Dr Nenad Naumovski completed his Bachelor of Human Nutrition at the University of Newcastle (UoN), Ourimbah, NSW, Australia and an Honours degree (Class 1) in Human Nutrition with interest in biomarkers associated with the development of atherosclerosis (plasma thiols, B vitamins), dietary intake and cognitive functioning of elderly population residing in a retirement village. Dr Naumovski’s continued his studies by gaining a PhD in Food Science where he investigated the cholesterol lowering properties of major green tea catechin, epigallocatehin gallate (EGCG) in animal models of hypercholesterolemia as well as determining the pharmacokinetic and cholesterol lowering properties of EGCG in humans. During this time, Dr Naumovski applied his expertise in the development of functional food products and adaptation of chromatographic methods used for the analysis systemic absorption of EGCG and determination of cardiovascular disease biomarkers (sterols, blood lipids, carotenoids and tocopherols).

After gaining his PhD, Dr Naumovski extended his expertise in reproduction science as a research officer, where he worked under the supervision of L/Prof John Aitken (2012 NSW Scientist of the year) in the Reproductive Science group, part of the Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Sciences. In this position, he focused mainly on the development of new and innovative contraceptive on demand techniques that possess antimicrobial and potentially antiviral effects. During this time Dr Naumovski also worked on translation techniques from in vitro to in vivo testing using the animal models.

Dr Naumovski commenced his employment at University of Canberra (UC) in 2014 and currently he is an Associate Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition. He has established a research arm at UC looking into healthy aging trajectories, plant bioactives, psychocardiology and development of nutraceuticals. Dr Naumovski is also a team leader of the Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory. He holds positions of Visiting Professor (Harokopio University, Athens, Greece), Conjoint Senior Lecturer (University of Newcastle, Australia) and Honorary Fellow (Abertay University, UK). He also leads a self-assessment team working on the improvement in gender equality in the STEMM sector as a part of the national program Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).

Dr Naumovski’s current research interest involves healthy ageing trajectories and nexus between the areas of plant bioactives, nutraceuticals and their consumption effects on psychocardiological markers in humans. This involves the development of methods of extraction, preservation and purification of a number of bioactives found in foods and food products as well as development of functional food products. At the moment Dr Naumovski mentors several post-doctoral researchers and supervises PhD candidates, Masters and Honours students.

For the current research projects opportunities, please contact Dr Naumovski directly.