How We Work
Interdisciplinary by design
We draw on social science, microbiology, data science, artificial intelligence, and biometric methods to understand food safety culture from multiple perspectives.
Co-designed with industry
Our projects are developed in close partnership with food businesses and sector organisations, prioritising trust-based, long-term collaboration.
Learning-oriented and reflective
We treat each project as an ongoing learning process — noticing practice, reflecting together, and improving over time.
Our work is made possible through the support of organisations and partners who share a commitment to strengthening food safety culture.
Their contribution helps sustain research, enable collaboration, and support the careful translation of evidence into practice across the food system.
Our Supporters
Why Otago, Why Aotearoa
The Food Safety Culture Lab is based at the University of Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest university and a leading centre for food, health, and behavioural research. Our work is closely aligned with national priorities for food safety, public health, and sustainable food systems.
Through strong links with the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre (NZFSSRC), our research is embedded within a wider national ecosystem that connects universities, regulators, industry, and communities. This positioning enables us to generate evidence that is academically robust while remaining directly relevant to policy and practice.