Benu Adhikari

Professor Benu Adhikari is a faculty member in the School of Science at RMIT University, Australia. He holds honorary positions including Visiting Professor at Jiangnan University (China), Adjunct Professor at Soochow University (China), and Adjunct Distinguished Professor at the China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Beijing). His research focuses on food engineering, emulsions, encapsulation technologies, biodegradable packaging, and food drying processes. Key projects include developing plant-based dairy alternatives, biodegradable films from agricultural waste, and texture-modified foods for the elderly. He supervises numerous research projects on topics like 3D-printed food from mushroom waste, sodium reduction in food systems, and encapsulation of bioactive compounds. His work integrates advanced materials science, sustainable processing, and food innovation. Professor Adhikari is an editorial board member of Sustainable Food Technology and Drying Technology.

Research interests span food engineering fundamentals (rheology, thermal processing), emulsion stability mechanisms, micro/nano encapsulation of heat-sensitive ingredients, and biodegradable packaging development. His lab explores novel applications of plant and algal proteins, lignin-based materials, and AI-driven food supply chains. Over 400+ research outputs highlight contributions to food science, materials engineering, and sustainable technologies. Collaborations with industry and global institutions drive applied research in food safety, nutrition, and circular economy practices.

Recent innovations include hemp protein-curcumin conjugates, AI-optimized fresh food logistics systems, and 3D-printed texture-modified foods for dysphagia management. His work addresses global challenges in food security, sustainability, and aging population nutrition through interdisciplinary approaches.