Brendan Niemira named Chief Science and Technology Officer at IFT

A recent press release¹ announced that the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has hired Brendan Niemira as the organization’s Chief Science and Technology Officer (CSTO). Prior to IFT, Niemira was serving as the lead scientist and research microbiologist at the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS). At USDA-ARS, which is the USDA’s chief scientific in-house research agency, he spent more than 25 years at and managed a team of over 30 scientists, engineers, technicians, postdocs, and students, that worked on innovating tools to help kill human pathogens found on poultry, produce, shellfish, meats, and other foods.¹

Niemira’s work primarily targeted on the recognition and creation of irradiation, high-intensity monochromatic light, cold plasma, and various other non-thermal food safety treatments utilized for fresh and fresh-cut vegetables and fruits.

Throughout his career, Niemira has published more than 200 critical reviews, peer-reviewed research articles, and book chapters.¹ In 2016, he was awarded the Department of Defense Award for Excellence in recognition of the work he had been involved in with the USDA’s Food Safety and Intervention Technologies Research Unit. Niemira obtained his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) and his PhD from Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan) for botany and plant pathology.

“As guardians of public health and catalysts for innovation, food scientists and researchers help ensure science remains the foundation of food safety, security, and resilience. For nearly three decades, I have been proud to serve as a steward for science across my roles with the USDA and as an IFT member, and I am thrilled to now do that as Chief Science and Technology Officer for the Institute of Food Technologists,” said Niemira.¹

“We are facing unprecedented challenges today across the food system as decreased investment in critical areas like research funding and staffing put our food supply at greater risk, and the world needs organizations like IFT to help lead the way and be that much-needed voice of the food science community,” he continued.¹ “I have served in a variety of volunteer roles with IFT over the years and have seen first-hand how IFT is not only a critical hub for ideation and collaboration but also serves as a convener for the food science community in helping ensure a food system that is accessible and affordable for all.”

Niemira has been a member of IFT since 2003 and has previous involvement serving on IFT’s Board of Directors and was selected as an IFT Fellow in 2023.

Additionally, Niemira has been a presenter for dozens of research posters at other IFT meetings. As chair of the Biotechnology Division, he received the Biotech Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2015. Niemira also was involved with the Annual Meeting Scientific Program Advisory Panel (AMSPAP) as the Food Microbiology track lead and later on as Chair. AMSPAP helps organize the programming and content direction for IFT FIRST, which is IFT’s annual event/

“Brendan brings a unique perspective to this role, shaped by his decades of scientific leadership and his deep connection to IFT as both a longtime member and service on the board,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “His understanding of our community, paired with his experience at the forefront of food safety research, will add tremendous value to IFT, the members we serve, and our efforts to elevate the voice of food scientists in policy and legislative decision-making.”

Reference

1. Former USDA-ars lead scientist and researcher Brendan Niemira takes over as chief science and technology officer at IFT https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201149277/en/Former-USDA-ARS-Lead-Scientist-and-Researcher-Brendan-Niemira-Takes-Over-as-Chief-Science-and-Technology-Officer-at-IFT (accessed Dec 9, 2025).