Zero Hunger
Events for Local Farmers and Food Producers
Our University supports local farmers and food producers through events that enable them to connect with researchers, students, industry and government stakeholders and exchange knowledge on food innovation and sustainable production.
In 2025, the University of Newcastle hosted events for local farmers and food producers to connect and share knowledge. These included the annual Food Science and Human Nutrition Product Expo at the Ourimbah campus, where local farmers and food producers could engage with students, researchers and emerging food innovations, and the Hunter Insights Series event focused on the long-term sustainability of the Hunter Valley wine industry, which brought together more than 50 stakeholders including winemakers, researchers, tourism leaders and government representatives.
Food Science and Human Nutrition Product Expo
Crafting nourishing products that prioritise health not only empowers individuals but also leaves a positive footprint on communities, the environment, and the economy. It signals an era of sustainable, comprehensive food production and consumption, ushering in a society that's healthier, happier, and economically vibrant.
The University of Newcastle hosts the Food Science and Human Nutrition Food Expo annually at its Central Coast campus at Ourimbah, providing a free event where students, researchers, local farmers, and food producers can connect, showcase innovation, and share knowledge. The 2025 Food Product Development Expo was held on 22 October 2025 and attracted more than 130 attendees, including industry partners. Final-year Food Science and Human Nutrition students showcased newly developed food products, with participants able to engage with the products and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Three standout products showcased in 2025 were Curry Buddy, an instant chickpea and lentil curry; Nobol, a high-protein frozen yoghurt bar; and Savoury Squares, toaster waffles containing hidden vegetables.
The event fosters collaboration between the University and the broader food industry. It provided a valuable platform for local producers to engage with emerging talent, explore sustainable practices, and access the current research in nutrition and food science.
Attendees of the 2025 annual Food Product Development Expo
Long-term sustainability of the Hunter Valley wine industry
In August 2025 the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures hosted the first Hunter Insights Series event for 2025, focused on securing the long-term sustainability of the Hunter Valley wine industry and creating opportunities for regional stakeholders to connect around shared industry challenges.
The event attracted more than 50 stakeholders, including researchers, winemakers, tourism leaders, and government representatives, creating a forum for connection and collaborative discussions on the future of Australia’s most iconic wine regions.
“The Hunter Valley is not only a jewel in Australia’s wine crown – it’s a living, breathing example of regional resilience, innovation, and identity. But it is also a region facing very real and very complex challenges – from climate variability to economic pressure, to labour and sustainability demands,” said the Institute’s Acting Director Professor Kate Senior.
The agile, supportive, and collaborative spirit of the Hunter region offers the potential to turn these challenges into opportunities. And expertise across the Institute for Regional Futures and the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources can drive innovation throughout the wine supply chain, from grape growers and winemakers to distributors and retailers.
“We want to help our regions thrive by delivering research excellence, collaboration and impact.”
Read more here.
Biotechnology on Food and Energy Innovation
The Centre for Sustainability and Development (CSD), in collaboration with the Bioenergy Society of Singapore (BESS), hosted a half-day symposium in December 2025 exploring the transformative potential of biotechnology in advancing sustainable food and energy systems.
The symposium provided insights into how emerging technologies, including synthetic biology, precision fermentation, and advanced genetic engineering, are driving innovation across these critical sectors and paving the way towards a circular bioeconomy. Bringing together leading researchers, industry pioneers, and policymakers, the event examined the convergence of food and bioenergy solutions, and how cross-sector collaboration can help strengthen food security while accelerating the global energy transition.
Opportunities in Agri and Aquaculture Microbiome
In collaboration with the Singapore National Biofilm Consortium, Innovation Partner for Impact Singapore (IPI), and Enterprise Singapore, the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) co-organised an insightful event on ‘Opportunities in Agri and Aquaculture Microbiome’ on 15 August 2024.
This gathering brought together leading experts to explore the future of sustainable food systems and the critical role of microbiome innovations in agriculture and aquaculture.
Two panel sessions were organised consisting of:
Panel 1: Management of Soil and Plant Microbiome to Enhance Crop growth
- Anton WIBOWO. CEO, Trendlines Agrifood Innovation Centre
- Prof. Sanjay SWARUP. Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore
- C.S. LIEW. Managing Director, Pacific Agriscience
- Ritu BHALLA. Assistant Director, Agriculture Research and Innovation (AGRI) Centre at Republic Polytechnic
Panel 2: Management of Water and Fish/Shrimp Gut Microbiome in Aquaculture
- Patricia CONWAY. Visiting Professor, Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
- Toong Jin LAM. Emeritus Professor, National University of Singapore
- Tet Fatt CHIA. Inventor & Founder, Miiiome Technology
- Dr. Michael VOIGTMANN. Co-founder, Managing Partner & CTO of Singapore Aquaculture Technologies (SAT) & Wintershine Asia
Harnessing Advanced Technology for Farming
Dr. Shaleeza Sohail from the School of Information and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle and Dr. Harish Devaraj from the School of Engineering Teaching and Research at the University of Waikato are working together to combine artificial intelligence (AI) and federated learning to empower farmers to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.