Pinot Noir Workshop speaker

2008 NZSVO workshop

Getting to grips with Pinot Noir - a look at Pinot Noir tannin management

Speaker Profile

Dr. Roland Harrison

Engaged in applied scientific research for over 20 years. Most post-university experience has involved working at the interface of physical and biological sciences. Technical background covers disciplines such as physical chemistry, agronomy, soil science and micrometeorology.

Trained as a chemist and initially established a research career in clay-organic interactions, soil phosphorus chemistry and mitigating the effects of agriculture on the environment. A long-standing interest in wines led to involvement in setting up the first viticulture and oenology post-graduate diploma programme whilst lecturing soil chemistry at Lincoln University in 1989.

Returned to the UK in 1992 to take up a position with ADAS, an environmental research consultancy organisation. Responsible for leading the development of ADAS business with Government and other public sector and private sector accounts in atmospheric emissions (reporting to the Environment Group Head) and the east of England (reporting to the Regional Development Group Head). Worked primarily on the formulation and delivery of research to meet policy objectives of government with respect to the environment. Involved in all aspects of the management of staff at administrative, technical and scientific levels.

Also seconded part-time to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) formed from the amalgamation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Department of the Environment. Primarily working on the development of internal stakeholder relationships within the new Department in respect of an R&D programme on mitigating the effects of agriculture on environmental pollution.

Returned to New Zealand and appointed to lecture wine science at Lincoln University in 2004. Current research interests include: wine quality parameters linked to environment and viticulture practices; grape and wine phenolics; protein stability and wine hazes; and chemistry of wine aging.

Has published over 60 papers, including 30 refereed articles and two book chapters, in a diverse range of subjects related to chemistry in agriculture and the environment.