Janet Howieson

Dr. Janet Howieson is an Associate Professor at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. With over nine years of dedicated research at Curtin, she has established herself as a leading expert in seafood industry science, particularly in supply chain monitoring, value chain analysis, and new product development.

Her academic foundation includes:

• PhD in Biology from Murdoch University (2001)
• M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Western Australia (1988)
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Microbiology from Curtin University (1984)

Dr. Howieson's research spans multiple critical domains within seafood science, including supply chain monitoring and intervention, value chain analysis and implementation, new product development, market strategy development, traceability systems, and waste and byproduct utilization. Her work bridges scientific research with practical industry applications, addressing complex challenges across the seafood value chain from production to consumer. She has recently expanded her expertise to include horticulture industry product development and waste utilization studies, demonstrating her ability to transfer knowledge across sectors.

Her publication record reveals a strong trajectory toward sustainable aquaculture practices, with increasing focus on circular economy approaches. Recent work emphasizes alternative protein sources (particularly using insect larvae and fish waste), seafood quality control, and innovative waste utilization strategies. Her research consistently connects laboratory findings with commercial applications, making significant contributions to both academic knowledge and industry practice.

Dr. Howieson's industry impact is recognized through prestigious awards:

• WA and National Seafood Industry People Development Award
• David Thomassen award for outstanding contribution to the Seafood CRC (2015)
• Curtin University Innovation and Commercialisation Award: Health Sciences (2014)
• WAFIC Research, Development and Extension Award (2013)

As an academic leader, she has supervised multiple postgraduate students and secured over $3 million in research funding, primarily through the Seafood CRC. Her funded projects address critical industry needs from seafood health benefits to supply chain optimization. She has delivered training in seafood supply chain monitoring across Australia and internationally, reflecting her commitment to industry capacity building and knowledge transfer.

Dr. Howieson maintains strong industry connections through leadership roles including Director at Large for the Women's Industry Network Seafood Community (2006-2011) and WINSC Board Member (2007-2011). Her international collaborations include serving as an invited scientist for the ACACA technical Exchange in China (2015) and leading seafood cold chain management training in Singapore (2014, 2015), highlighting her global impact in the field.