Professor Nidhi Bansal is a food processing expert with almost 20 years’ experience in alternative processing methods, protein structures and functionality, product drying systems and rapid quantification assays of biomolecules.
Her research aims to enhance industry-research engagement by creating opportunities for product and process innovation that is internationally competitive and profitable. She has nurtured significant industry collaborations including major food companies in Australia as well as smaller, niche businesses.
Nidhi holds a B. Tech in Dairy Technology and PhD in Food and Nutritional Sciences. She is the Deputy Head of School, in the UQ School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability. She leads projects in the areas of non-thermal processing and shelf-life extension of food products and developing non-thermal pasteurisation for milk and milk products. Through this research, she aims to enhance infant nutrition, as well as improve infant gut microbiota. Her research also supports the self-determined development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through community-led co-development of novel food and nutraceutical products, grounded in Indigenous knowledges and cultural integrity.
Nidhi is passionate about work integrated learning opportunities and inspiring students to complete their programs with industry-aligned graduate attributes. She is the director of AgConnections AgriSkills Accelerator at UQ, funded by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, focusing on expanding career pathways and workforce diversity for a resilient agricultural future.
Key capabilities
Emerging food technologies
Dairy science, protein chemistry and functionality
Bioactive milk, gut nutrition
Teacher and mentor