Peter Nichols leads new initiatives with signature lipid technology and environmental applications, and on marine oils, with particular emphasis on omega-3 oils. The latter research involves detailed characterization of fish-derived and novel microbial oils, process development for the utilization of oils, development as part of a wider CSIRO team of novel land plant sources of long-chain omega-3 oils, and transfer and application of these know-how to industry and the wider community. This research has lead to better utilisation of substantial national fisheries resources and wastes, and to new oilseed crops. The latter is within the within the Food and Nutrition Flagship. He has contributed to the development of the Australian marine oils industry, with CSIRO research resulting in novel national and international marine oil products (wax ester, omega-3 and shark liver oils). Other innovations have been the development and use of unique chemical (lipid) signatures in microbial ecology, environmental (e.g., fecal pollution) and food-chain studies, and new discoveries and applications in marine microbial biotechnology. He has worked closely with a number of Australian and oversees Universities including actively supervising and mentoring postgraduate students. International collaboration has occurred across these research fields, including sponsoring sabbaticals and visits by overseas scholars.