Our Board
The Glycemic Index Foundation is a not-for-profit health promotion charity that is governed by a Board of Directors. Our Board is made up of people with personal experience of diabetes, research leaders, food industry experts and experienced business executives who are passionate about supporting the community with information and tools to help improve their health through scientifically-backed low GI healthy eating principles.
Board Members
Professor Jennie Brand-Miller
(President & University of Sydney Member Representative )
Professor of Human Nutrition, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre
Jennie is internationally recognised for her ground-breaking work in Glycemic Index.
She was a finalist in the 2006 Australian of the Year Award, and her books have sold millions of copies around the world. Jennie has also been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Science in recognition for championing understanding of the role of the glycemic index (GI) in health and disease. Jennie was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to education in the field of human nutrition as a researcher and academic, and as a supporter of people with a hearing impairment.
Professor Stephen Colagiuri
(University of Sydney Member Representative)
Professor of Metabolic Health and Co-Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity, Faculty of Medicine and Health and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney
Stephen Colagiuri is a clinical academic and a medical graduate specialising in diabetes and endocrinology. His research and clinical focus are on evidence-based diabetes prevention and care. He has co-authored a number of books on the glycaemic index. He has served on several World Health Organization technical advisory groups and served on the Board of the International Diabetes Federation from 2017 to 2022 as Vice President (Physician). In 2017 Stephen was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for national and international services to diabetes.
Dr Fiona Atkinson
(University of Sydney Member Representative)
Research Manager Sydney University Glycemic Index Research Services
Fiona is a leading researcher in carbohydrate health and nutrition. Fiona is internationally recognised for her research understanding the physiological significance of AMY1 Gene, which kickstarts digestion of starch in the mouth, is associated with blood glucose levels and digestion of carbohydrates, with implications for understanding human evolutionary biology and the gut microbiome.
Rowan Clifford
(Diabetes Australia Representative)
Diabetes Australia, CEO NSW and ACT
Rowan is a dedicated health professional and business leader with a background in the Allied Health, Disability and Human Services sectors. Rowan completed undergraduate and post graduate studies in psychology, before undertaking an MBA to help further support his leadership journey.
Rowan has extensive experience working under state and federal contracts, servicing those with injury, illness, disability, socioeconomic barriers or other areas of need. Rowan believes it is important to always act with authenticity and conviction in everything you do as a leader.
Professor Grant Brinkworth
(Director)
Nutrition and Health Professor, Clinical Research and Commercialisation Leader
Professor Grant Brinkworth, has over 20 years’ experience leading strategic, multidisciplinary research portfolios and health and wellness areas including obesity, diabetes, ageing and mental and physical performance. Combined with his business management and commercialisation experience he has worked across the research and commercialisation value chain to develop, translate and commercialise products and health service solutions in collaboration with government agencies, regulatory bodies, health care professionals, industry and academic sectors both within Australia and Internationally for improved community health with social and economic impact. He also brings an extensive publication history of 100+peer-reviewed journal articles and 5 commercial book publications.
Isobel Brown
(Director)
Previously Chief of Staff at Minister for International Development and the Pacific
Experienced and accomplished health, nutrition and international development policy professional who has worked at senior levels in the Australian government and the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. More than twenty years of health and nutrition engagement that brings a unique combination of government policy and advocacy experience, private sector engagement and communications expertise. Isobel’s career combines a life sciences and public health background with extensive experience in government, as a policy adviser to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott and Chief of Staff to the Minister for International Development.
Richard Meagher
(Director)
Previously Region President & General Manager, Consumer Brands at The Sherwin-Williams Company
Richard Meagher a well-respected and experienced senior business leader in the food industry with over 25 years in B2B and B2C across ANZ and Asia. Prior to his last role at Sherwin-Williams, he held several food industry roles including CEO Tip Top Baking ANZ where he was a trusted counsel to many of Australia’s most iconic baking brands. He was also recently Non-Executive Director role at PaintBack Limited, Australia’s first industry-backed product stewardship scheme.
Jan Ridd
(Director)
Group Executive, National Diabetes Services Scheme and International Programs
Jan is a senior executive health leader with more than 25 years’ experience in the health and education sectors across commercial, NGO and for-purpose organisations. Jan has a background in medical science, business administration and project/program management and is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.
Jan has worked extensively with strategic partners and federal, state and territory governments to deliver health outcomes for Australians. She is currently the Group Executive at Diabetes Australia responsible for leading the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) on behalf of the Australian Government and International Programs including Life for a Child, supporting people living with or impacted by diabetes to improve outcomes.
Consultants:
Dr Alan Barclay
Scientific Advisor
Alan is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who completed a PhD at the University of Sydney on the association between carbohydrate (glycemic index and load) and the risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He completed a degree in Nutrition and Food Science in 1992, Dietetics in 1993 and completed a Certificate 111 in Commercial Cookery in 2018 and is a qualified chef. He worked at Diabetes Australia – NSW from 1998 – 2014 as research and Development Manager / Head of Research, and the Glycemic Index Foundation as Chief Executive/Scientific Officer, from 2006 – 2016, and is now a consultant. He has co-authored nearly 40 peer reviewed articles and has presented his research at scientific conferences around the globe.
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