Nutiani HN019™

Buffy Gard is the Probiotics Director at Fonterra, where she drives global strategy across business development, marketing, innovation, and intellectual property for the company’s science-backed probiotics portfolio. With over 20 years of experience in microbial product innovation, Buffy brings together deep scientific knowledge and commercial insight to accelerate solutions that support human health and wellbeing.

With a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Buffy began her career in the field of genomics and microbiome science, contributing to early discoveries in CRISPR technology. Her background spans foundational research through to market application, giving her a unique ability to connect emerging science with commercial opportunity.

A passionate advocate for the role of probiotics in shaping the future of health, Buffy is focused on developing clinically supported, evidence-based innovations that meet real consumer needs.

Elaine Patterson is a scientific leader with over a decade of experience in health and biosciences innovation, specialising in probiotics, the gut microbiome, and dietary supplements for human health. As the Head of Fonterra’s Microbiome Research Centre (Ireland), she is focused on building a centre of excellence in microbiome research, collaborating closely with APC Microbiome Ireland to accelerate innovation and bring forward clinically validated solutions that support human health across life stages.

Armed with a BSc in Neuroscience and a PhD in Microbiology from University College Cork, Elaine’s fascination with the gut-brain connection began early. Her research into host-microbe interactions and the microbiome-gut-brain axis laid the foundation for a career dedicated to turning science into real-world impact.

Elaine’s journey has taken her from academic fellowships at Teagasc and APC Microbiome Ireland to senior Research & Development roles in Finland and Ireland. Along the way, she helped launch a pioneering probiotic for stress management and spearheaded innovations that explored how probiotics can enhance cognitive performance and emotional wellbeing.

James Dekker is a Platform Manager within the Breakthrough Innovation Team specialising in Nutrition and Health at the Fonterra Research and Development Centre. At Fonterra, James plays a pivotal role in integrating emerging technologies and scientific research into the next generation of commercial development, with a particular focus on advanced nutrition across the age range.

His research life started with a PhD Immunology and Genetics from the Australian National University, in Canberra, Australia, and then went on to postdoctoral positions in medical research at Oxford University, England and Otago University, New Zealand, before taking the opportunity to join Fonterra’s growing probiotics team. His initial interest was investigating how probiotics interact with the human gut, and how these interactions might lead to benefits in health and well-being. Over the years, James has seen the development of probiotics from a niche offering to a series of bioactive ingredients with global recognition. This includes the growing realisation that probiotics, within the context of the gut microbiome may play a central role in human health, with concepts such as the Gut/Brain axis and the part probiotics play in mental well-being.

Maher Fuad is a medical doctor and research clinician at Fonterra, driving groundbreaking advancements in public health and mental wellbeing research. With over a decade of expertise in study design, biostatistics, and nutritional science, he is at the forefront of exploring how nutrition shapes mental health.

Maher has spearheaded pioneering studies on milk phospholipids and probiotics, revealing their potential to reduce stress and enhance happiness. His research into phospholipid supplementation via milkfat globule membrane sources has earned international recognition, including invitations to present at prestigious forums like the ISSFAL Congress and the 12th Microbiome, Probiotics, Skin R&D & Business Collaboration Forum in the Hauge: Netherland.

Fueled by a strong conviction in the transformative power of nutrition, Maher leads Fonterra’s Health and Nutrition science team, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration to develop cutting-edge ingredients that elevate consumer health and wellness. As a member of the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, he remains dedicated to advancing the science of mental health and nutrition. His work doesn’t just push the boundaries of research, it drives real-world, science-backed solutions that make a lasting impact.