The aim of the International Dairy Federation (IDF) Professor Pavel Jelen Early Career Scientist Prize is to encourage students, graduates and early-career researchers in dairy food science and technology. It seeks to promote their engagement in innovative research and solutions that address the challenges and opportunities within the dairy sector.
Natalie’s research investigates processed milk and its effects on digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-funded research programme at the Riddet Institute, titled New Zealand Milk Means More.
While pasteurisation, ultra-heat treatment (UHT) and homogenisation are commonly used to process milk, Natalie sought a deeper understanding of what these treatments mean for digestion and nutrient uptake.
By examining milk nutrient digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, Natalie found that the protein in UHT milk was digested the fastest, followed by the protein in pasteurised homogenised milk, then pasteurised non-homogenised, and finally, raw milk. Curd formation and stomach emptying of solid matter and lipids were also measured. There were substantial differences in digestion of the fats and solid portions of the milks.
Processed milk study.
The research has created a fundamental understanding of how processing affects the gastric digestion of milk protein, and how this might contribute to milk’s nutritional outcomes. Natalie says the findings could lead to tailored milk products that deliver superior nutritional value to consumer populations with different nutritional needs, such as athletes or the elderly.
“As the global population grows and ages, the need for quality nutrition is paramount. This research contributes to meeting that need.”
To recognise her achievement, Natalie will attend the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 in Paris in October to present her research. She will also receive her award with an honorarium of $360.
Professor of Nutritional Sciences Warren McNabb, project leader for the NZ Milk Mean More programme and Natalie’s PhD supervisor, congratulates her on this notable achievement, saying it demonstrates the calibre of her research.
“Natalie has done an outstanding job with her research, and this is an amazing opportunity for her. It’s not every day that a global entity like the IDF takes notice of someone and pays for them to travel to Paris to receive an award.”
The achievement marks the third time Riddet Institute scientists have been recognised in this manner, following Dr Debashree Roy’s second place and Dr Nick Smith’s fourth place in the same award in 2022.
About the award:
The International Dairy Foundation is an authority in the development of science-based standards for the global dairy sector. Since 1903, the IDF has provided a mechanism for the dairy sector to reach a global consensus on how to help feed the world with safe and sustainable dairy products.
The IDF Professor Pavel Jelen Early Career Scientist Prize was created to acknowledge the work of scientists and technologists in the dairy science and technology field, specifically aimed at early-career scientists. It is named in honour of Professor Pavel (Paul) Jelen, a Czech-born scientist and educator known for his research in dairy science and technology, as well as his dedication to mentoring and educating students and early-career scientists.
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