Sterling's experience as a regulator, retailer, brand owner and food manufacturer has given him a unique perspective of the challenges of the global food supply network.
He has previously served as Vice President of the Institute and, until recently, chaired its Food Safety Special Interest Group. He was awarded the Honorary Fellowship of the Institute in 2020 for his contribution to the food sector. He is also a member of the CIEH food expert panel and sits on the IFST, CIEH and FSA COVID advisory groups.
Tim's prime role is to provide the leadership and direction for the executive team. He works closely with the Board to develop our overall strategic direction, translating this into actual delivery.
Tim is responsible for external relations with many of our key supporters and collaborators. In addition, he oversees our publications, especially the International Journal of Food Science & Technology.
Tim's career in the voluntary sector includes over 14 years leading and developing national charities in allergy, health and social care, Olympic Legacy and social exclusion. Tim completed an MBA at the University of Liverpool, their first student to do so focussing on the voluntary sector. His first degree was in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne where he specialised in cancer chemotherapy and the treatment of infectious diseases. Prior to joining IFST Tim led the rapid growth of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation from start-up to national high-profile charity. This included the UK-wide implementation of Natasha's Law, and defining and funding the pioneering Natasha Clinical Trial to enable food allergy oral immunotherapy to be available on the NHS, with tolerance maintained with shop bought foods. Prior to that, Tim was National Director of Services for Alzheimer's Society across the UK.
Tim enjoys Cathedral Choral Music and sings in Chester Cathedral Choir with his daughter. Away from the anthem book it's all about the outdoors - leading Explorer Scouts (including the Duke of Edinburgh Award), climbing mountains with his son, and walking his three rescue sighthounds.
Job Titles:
- Vice - Chair
- Member of Publications Committee