• Lincoln University reports – 

The Food Transitions 2050 programme is celebrating its second cohort of graduands, three of whom will have their PhDs conferred at Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University graduation on 8 May.

One of this year’s graduates, Caitlin Hyde, praises the Joint Postgraduate School: Food Transitions 2050 programme for its camaraderie and the many connections she made during her studies.

“It was really special being a part of a cohort of students. We went through milestones together, and if there was anything I ever needed to talk through, I had peers experiencing the same things,” says Caitlin. “The programme also allowed me to build a network of people with similar interests. Even now I’m employed, I’m still in contact with those people and have contacted them as part of my work.”

Lincoln University’s Director of Postgraduate Research, Andrew Holyoake, says the Food Transitions 2050 programme highlights the University’s commitment to its collaborative relationships and to impactful research. A partnership between Canterbury-based research organisations, the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University and the Bioeconomy Science Institute, the programme is an industry-oriented research programme aiming to discover sustainable ways of producing food.

The programme supports PhD students in conducting cross-disciplinary research with their co-supervisors from one or both universities, as well as from the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Students’ research must align with one of these themes: food and future landscapes, food for a zero-carbon future, food consumer transitions or food governance. This year, 31 students are part of the programme, with a further eight under examination. As its reputation for offering students a unique, career-opening opportunity has grown, the programme continues to attract many applicants each year.

Illustrating the depth of research completed through the Food Transitions 2050, Caitlin’s PhD, Grubs up? How insects became food in Aotearoa New Zealand, explores the experiences of businesses attempting to introduce insects to market and how regulations could better support the introduction of more innovative and sustainable food sources.

“My thesis highlights some of the challenges businesses encounter when trying to bring new products to market. It was really hard to get insects through the regulatory process, as the system wasn’t set up for alternative food sources like insects. Cultured meats or fermented foods are examples of other products that may experience similar barriers.

“So, while there was an identified market to sell to, navigating the regulatory hoops proved hugely complex and challenging. To help, I believe companies need to clearly demonstrate the unique attributes their products offer consumers,” says Caitlin.

During her time in the programme, Caitlin also took the opportunity to lecture undergraduate students, gaining valuable teaching experience.

“I was really lucky to lecture. The students were great, and it was a good experience to stand up in front of a group and teach, thinking on my feet. They often asked out-of-the-gate questions, which was awesome as it helped me expand my thinking.”

Caitlin has been employed by Environment Canterbury since mid-last year and has had time to reflect on her time at Lincoln.

“Having come from a bigger university where I undertook my undergraduate and Master’s studies, I was constantly amazed by how much everyone cared about me and my progress,” says Caitlin. “As Lincoln is a specialist university, I felt I was part of a small, tight-knit community that offered strong pastoral care for students.”

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Congratulations to the following PhD graduands of the Joint Postgraduate School: Food Transitions 2050:

Lincoln University

• Caitlin Hyde

Grubs up? How insects become food in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Supervisory Team: Dr Chris Rosin, Dr Richard Moreham, Professor Roslyn Kerr (Lincoln University), Dr Nigel Bell (BSI – AgResearch), Dr Sarah Edwards, Dr Susanna Finlay-Smits (BSI – Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research).

• Le Wang

Three essays on advancing modelling of sustainable rural land use change decision-making in Aotearoa New Zealand

Supervisory Team: Professor Alan Renwick (Lincoln University), Dr Robyn Dynes (BSI – AgResearch), Dr Steve Thomas (BSI – Plant & Food Research).

• Michelle Barry 

Using portfolio analysis to assess diverse agricultural landscapes under climate change: A case study in the Marlborough wine region.

Supervisory Team: Professor Anita Wreford, Dr Jorie Knook, Dr Amber Parker (Lincoln University), Dr Edmar Teixeira (BSI – Plant & Food Research), Dr Juan Monge.

University of Canterbury

• Hamish Trlin

The impact of long-term culture on primary bovine myoblasts: implications for cultivated meat production and allergenicity

Supervisory Team: Professor Renwick Dobson (University of Canterbury), Dr Evelyne Maes (BSI- AgResearch), Dr Simon Loveday.

Mark MacDougall

Good vibes in passion-vine hoppers (Scolypopa australis) (Walker) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae): characterising substrate-borne vibrational communication in an invasive orchard pest

Supervisory Team: Professor Ximena Nelson (University of Canterbury), Dr Lloyd Stringer (BSI – Plant & Food Research).

Source: Lincoln University