Trailblazer for women in science receives prestigious award
Fonterra has awarded researcher, Sheelagh Hewitt, with the Distinguished Research Award (DRA) for her contributions and commitment to protecting intellectual property.
Jeremy Hill, Chief Science & Technology Officer, says Sheelagh has led innovation in a wide range of significant projects throughout her career at FRDC.
Sheelagh Hewitt, 2024 Distinguished Research Award recipient and Komal Mistry-Mehta, Chief Innovation & Brand Officer in front of the Honours Board at Fonterra Research and Development Centre.
Sheelagh has spent over 43 years at FRDC and the preceding Dairy Research Institute. Through her career, she has provided her knowledge to many areas of dairy science and food technology, specialising in dairy ingredients and driving innovation in the field.
The award acknowledges the scientists, researchers and technical staff within research and development for Fonterra. The DRA is awarded to those whose work has had a significant advancement to science and technology leading to an impact on the New Zealand dairy industry and generated or saved money for our Co-op.
“Sheelagh’s research contributions and commitment to protecting intellectual property have made her an invaluable asset to the industry,” Hill says.
“It is a tremendous honour. I’m proud to have contributed to Fonterra’s R&D over the years, and it’s fulfilling to know that our work is making an impact, both commercially and for our customers worldwide.”
Sheelagh is dedicated to continuous learning and staying updated with scientific advancements. Her passion for knowledge sharing helps build upon previous work and literature as well as developing other scientists
Sheelagh is a trailblazer for women in science, advocating for inclusivity and empowering female researchers in the dairy science field. She is the second female recipient of the DRA award and a role model for Fonterra’s leadership in dairy innovation and science.
“Sheelagh is dedicated to continuous learning and staying updated with scientific advancements. Her passion for knowledge sharing helps build upon previous work and literature as well as developing other scientists.”
The first DRA was awarded in 1990 and to date there have only been 13 recipients with the prior recipients being awarded in 2021. The recipient’s name is placed on the Honours board at the entrance to FRDC.
Innovation is core to Fonterra’s strategy and the research completed at Fonterra Research and Development Centre (FRDC) has enabled Fonterra to be recognised by its customers as world leading.
The award was hosted by Komal Mistry-Mehta, Chief Innovation & Brand Officer and Jeremy Hill, Chief Science & Technology Officer this week at FRDC.
Pictured (left to right): Jeremy Hill, Chief Science & Technology Officer, Sheelagh Hewitt, Principal Research Scientist, Komal Mistry-Mehta, Chief Innovation & Brand Officer, Pierre Venter, Director of Research & Development