Sally Poppitt

Sally Poppitt’s distinguished career in human nutrition began with her PhD in Energy Metabolism from the University of Aberdeen in 1988, where her doctoral thesis, ‘Energetics of reproduction and overwintering in some insectivorous mammals,’ laid the groundwork for extensive research. Following her doctoral work, she served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the MRC Dunn Clinical Nutrition Centre at the University of Cambridge, UK, and MRC Keneba, The Gambia, West Africa, from September 1989 to December 1996. Transitioning to the University of Auckland in February 1997 as a Lecturer in the Department of Medicine, she advanced to Senior Lecturer in July 2000. Between 2004 and 2006, Professor Poppitt held a Senior Research Fellowship at the University of Cambridge, UK, before being appointed Director of Clinical Trials Development at Protemix Corporation from October 2006 to November 2008, showcasing her expertise in both academic and industry settings.

She was appointed Associate Professor at the University of Auckland in November 2006. A significant milestone in her career was her appointment as the Fonterra Chair in Human Nutrition at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences, a prestigious role she held from June 2012 to January 2018. This position was integral to a larger Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) focused on driving new value in the dairy industry through science and nutrition. In March 2016, Professor Poppitt was appointed as the founding Director of the Human Nutrition Unit at the University of Auckland, a role she continues to hold.

She also engages extensively with the public and media, underscoring her commitment to translating academic excellence into broader public understanding and health improvement.