Dharini Sivakumar is an experienced researcher and research leader in agri‑food science, specialising in the processing, storage, and packaging of fruits and vegetables (Avocado, citrus, lychees, rambutan, amaranth, Sweet potatoes), food chemistry, and metabolomics.
Her work focuses on advancing sustainable, resilient, and innovative agri‑food systems, operating at the intersection of food science, agriculture, and applied research.
She has led and contributed to collaborative research programs that enhance productivity, sustainability, food quality, and food system resilience, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific outcomes into practical, real‑world impact for industry, policy, and society. Dharini works closely with industry and government partners to deliver evidence‑based, scalable solutions addressing key challenges in food quality and sustainability.
In addition to her research leadership, Dharini plays a strategic role in program development, partnership building, and mentoring early‑ and mid‑career researchers. She is committed to strengthening the link between research and practice to support food security, sustainability, and innovation, both nationally and internationally. Currently, she supervises numerous PhD and Master’s students at The University of Queensland and internationally, contributing to research capacity building across institutions. Dharini also plays a strategic role in program development, partnership building, and mentoring, supporting food security, sustainability, and innovation nationally and globally.
Key capabilities
Postharvest processing, storage, packaging (fruits & vegetables)
Food chemistry
Metabolomics
Sustainable and resilient food systems
Applied food science and agriculture
Food security and sustainability innovation