Professor Heather Smyth
Professor

Heather Smyth

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 32469

Background

Professor Heather Smyth is a flavour chemist and sensory scientist who has been working with premium food and beverage products for more than twenty years. With a background in wine flavour chemistry, her expertise is in understanding consumer enjoyment of foods and beverages in terms of both sensory properties and composition.

Smyth has a special interest in describing and articulating food quality, understanding regional flavours of locally grown Australian produce, and modelling food flavour and textural properties using instrumental measurements. Smyth also specialises in researching how human physiology and psychology can impact sensory perception and therefore food choice.

Availability

Professor Heather Smyth is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Analytical chemistry Chemical Sciences Engineering Food chemistry and food sensory science Food sciences

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Adelaide
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Adelaide

Research interests

  • Distinctive Australian Foods and Beverages

    Australia has the opportunity to be the supplier of premium foods into global markets but needs to go beyond traditional ‘clean and green’ positioning to secure sustainable high value market positions. Across all commodity sectors, there is the opportunity to further develop the Australian advantage through identifying and marketing distinctively Australian food products to receptive target markets, such that they are ‘reassuringly expensive’. Defining unique 'regional flavors' of Australian products is one approach to develop a point-of-difference in premium products. Another obvious way to add distinctiveness is to use ingredients which are sourced from uniquely Australian native plants. Projects that address these challenges and opportunities may broadly include (1) investigations that identify, validate, communicate and generate consumer value from the distinctive characteristics of foods and ingredients sourced from Australian agriculture, and (2) exploring how to develop food and ingredient industries based on the unique composition and characteristics of Australian native plants.

  • Next Generation Foods and Beverages

    Future foods will contain natural health-promoting components, such as plant phytonutrients (which act as antioxidants) with reduced fat, sugar and salt levels. The challenge for food companies is to develop healthier foods for the future without compromising on sensory properties and consumer enjoyment. In many cases, it is currently not possible to dramatically reduce the level of fat, sugar and salt because of a loss in mouthfeel and flavour as well as structural integrity. Increasingly, food companies are looking for alternative means in which to structure food that allows it to have superior nutritional value whilst having favourable sensory properties. Projects in this area may include (1) exploring new ingredients and processes to identify novel ways of delivering desirable sensory properties in processed and minimally processed products, and (2) investigating human sensory perception, physiology and mouth behaviour, to understand how to deliver equivalent sensory experiences in modified products.

  • Understanding Human Sensory Perception

    Enjoyment of food is highly dependent on an individual's ability to sense the properties and components of food. The human sensory system is highly complex, with different sense organs simultaneously relaying nerve signals that activate multiple parts of the brain. Sensory perception is further complicated by our behaviour (such as the way we chew) and our physiology (such as our saliva), not to mention psychological, biological and environmental factors. Food companies are keen to understand the interaction between the food product and the consumer such that they can design nutritious foods that meet and exceed customer requirements and expectations. Research in this area may include (1) understanding the interaction of food and beverages with physiological factors such as human saliva, and (2) exploring the natural variation in an ethnically diverse population in terms of sensory acuity, physiology, mouth behaviour and consequently perception.

Research impacts

Professor Smyth works closely with the food and beverage industries to discover what sensory qualities consumers want and supports the design, production and marketing of superior products with increased consumer value. Current projects involve specialty coffee, beer, wine, native plant foods, cocoa, premium beef and seafood, tropical fruits, cereals, dairy products and some processed products and snack foods.

Smyth is also heavily involved in training industry and researchers in the application of flavour chemistry, sensory and consumer evaluation methods.

Search Professor Heather Smyth’s works on UQ eSpace

212 works between 2003 and 2024
All (212) Journal Article (96) Book Chapter (4) Conference Publication (110) Book (1) Other Outputs (1)

141 - 160 of 212 works

2018

Conference Publication

Understanding wine astringency and mouthfeel

Wang, Shaoyang and Smyth, Heather (2018). Understanding wine astringency and mouthfeel. 12th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Understanding wine astringency and mouthfeel

2018

Conference Publication

The role of saliva flow rate and composition in the oral manipulation of solid snack foods

Gebremariam, Mekonnen and Smyth, Heather Eunice (2018). The role of saliva flow rate and composition in the oral manipulation of solid snack foods. 12th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

The role of saliva flow rate and composition in the oral manipulation of solid snack foods

2018

Conference Publication

Sensory vocabulary for five native Australian plant foods and five native Australian leaf teas

Fyfe, S., Sultanbawa, Y. and Smyth, H. (2018). Sensory vocabulary for five native Australian plant foods and five native Australian leaf teas. Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Sensory vocabulary for five native Australian plant foods and five native Australian leaf teas

2018

Conference Publication

Consumer drivers for new Australian food products

Smyth, Heather Eunice (2018). Consumer drivers for new Australian food products. Global Forum in Innovation in Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 27 November 2018.

Consumer drivers for new Australian food products

2018

Conference Publication

Understanding the relationship between consumers’ acceptability for cola flavoured soft-drinks and oral physiology measures

Olarte Mantilla, Sandra M. and Smyth, Heather Eunice (2018). Understanding the relationship between consumers’ acceptability for cola flavoured soft-drinks and oral physiology measures. 12th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Understanding the relationship between consumers’ acceptability for cola flavoured soft-drinks and oral physiology measures

2018

Conference Publication

Is naturally nutritious delicious? A sensory and consumer approach to designing healthier horticultural products

Smyth, Heather Eunice, Tyler, Philippa and Olarte Mantilla, Sandra (2018). Is naturally nutritious delicious? A sensory and consumer approach to designing healthier horticultural products. 12th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Is naturally nutritious delicious? A sensory and consumer approach to designing healthier horticultural products

2018

Conference Publication

Application of genomics and sensory for identifying natural antioxidants to improve shelf life of mayonnaises

Ghorbani, Sara and Smyth, Heather (2018). Application of genomics and sensory for identifying natural antioxidants to improve shelf life of mayonnaises. 12th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Application of genomics and sensory for identifying natural antioxidants to improve shelf life of mayonnaises

2018

Conference Publication

Review of 12th Australia and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium

Smyth, Heather Eunice (2018). Review of 12th Australia and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium. AIFST Convention, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 11-12 September 2018.

Review of 12th Australia and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium

2018

Conference Publication

Using model soft particles to define a structure-function relationship applicable to semi-solid foods

Shewan, Heather and Smyth, Heather Eunice (2018). Using model soft particles to define a structure-function relationship applicable to semi-solid foods. 12th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 5-7 February 2018.

Using model soft particles to define a structure-function relationship applicable to semi-solid foods

2017

Conference Publication

Understanding wine astringency and mouthfeel

Wang, Shaoyang, Smyth, Heather, Olarte Mantilla, Sandra, Stokes, Jason and Smith, Paul (2017). Understanding wine astringency and mouthfeel. TropAg, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2017.

Understanding wine astringency and mouthfeel

2017

Journal Article

Evaluating the sensory properties of unpolished Australian wild rice

Tikapunya, Tiparat, Henry, Robert J. and Smyth, Heather (2017). Evaluating the sensory properties of unpolished Australian wild rice. Food Research International, 103, 406-414. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.037

Evaluating the sensory properties of unpolished Australian wild rice

2017

Journal Article

Extraction and characterization of a novel Terminalia pectin

Chaliha, Mridusmita, Williams, David, Smyth, Heather and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Extraction and characterization of a novel Terminalia pectin. Food Science and Biotechnology, 27 (1), 65-71. doi: 10.1007/s10068-017-0201-4

Extraction and characterization of a novel Terminalia pectin

2017

Journal Article

Variation in bean morphology and biochemical composition measured in different genetic groups of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.)

Tran, Hue T. M., Vargas, Carlos Alberto Cordero, Lee, L. Slade, Furtado, Agnelo, Smyth, Heather and Henry, Robert (2017). Variation in bean morphology and biochemical composition measured in different genetic groups of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.). Tree Genetics and Genomes, 13 (3) 54. doi: 10.1007/s11295-017-1138-8

Variation in bean morphology and biochemical composition measured in different genetic groups of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.)

2017

Journal Article

Stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) and HS-SPME-GCMS quantification of key aroma volatiles for fruit and sap of Australian mango cultivars

San, Anh T., Joyce, Daryl C., Hofman, Peter J., Macnish, Andrew J., Webb, Richard I., Matovic, Nicolas J., Williams, Craig M., De Voss, James J., Wong, Siew H. and Smyth, Heather E. (2017). Stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) and HS-SPME-GCMS quantification of key aroma volatiles for fruit and sap of Australian mango cultivars. Food Chemistry, 221, 613-619. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.11.130

Stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) and HS-SPME-GCMS quantification of key aroma volatiles for fruit and sap of Australian mango cultivars

2017

Journal Article

Bioactive rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana by enzyme-assisted extraction: a simple food safe extraction method

Chaliha, Mridusmita, Williams, David, Edwards, David, Pun, Sharon, Smyth, Heather and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2017). Bioactive rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana by enzyme-assisted extraction: a simple food safe extraction method. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 11 (5), 96-106. doi: 10.5897/JMPR2016.6285

Bioactive rich extracts from Terminalia ferdinandiana by enzyme-assisted extraction: a simple food safe extraction method

2017

Conference Publication

In vitro antimicrobial effects and mode of action of KP (Terminalia ferdinandiana) products against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms

Chaliha, M., Shelat, K., Fernando, C., Williams, D., Smyth, H. and Sultanbawa, Y. (2017). In vitro antimicrobial effects and mode of action of KP (Terminalia ferdinandiana) products against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. TropAg2017, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 20-22 November 2017. Lausanne, Switzerland: Frontiers.

In vitro antimicrobial effects and mode of action of KP (Terminalia ferdinandiana) products against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms

2017

Conference Publication

Texture and mouthfeel perceptions of model beverage systems containing soluble and insoluble oat fibres

Chakraborty, Piyali, Smyth, Heather Eunice, Witt, Torsten and Stokes, Jason (2017). Texture and mouthfeel perceptions of model beverage systems containing soluble and insoluble oat fibres. 11th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Otago, New Zealand, 20-22 February 2017.

Texture and mouthfeel perceptions of model beverage systems containing soluble and insoluble oat fibres

2017

Conference Publication

The sensory experience of tooth-packing defined

Smyth, Heather Eunice and Witt, Torsten (2017). The sensory experience of tooth-packing defined. 11th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand, 20-22 February 2017.

The sensory experience of tooth-packing defined

2017

Conference Publication

Evaluation of sensory methods for texture perception of potato chips during oral processing

Gebremariam, Mekonnen, Flammer, Linda J., Baier, Stefan, Stokes, Jason R. and Smyth, Heather Eunice (2017). Evaluation of sensory methods for texture perception of potato chips during oral processing. 11th Australian and New Zealand Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium, Otago, New Zealand, 20-22 February 2017.

Evaluation of sensory methods for texture perception of potato chips during oral processing

2017

Conference Publication

Anatomy of skin disorders afflicting Australian mangoes

San, A. T., Webb, R. I., Joyce, D. C., Hofman, P. J., Macnish, A. J. and Smyth, H. E. (2017). Anatomy of skin disorders afflicting Australian mangoes. XI International Mango Symposium, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia , 28th September- 3rd. October 2015. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1183.48

Anatomy of skin disorders afflicting Australian mangoes

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2028
    National Passionfruit Breeding and Evaluation Program
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Genetics of Fruit Sensory Preferences (HIA project administered by DAF)
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Plant based foods: Towards sustainable and acceptable meat analogues
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    Genetics of Fruit Sensory Preferences
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023
    Reduced enteric emissions of Grainfed Wagyu Cattle through feeding of red Asparagopsis for 300 days - Sensory Evaluation (AACo administered MLA grant)
    A. A. COMPANY PTY. LTD.
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Measurement of pH in high intramuscular fat samples and existing technology validation
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Emulsion gels and sensory perception
    Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Plant-based meat analogues
    Motif FoodWorks
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    National Papaya Breeding and Evaluation Program (Hort Innovation Grant administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Improving the efficiency of Kakadu Plum value chains to grow a robust and sustainable industry
    CRC for Developing Northern Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    A situational analysis for developing a Rice industry in Northern Australia
    CRC for Developing Northern Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Nanoparticle, Colloid and Microparticle Characterisation and Precision Engineering Nanosystems Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Dietary manipulation of pork fatty acid profiles to develop an Australian pork flavour signature relevant to Chinese consumers
    Australian Pork
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    Food structure design
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Value added bakery products using native plants as functional ingredients
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2021
    Naturally Nutritious
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Australian native foods as natural additives to improve quality and shelf life of frozen meals
    Research Connections
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Understanding Coffee Quality
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2018
    Agents of change: Transforming the food industry for Australia, Asia and beyond
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Chemical methods to underpin an understanding of coffee quality
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    Use of plant derived compounds to condition piglet intake at weaning and reduce post-weaning use of therapeutics
    CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Tactical Research Fund: Developing a dynamic regional brand - focus on flavour
    Fisheries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Prevention of muddy taints in farmed barramundi
    Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Heather Smyth is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Heather Smyth directly for media enquiries about:

  • aroma
  • beef
  • coffee
  • consumer research
  • flavour
  • food quality
  • human senses
  • premium food
  • sensory science
  • smell
  • taste
  • taste panels
  • wine

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au