From postdoc to senior research fellow

Getting the latest research knowledge out of the lab and into the industry helps to improve processes and highlights the value of connections between universities and our network of partners.

Lydia Ong's journey through the Dairy Innovation Hub stands as a testament to the collaboration between academic research and industry application. Joining the University of Melbourne as a postdoctoral fellow in 2008 to work with Professor Sally Gras on dairy microstructure, Lydia's career trajectory has been significantly shaped by her involvement in the Dairy Innovation Hub. During her time here, she’s progressed from a postdoctoral researcher to now a senior research role, having contributed significant work within the dairy sector.

I’ve enjoyed working directly with the member companies on real and applied research projects. The learning opportunities from our direct engagements at manufacturing sites and through our committee meetings gives us the opportunity to focus on research while delivering research outcomes for our partners. Dr Lydia Ong
Dr Ong is a Senior Research Fellow in Food Microstructure & Rheology (Chemical Engineering) at the University of Melbourne.

The Dairy Innovation Hub is a collaborative platform for researchers at the University of Melbourne and members of the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) to develop blue-sky ideas from the lab into translational impact for the member companies. With initial investment as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Program, over time the Dairy Innovation Hub became a platform for Dairy Innovation Australia to develop strategic partnerships and research opportunities.

Lydia has consistently highlighted the enriching experience of working directly with member companies on applied research projects. This hands-on approach not only honed her technical skills but also fostered strong industry relationships that would later prove essential.

The learning opportunities from our direct engagements with member companies at manufacturing sites and interactions with other hub members were invaluable.

Integrated opportunities for graduate researchers with the established labs, industry partners and networks mean that researchers early in their careers can identify opportunities for the long-term scale and scope of their research within their career. Lydia’s expertise and knowledge in the dairy area has helped to secure over $1.2 million across 75 areas of research and consulting contracts with many repeat business clients. This opportunity to directly influence industry through research activity highlights how Lydia’s skill in research translation and application can influence a broad industry.

Her dedication and expertise did not go unnoticed. Throughout her tenure, Lydia received several prestigious awards, including the ICM Agrifood Award by the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering in 2019 and the Outstanding Industry Engagement award from the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering in 2018. These accolades underscore her significant contributions to industry-relevant research and have seen Lydia progress through several University promotions to a highly valued Senior Research Fellow.

I’ve appreciated the leadership and strategic direction of the program that have allowed me to focus on fast-tracking research outcomes and the support that’s allowed met to maintain a significant research trajectory over the last ten years. Dr Lydia Ong

Lydia's work often involved site visits and factory trials, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of dairy manufacturing. She recalls, "Attending factory trials gave me the opportunity to see factory operations firsthand and learn the challenges in manufacturing." This understanding enabled her team to devise targeted research approaches, such as optimising the cream cheese process by studying the impact of different processing variables on texture.

Lydia’s academic achievements, combined with her strong industry engagement, have led to multiple successful translational activities, cementing her career and the impact of the Dairy Innovation Hub on the broader food and dairy industry.

For the next stage in her career, Lydia will be working with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, looking to use all the learning and industry experience to design complete nutrition food for space application. She’ll also be helping to develop sustainable approaches to feed the growing population on Earth.

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