Food Innovation
Dr Kelly Atkinson
Operations Support Manager
I work with scientists and managers to make sure we are following robust, efficient processes whenever we want to improve or extend our science facilities and equipment. We are a large science organisation with lots of great kit spread around the country, and our long history and high ambitions mean that we need to care for our existing capabilities while also growing in new directions. Prior to this role, I studied biochemistry and computer science, earning a PhD from the University of Auckland. I was a scientist at Plant & Food Research and studied human responses. Later, I moved into science operations. I ran genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics facilities at the University of Auckland and managed science delivery teams. I then helped lead a health data science research partnership, Precision Driven Health, with wide responsibility for the organisation’s operations and research projects.