The Centre was headed by Professor Peter Howe until March 31st 2007. As lead chief investigator in the ATN Challenge Grant application, Professor Howe was the Centre's inaugural Director.
He has a longstanding research career with extensive experience in both nutrition research and research management. He is currently Research Professor and Director of the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia and has a conjoint appointment as Professorial Research Fellow in the School of Molecular & Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide.
An authority on cardiovascular and metabolic effects of bioactive nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens, his research goal is the scientific substantiation and promotion of health benefits of functional foods through collaborative partnerships with the food industry.
He established the Smart Foods Centre, an ARC Key Centre at the University of Wollongong, and built strategic alliances with both primary producers and food manufacturers to develop a healthier food supply. Returning to Adelaide in 2002, he instigated a cross-institutional research collaboration with ARC-LIEF support focusing on diet and physical activity interventions to optimise health. He continues to attract substantial support from competitive grants and the private sector to foster local, interstate and international research collaboration.
Qualifications:
BSc (Sydney); MSc (Oxford); PhD (Monash).