Soil To Brain - Kim Hill Hot Topic 2026

Lineup

• More details about Julia Rucklidge | University of Canterbury

  Julia Rucklidge | University of Canterbury

  Julia Rucklidge is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Canterbury and Director of Te Puna Toiora | The Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab. Her work investigates the role of micronutrients in the expression and treatment of mental illnesses, including ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and stress. Rucklidge challenges the conventional medication-first approach in psychiatry, advocating for nutrition as a foundational element of mental healthcare. She earned her PhD at the University of Calgary and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Since establishing her research programme in New Zealand, she has published over 170 peer-reviewed scientific papers and led numerous randomised controlled trials. Her studies consistently demonstrate that optimising nutrient intake through broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral formulas leads to significant improvements in mood, attention, and psychological functioning. Her 2014 TEDx Christchurch talk, "The surprisingly dramatic role of nutrition in mental health", has over 5 million views, raising global awareness of her findings. She co-authored The Better Brain, which translates her scientific research into practical guidance. Through extensive research, teaching, and advocacy, Professor Rucklidge is reshaping the conversation around mental health, positioning nutritional science as an indispensable tool for clinicians and individuals.

• More details about Pablo Gregorini | Lincoln University

  Pablo Gregorini | Lincoln University

  Pablo Gregorini is Professor of Livestock Production at Lincoln University, where he is also the Chief Scientist for the Centre of Excellence for Designing Future Productive Landscapes. A leading voice in agricultural science, his work focuses on redesigning pastoral farming systems to be more resilient, sustainable, and ethically sound. Professor Gregorini challenges conventional, reductionist approaches, advocating for a holistic perspective that integrates animal science with ecology, social science, and complex systems thinking. His goal is to create agricultural landscapes that are simultaneously productive, profitable, and environmentally regenerative. He investigates the intricate interactions between foraging animals, the plants they consume, and the wider ecosystem. This includes studying animal behaviour, metabolism, and nutrient cycling to optimise livestock health and performance while minimising environmental impact. Professor Gregorini is recognised as a thought leader and agricultural philosopher who pushes the boundaries of farming science. Through his extensive list of publications, his mentorship of postgraduate students, and his leadership roles, he is influential in shaping the future of pastoralism in New Zealand and overseas.

• More details about Carolyn Lister | Bioeconomy Science Institute

  Carolyn Lister | Bioeconomy Science Institute

  Dr. Carolyn Lister is a Principal Scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute. She is a leading expert in food science, specialising in the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds within plant-based foods that confer health benefits. She completed her PhD in plant biochemistry through the University of Canterbury. A fellowship at the University of Glasgow in 1997 sparked her interest in the role of plant pigments in human health. Dr. Lister’s career has focused on identifying and quantifying these compounds, providing the critical scientific evidence linking the consumption of specific foods to human health outcomes, particularly in the areas of cognitive function, metabolic health, and healthy ageing. Her research portfolio is extensive, including both iconic NZ crops as well as the unique properties of heritage apple varieties, taonga potatoes, and other novel crops. Dr. Lister's research provides the scientific validation that underpins New Zealand’s high-value functional food and natural health product industries, allowing for credible health claims on domestic and international markets. Furthermore, her work informs the development of new, more nutritious food cultivars, contributing to public health goals. Dr. Lister’s work bridges the gap between food production and human nutrition, driving innovation in the food sector and empowering consumers with knowledge about the benefits nutrient dense foods.

• More details about Hadee Thompson-Morrison | Bioeconomy Science Institute

  Hadee Thompson-Morrison | Bioeconomy Science Institute

  Dr. Hadee Thompson-Morrison is an accomplished Researcher in Soil Chemistry at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, specialising in soil health and trace element biogeochemistry. An emerging leader in her field, she was the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Zonta Science Award, which recognises the exceptional achievements of early-career women scientists in New Zealand. Dr. Thompson-Morrison’s research focuses on understanding the behaviour of trace elements in agricultural and urban environments to improve both environmental sustainability and human health outcomes. Her work investigates how essential nutrients and potentially harmful contaminants, such as copper, zinc, and cadmium, accumulate in soils and are taken up by plants. This research is critical for managing the long-term impacts of agricultural practices like the use of fertilisers and imported animal feeds. Dr. Thompson-Morrison completed her PhD in Environmental Science at the University of Canterbury, where she developed a sophisticated model to predict the accumulation of trace elements in soils over time. Her research is designed to contribute to changes in agricultural practices (such as reducing the use of palm kernel expeller in New Zealand's agricultural systems), enhancements in the nutritional quality of food, and protection of the health of our ecosystems.

• More details about Kim Hill

  Kim Hill

  Kim Hill is a nationally acclaimed broadcaster whose involvement guarantees a high standard of discourse and lends the event significant public credibility. The platform allows for the nuanced exploration of "hot topics" in a manner that is both accessible to the public and respected by experts.