Fonterra, a dairy co-operative based in New Zealand, have partnered with CSIRO and the University of Adelaide to delve into the potential of dairy for bolstering brain function.
The project is looking at the different ways nutrients in dairy could support cognition and overall brain health in older adults.
About the project
While Fonterra and CSIRO have previously partnered on many large-scale research projects, this study was the first opportunity to collaborate through the Industry PhD program (iPhD).
iPhD student Stefanie Evas commenced the project in 2021 and is in the final year of her PhD.
Using a range of neuroimaging, electrophysiology and cognitive testing techniques, Stefanie has been investigating how the fats and specific amino acids in certain dairy products affect brain health over time.
Fonterra is particularly interested in understanding the benefits that consuming dairy may have on cognition in older adults, and Stefanie has had the opportunity to set up and run a clinical trial of her own, testing the impact of Fonterra products on specific cognitive processes such as mood and sleep in the target group. This knowledge will help Fonterra to make informed claims about the health benefits their products provide, in the hope of contributing to wellbeing in older populations.
Collaboration is the key
Dr Caroline Gunn, senior researcher at Fonterra, and Stephanie's industry supervisor explains, "The more you do with a particular organisation, the more you know about them and their capability. The iPhD [experience] will certainly add to the collaboration we have with CSIRO.”
CSIRO researcher Dr Ian Zajac agrees explaining the key was "finding a balance between what Stephanie needed from the academic dissertation and what industry needs, and helping navigate both sides of that to arrive at something that is useful from the PhD perspective but valuable to industry."
Dr Zajac is also affiliated with the University of Adelaide and is acting as Stephanie’s university supervisor, highlighting the innovative and flexible nature of the iPhD program.
In addition, Stefanie receives expert guidance from CSIRO supervisor Dr Naomi Kakoschke who points out the importance of the iPhD program approach. "Collaborating with industry partners broadens students' horizons and equips them with invaluable real-world skills."
Stefanie's iPhD journey
Reflecting on her iPhD experience, Stefanie spoke highly of the learning opportunities she has had so far.
"The amount and the diversity of what I've learned in the program means that, three years in, I'm very, very happy with the decision I made to be part of it ... some things have been hard, like any program you do, but I think it's very, very worth it."
Stefanie has learnt to successfully navigate the complex process of running a clinical trial, including communicating with multiple stakeholders, adhering to international standards, meeting ethical requirements and dealing with intellectual property issues.
"Most of the skills I've learnt have been about how to balance lots of interests and keep everyone happy and [to] negotiate. The project I'm about to run is a combination of lots of people's interests, all in one clinical trial."
She says the process has really got her "thinking about feasibility, what's practical, what's interesting, what's marketable? All of these things…"
Dr Gunn acknowledged the process has been "very much a mutual benefit," as Fonterra receives valuable product insights from Stefanie's PhD research.
Along with the tangible research experience she has gained through the project, Stefanie has been able to develop valuable stakeholder management and communication skills that she will take into her post-PhD career. She also benefited from the conferencing and networking opportunities supported by CSIRO and Fonterra using the project expense and development component of the iPhD scholarship.
"My approach used to be 100% science, 0% anything else ... now I think I have a much more balanced approach."
Stefanie reflected on how the exposure she received to different opportunities as part of her iPhD have helped her plan her future.
"I think the first thing is that it's given me some confidence in knowing what my choices are and what they might look like. The second thing is that… it let me kind of dip my toes into a few areas and see what might be suited to me or what might not."
"Having been part of CSIRO, I've had so many resources at my disposal that I wouldn't have had at a uni, which is pretty incredible."
Stefanie has a busy year ahead with her clinical trial beginning in 2024. After the trial wraps up, Stefanie will start her industry placement at Fonterra in New Zealand before she submits her thesis early in 2025.
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Fonterra, a dairy co-operative based in New Zealand, have partnered with CSIRO and the University of Adelaide to delve into the potential of dairy for bolstering brain function.
The project is looking at the different ways nutrients in dairy could support cognition and overall brain health in older adults.
About the project
While Fonterra and CSIRO have previously partnered on many large-scale research projects, this study was the first opportunity to collaborate through the Industry PhD program (iPhD).
iPhD student Stefanie Evas commenced the project in 2021 and is in the final year of her PhD.
Using a range of neuroimaging, electrophysiology and cognitive testing techniques, Stefanie has been investigating how the fats and specific amino acids in certain dairy products affect brain health over time.
Fonterra is particularly interested in understanding the benefits that consuming dairy may have on cognition in older adults, and Stefanie has had the opportunity to set up and run a clinical trial of her own, testing the impact of Fonterra products on specific cognitive processes such as mood and sleep in the target group. This knowledge will help Fonterra to make informed claims about the health benefits their products provide, in the hope of contributing to wellbeing in older populations.
Collaboration is the key
Dr Caroline Gunn, senior researcher at Fonterra, and Stephanie's industry supervisor explains, "The more you do with a particular organisation, the more you know about them and their capability. The iPhD [experience] will certainly add to the collaboration we have with CSIRO.”
CSIRO researcher Dr Ian Zajac agrees explaining the key was "finding a balance between what Stephanie needed from the academic dissertation and what industry needs, and helping navigate both sides of that to arrive at something that is useful from the PhD perspective but valuable to industry."
Dr Zajac is also affiliated with the University of Adelaide and is acting as Stephanie’s university supervisor, highlighting the innovative and flexible nature of the iPhD program.
In addition, Stefanie receives expert guidance from CSIRO supervisor Dr Naomi Kakoschke who points out the importance of the iPhD program approach. "Collaborating with industry partners broadens students' horizons and equips them with invaluable real-world skills."
Stefanie's iPhD journey
Reflecting on her iPhD experience, Stefanie spoke highly of the learning opportunities she has had so far.
"The amount and the diversity of what I've learned in the program means that, three years in, I'm very, very happy with the decision I made to be part of it ... some things have been hard, like any program you do, but I think it's very, very worth it."
Stefanie has learnt to successfully navigate the complex process of running a clinical trial, including communicating with multiple stakeholders, adhering to international standards, meeting ethical requirements and dealing with intellectual property issues.
"Most of the skills I've learnt have been about how to balance lots of interests and keep everyone happy and [to] negotiate. The project I'm about to run is a combination of lots of people's interests, all in one clinical trial."
She says the process has really got her "thinking about feasibility, what's practical, what's interesting, what's marketable? All of these things…"
Dr Gunn acknowledged the process has been "very much a mutual benefit," as Fonterra receives valuable product insights from Stefanie's PhD research.
Along with the tangible research experience she has gained through the project, Stefanie has been able to develop valuable stakeholder management and communication skills that she will take into her post-PhD career. She also benefited from the conferencing and networking opportunities supported by CSIRO and Fonterra using the project expense and development component of the iPhD scholarship.
"My approach used to be 100% science, 0% anything else ... now I think I have a much more balanced approach."
Stefanie reflected on how the exposure she received to different opportunities as part of her iPhD have helped her plan her future.
"I think the first thing is that it's given me some confidence in knowing what my choices are and what they might look like. The second thing is that… it let me kind of dip my toes into a few areas and see what might be suited to me or what might not."
"Having been part of CSIRO, I've had so many resources at my disposal that I wouldn't have had at a uni, which is pretty incredible."
Stefanie has a busy year ahead with her clinical trial beginning in 2024. After the trial wraps up, Stefanie will start her industry placement at Fonterra in New Zealand before she submits her thesis early in 2025.
- See a list of our current scholarships.
- Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.