Terhi Junkkari | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Terhi Junkkari | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Principal lecturer at University of Turku/Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Dr. Terhi Junkkari is a seasoned expert in food science and consumer research with a strong academic background and over two decades of experience spanning academia, research, and the food industry. Currently a Principal Lecturer at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK), Finland, she has held leadership roles including Dean of the School of Food and Agriculture. Her work bridges nutrition science, food development, and sustainable food systems, contributing to over 30 peer-reviewed publications and nearly 100 other scientific reports. She actively engages in EU-funded projects focused on food sustainability and innovation.

Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education Details

  • D.Sc. (Food Science/Nutrition) – University of Helsinki, 2001
    Thesis: The effect of vitamin D status on calcium and bone metabolism

  • M.Sc. (Human Nutrition) – University of Helsinki, 1994
    Thesis: Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on arachidonic acid metabolism in rat thyroid cells

  • Professional Teacher Education (Pedagogical Qualification) – Häme University of Applied Sciences, 2016

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

Current Role:

  • Principal Lecturer, Food Science & Consumer Research, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (2022–present)

Previous Roles:

  • Dean, School of Food and Agriculture, SeAMK (2019–2021)

  • Lecturer, Food Development, SeAMK (2018)

  • Director, Business Unit Finland, Analyse2, Espoo (2015–2018)

  • Senior Manager, Professional Services Finland, Analyse2 (2008–2015)

  • Product Developer, Saarioinen Ltd, Tampere (2000–2008)

🌱 Research Interests

  • Nutrition labeling and consumer behavior

  • Product development for health and sustainability

  • Vitamin D and bone/calcium metabolism

  • Sustainable and future-oriented food systems

  • Public health nutrition and ready-to-eat food evaluation

  • Applied food science in foodservice and catering contexts

Ongoing EU-Funded Projects:

  • FOODPathS (2022–2025): Co-creating safe and sustainable food systems

  • FutureFoodS (2024–2030): European Partnership for future sustainable food systems

  • Future Frami Food Lab (2023–2025): Development of a regional food lab for innovation

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Board Member, Association of Clinical and Public Health Nutritionists in Finland (RTY), 2006–2007

  • Chair, Sustainability and Responsibility Working Group, SeAMK, 2019–2022

  • Multiple professional certifications including hygiene passport, project management, and leadership training

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Terhi Junkkari combines deep scientific expertise with practical industry and educational experience, making her a leading voice in nutrition-focused food science. Her academic contributions, leadership in sustainability initiatives, and engagement in EU research projects illustrate her commitment to advancing food system innovation and public health. Her research continues to impact both scientific understanding and real-world food development strategies.

Publications 📚

📄 Title: The effect of nutrition labels on lunch buffet consumption: a real-life experiment
👥 Authors: Junkkari, T.; Kantola, M.; Arjanne, L.; Luomala, H.T.; Hopia, A.I.
📚 Journal: British Food Journal
📅 Year: 2023
🔓 Access: Open Access
🔗 DOI/Link: (Insert DOI or URL if available)
📝 Article Type: Research Article
🔍 Keywords: Nutrition labels, Consumer behavior, Buffet consumption, Real-life experiment

 

 

Reno Gordon | Nutritional Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Food Scientist

Dr. Reno Gordon | Nutritional Science | Best Researcher Award

 

 

Lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Science, South Afric

Dr. Reno Eron Gordon is a South African nutrition researcher and lecturer with a Doctorate in Nutrition from North West University. He specializes in human nutrition, dietetics, and physiology, currently serving as a permanent lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. His research focuses on sports nutrition, food safety, and infant and young child nutrition, with multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Recognized for his contributions, he has received awards for best paper presentations, including first and second place at the 2023 Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Research Day.

Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education Details

  • Doctorate in Nutrition (2023) – North West University
  • Master of Science in Nutrition (2013) – University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition (2009) – University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (2008) – University of KwaZulu-Natal

Additionally, he has completed various professional courses, including risk management, digital teaching, and food safety training.

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (2013–present) – Permanent Lecturer for Human Nutrition & Dietetics and Physiology Departments
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal (2012 & earlier) – Held multiple roles, including Part-time Lecturer, Nutrition Supervisor, and Tutor

🌱 Research Interests

  • Sports Nutrition
  • Food Safety
  • Infant and Young Child Nutrition

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • 2023: First & Second Place for Best Paper Presentation (Independent Researcher) – Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Research Day
  • 2014: Second Place for Best Paper Presentation – University of Limpopo, Faculty of Health Sciences

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Reno Eron Gordon has a strong academic background, with extensive experience in nutrition research and teaching. His research contributions in food safety, sports nutrition, and community health are well-documented, with multiple publications in high-impact journals. Additionally, his recognition in university research competitions highlights his ability to present high-quality, impactful research.

Publications 📚

📖 Self-reported meal planning practices among households in the Tshwane North area, Gauteng
📅 Published: 2024-12-19 | 📰 Journal: Health SA Gesondheid
🔗 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2750
✍️ Authors: Lindiwe J. Ncube, Mashudu Manafe, Reno E. Gordon

📖 Knowledge, skills, and household food preparation practices in the north of Pretoria – Gauteng province, South Africa
📅 Published: 2024-10-04 | 📰 Journal: African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
🔗 DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.134.24360
✍️ Authors: LJ Ncube, M Manafe, RE Gordon

📖 Infant feeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers
📅 Published: 2024-07-31 | 📰 Journal: Health SA Gesondheid
🔗 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2617
✍️ Authors: Kgabo M. Mabotja, Annette Van Onselen, Reno E. Gordon

📖 Establishing a digital healthcare ecosystem in a Health Sciences University in South Africa: A mixed-method protocol (Preprint)
📅 Published: 2024-02-27 | 📰 Journal: JMIR Research Protocols
🔗 DOI: 10.2196/57821
✍️ Authors: Samantha Govender, Maria Elizabeth Cochrane, Mabina Mogale, Reno Gordon, Tjodwapi Tshephe

📖 Physiological and nutrition-related challenges as perceived by spinal cord-injured endurance hand cyclists
📅 Published: 2024-01-01 | 📰 Journal: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
🔗 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0036
✍️ Authors: Reno Eron Gordon, Belinda Scrooby, Lize Havemann-Nel

📖 Food hygiene and food safety practices of households in a township north of Tshwane, Gauteng
📅 Published: 2023-10-17 | 📰 Journal: Health SA Gesondheid
🔗 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v28i0.2346
✍️ Authors: Mashudu Manafe, Reno E. Gordon, Lindiwe J. Ncube

📖 Nutritional Practices and Body Composition of South African National-Level Spinal Cord-Injured Endurance Hand Cyclists
📅 Published: 2022-11-22 | 📰 Journal: Nutrients
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/nu14234949
✍️ Authors: Reno Eron Gordon, Sunita Potgieter, Lize Havemann-Nel

📖 Hydration status and fluid intake of urban, underprivileged South African male adolescent soccer players during training
📅 Published: 2015-10-20 | 📰 Journal: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
🔗 DOI: 10.1186/s12970-015-0080-0
✍️ Authors: Reno Eron Gordon, Susanna Maria Kassier, Chara Biggs