The AIFST Keith Farrer Award of Merit
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2026 Winner: Dr Tom Lewis Presented by: Melissa Packham, AIFST Board Chair. | The AIFST Keith Farrer Award of Merit 2026The Keith Farrer award of merit is the Institute’s highest honour, recognising a person’s remarkable contribution to the Institute and the Australian agrifood sector through advancements in food science and technology. This Award was established to honour the legacy of Dr Keith Farrer OBE, a pioneering scientist and author, who was involved in the formation of the AIFST in 1967. Dr Farrer was one of Australia’s foremost food scientists. The 2026 award winner is Dr Tom Lewis, RDS Partners. The Keith Farrer Award of Merit is AIFST's highest honour, recognising an individual who has made a remarkable and sustained contribution to both the Institute and the Australian agrifood sector through advancements in food science and technology. Dr Tom Lewis, has devoted more than two decades to strengthening Australia's food industry through visionary leadership, collaboration and innovation. A co-founder of organisations including the Allergen Bureau, FermenTasmania and the Australian Food Safety Centre of Excellence. Dr Lewis has brought together industry, government and research organisations to address some of the sector's most significant food safety, innovation and sustainability challenges.Tom's leadership has helped shape internationally recognised initiatives such as the VITAL® allergen risk assessment framework, while his long-standing service to AIFST as a Fellow, Board member, committee member, Branch leader and mentor has strengthened the Institute and the profession. |
