About Dr. Hettie Schönfeldt

Professor, Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria; DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Nutrition and Food Security

Professor Hettie Schönfeldt is a distinguished expert in nutrition and food security, holding a professorship in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa, and an extraordinary lectureship in the School of Health Systems and Public Health. She has led the DSI/NRF SARChI Tier 1 Chair in Nutrition and Food Security since 2018, driving research and student development. Since 2023, she has served on the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) for the FAO’s Committee on World Food Security. She is also UP’s focal point for the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG Hubs, transitioning from SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) in 2024 to SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) from 2025. Additionally, she was appointed to the WHO Expert Consultation Group on Animal-Source Foods and as a Director of EuroFIR (European Food Information Resource) in 2024. Her research bridges nutrient composition with sustainable food systems, shaping policies and programs across Africa and globally. Recognized for her contributions, she was named a Pioneer Woman in Agriculture (2024) and received the Nevin Scrimshaw Award (2019) for excellence in food data research.