Kenneth Sim

Dr Kenneth Sim researches the psychology involved in human-plant interactions. His work examines multiple dimensions of this relationship:

• understanding factors that influence plant-based food consumption behaviours and intentions on Earth (where food choice is abundant) 
• exploring factors shaping the experience of eating plant-based foods in extreme environments like Space (where food choice is limited or nonexistent), and how this experience impacts psychological well-being
• investigating psychological benefits of plant husbandry (the growing and caring of plants) in both terrestrial and space environments
• comparing the influence of psychological factors in consumer adoption of edible versus non-edible plant-based products
• exploring how integrating psychology and space-related contexts in traditional education systems can enhance student/teacher well-being and engagement

As part of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space initiative, his research contributes to broader goals of developing sustainable food solutions for both space exploration and terrestrial food security challenges. Building on his background in quantitative psychological research, Dr Sim is developing mixed-methods expertise while working within multidisciplinary teams that include food scientists, molecular scientists, chemical engineers, and plant biologists from other Australian institutes.