University of Otago student Bridget Gould is keen on a beer in the sun.
Now she has the opportunity to delve a little more deeply into the science behind the taste of the beer that goes down so well on a sunny day.
Ms Gould was yesterday celebrating being named the Jean-Pierre Dufour Scholarship winner, with her honours year next year set to be devoted to studying the impact of yeast and hop interaction.
The scholarship was established by Emerson's Brewery this year.
It was created to recognise the late Prof Dufour's contribution to the local and international brewing industry, in particular craft brewing, and his relationship with Emerson's Brewery.
Prof Dufour, who died in 2007, was a Belgian-born head of food and science at the university, and had an international brewing reputation.
Ms Gould has just completed a bachelor of science degree, majoring in food science.
She said the scholarship would help with her fees, and give her the opportunity to work with Emerson's.
She had already spent a day at the brewery, ''done a small-scale brew with them'', and would have access to samples.
Her research would include using gas chromatography, and would increase understanding of flavours and aromas.
The idea was to help optimise flavours, and produce a more consistent beer.
Ms Gould said the scholarship ''has definitely sparked my interest in brewing'', and the industry was one she would consider entering once she completed her studies.
Emerson's founder Richard Emerson said the scholarship ''means something to us'', plus it was something from which the industry could benefit.
