Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu leads a programme of nutrition research in the School of Population Health. She trained in Human Nutrition & Dietetics at Trinity College Dublin and worked as a clinical Dietitian in the UK before completing a PhD at the University of Southampton. Her research programme focuses on population diets, scalable dietary interventions, nutrition policy, and dietary supplements. Cliona has authored more than 275 peer-reviewed journal papers and 26 technical reports. She is Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences.

Distinctions/Honours:

2026 Research Impact Award, University of Auckland
2022-26 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Fellow
2020 Best e- & mHealth 2019 publication Award, International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
2019-26 Honorary Professorial Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health, Australia
2019 Public Health & User Experience Bronze Awards, NZ Best Design Awards
2018-26 Conjoint Professor, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia
2018 Best e- & mHealth 2017 publication Award, International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
2014 NEXT Magazine Woman of the Year Award - Health & Science Finalist
2013 Adjunct Assoc Professor, School of Public Health, Peking University, China
2010-13 Senior Fellowship, Heart Foundation of New Zealand

Responsibilities:
Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences

Committee/Professional groups/Services:
2026-2028: International Congress of Nutrition and Dietetics 2028 Scientific Committee

2026-2027: NHMRC Vitamin B6 Expert Working Group

2025-2027: HRC Public Health Research Committee

2021-current: New Zealand Public Health representative, Trans-Tasman Health Star Rating (HSR) Advisory Committee

2014-2025: Deputy Director, Healthier Lives National Science Challenge
2015: Ministry of Health Childhood Obesity Technical Advisory Group
2012-2015: New Zealand Health Star Rating Labelling Advisory Group
2011-current: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Social Sciences & Economics Advisory Group
2010-2013: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Consumer & Public Health Dialogue
2006-2015: Heart Foundation of New Zealand Food & Nutrition Working Group
2006: Ministry of Health 2008/09 NZ Adult National Nutrition Survey External Technical Group