Dr Kenneth Sim is a Research Associate in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University and a member of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S). His research examines psychological dimensions of human-plant interactions, with particular focus on understanding factors influencing plant-based food consumption and the potential psychological benefits of plant cultivation in terrestrial and space environments. As part of the P4S initiative, his research contributes to broader goals of developing sustainable food solutions for both space exploration and terrestrial food security challenges. Dr Sim earned his PhD (2024) at the University of Western Australia, where he investigated depression-related variation in anticipation and experience of enjoyment and effort. Building on his background in quantitative psychological research, he is developing mixed-methods expertise while working within multidisciplinary teams that include food scientists, molecular scientists, chemical engineers, and plant biologists.

Dr Sim's other research interests include:

• Understanding psychological factors influencing consumer adoption of non-edible plant-based products, and how this may differ compared to edible products
• Integrating psychological principles and space-related contexts to enhance student/teacher well-being and engagement within traditional education systems

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