This award acknowledges an individual whose work has resulted in significant positive change for the food industry, the food science and technology profession, food research and innovation, and/or food science education, or has promoted the health and enjoyment of the wider community regarding food. 

Associate Professor Solah’s award citation stated that over her 36 year career she has trained a whole generation of food scientists. 

“Associate Professor Solah has shown dedication, commitment to excellence and innovation in industry-linked education, mentoring and research. Her research has contributed to the development of grain-based food knowledge including how dietary fibre influences postprandial glycaemia and satiety. She has strong research links to industry and leads by example - there are few food scientists in Western Australia who have not been positively impacted by Vicky’s mentoring.”  

In 2020, Associate Professor Solah led the development of Murdoch University’s Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition, Master of Food Science programs and was a driving force as Murdoch joined the Food Innovation Precinct WA initiative to build an enabling environment supporting industry, and using education and research as a focal point for food innovation in Western Australia.  

She was made an AIFST fellow in 2008 and lifetime fellow in 2018, due to her strong research links to industry and their needs, and for mentoring young scientists.    

The AIFST Dr Keith Farrer Award is named after Dr Keith Farrer OBE, a pioneering scientist and author, who was involved in the formation of the AIFST in 1967. 

The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) has more than 1,600 members and represents food system professionals working in all facets of the food industry: food science, food technology, engineering, sensory, new product development, innovation, regulatory, QA, nutrition, microbiology and food safety, as well as those in leadership positions within the academic, industry and private sectors.