Hydrocolloids form the building blocks of food.
For the first time in its 32-year history, the 17th International Hydrocolloids Conference will be held in Aotearoa New Zealand, confirming the country’s key role in the future of food science. The conference is being held in Palmerston North from 12-15 November 2024.
Hydrocolloids form the building blocks of food and influence food texture, flavour, shelf life, digestion and nutrition, among other essentials. They may be naturally present in foods or added as functional enhancements by food scientists.
Hosted by the Riddet Institute at the AgHort Lecture Complex at Massey University, the 17th International Hydrocolloids Conference will bring together scientists from more than 20 countries, including leaders from the International Hydrocolloids Society.
Chair of the organising committee, Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh, says it will be a milestone conference.
“In the face of global crises, including pandemics, wars and climate issues, it is now more important than ever that we find sustainable solutions for the world’s food system.
“Leading scientists from across the globe will be meeting in Palmerston North to showcase the latest innovations in the field, putting Aotearoa New Zealand firmly on the map as a key international player in the future of food science.”
Riddet Institute Director Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh.
Distinguished Professor Singh says the four-day event will highlight the latest scientific advancements and innovations. It will feature eight plenary speakers and 11 invited speakers.
Some notable speakers at the conference include:
- Professor Osvaldo Campanella – Ohio State University, USA
- Professor Lingyun Chen – University of Alberta, Canada
- Professor Bo Jiang – Jiangnan University, China
- Professor Stefan Kasapis – RMIT University, Australia
- Dr Qi Wang – Agriculture and Agri-Food, Guelph, Canada
- Dr. Alejandra Acevedo-Fani – Riddet Institute, Massey University, New Zealand
- Professor Aiqian Ye – Riddet Institute, Massey University, New Zealand.
The conference is supported by several industry and research organisations including Fonterra Research and Development Centre, Palmerston North City Council, Massey University and Yili Group.
The Riddet Institute is a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE), hosted by Massey University in Palmerston North, focusing on human nutrition and food research.
About the 17th International Hydrocolloids Conference
The International Hydrocolloids Conference is the premier global conference on the subject of food and non-food uses of hydrocolloids (polysaccharides and proteins) and has been bringing people in this field together for 32 years.
The biennial conference is held globally (last conferences in Canada, Australia and China) and attracts upwards of 200 industrial and academic scientists from around the world to present and discuss latest findings and industrial trends in sustainable production and processing, technical functionality and the health benefits of hydrocolloid identification, extraction, use and consumption.
The Glyn O. Phillips Prize is awarded biennially at the International Hydrocolloids Conferences and consists of a cash prize and a medal.
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