Postgraduate study in Nutrition and Metabolism
With the University of Auckland ranked number one in the global University Impact Rankings, there’s never been a better time to pursue postgraduate study in nutrition and metabolism right here in Aotearoa.

Overview
Across the lifespan food is a major determinant of health. This area of research explores the ways in which nutrition at each point in the lifespan affects long-term health and response to disease. Take part in this research and you’ll help identify the factors that link good nutrition to long-lasting health. You could investigate how to diagnose and manage food intolerances, investigate the body’s response to different nutrients, explore the impact of nutrition on healthy aging, or analyse the role of nutrients at a molecular level in the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Supervisors
- Professor Richard Mithen (nutrition of plant-based foods)
- Dr Amber Milan (nutrition)
- Dr Chris Pook (application of chromatography and mass spectrometry to questions of metabolism, physiology, chemical ecology and biochemistry)
Projects available
Masters and doctoral projects are available to explore the following questions:
- Supporting gut health through diet – understanding the effects and mechanisms of dietary interventions to prevent digestive discomfort and improve digestive function using a systems biology approach (Dr Amber Milan)
- Novel methods to assess gastrointestinal function and feeling – linking physiology to patient reported outcomes and biological markers (Dr Amber Milan)
- Chemical analyses and nutritional value of New Zealand plants (Professor Richard Mithen)
- Biological activity and human metabolism of plant specialised metabolites (Professor Richard Mithen)
- What role do chiral amino acids play in host-microbiome interactions? (Dr Chris Pook)
- Volatile and semivolatile metabolites in the human gut and their role in host-microbiome interactions (Dr Chris Pook)
You can get a scholarship to assist with your study. See what’s on offer for Liggins Institute students.
Are you an undergraduate student interested in research? Check the Honours projects available at the Liggins Institute.
How to apply
Contact the team to find out more about the projects on offer or to apply.
Professor Richard Mithen r.mithen@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Amber Milan a.milan@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Chris Pook chris.pook@auckland.ac.nz
