graduate studies forum
Showcasing Future Voices in Nutrition, Health and Sustainability
The Graduate Studies Forum is a dedicated space within our global network to spotlight emerging talent and foster dialogue between early-career researchers and established experts in food, nutrition and health.
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Each year, we invite postgraduate students working on innovative research topics related to clinical nutrition, public health, food systems or sustainability to share insights from their academic journey.
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Through this forum, we aim to build visibility for graduate research, create opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange, and encourage mentorship across sectors and geographies.
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Meet this year’s selected participants below — each contributing fresh perspectives and diverse expertise to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Berta Valente
Current university:
University of Porto [Portugal] | Lund University [Sweden]
A brief abstract of research:
Interventions targeting individual determinants did not yet reveal to be effective in tackling the obesity epidemic. Structural social determinants of health have, in turn, the potential to hugely impact factors related to obesity aetiology. Indeed, socioeconomic inequalities were described in Europe, but robust evidence on this topic is still lacking in Portugal. This project aims to investigate socioeconomic inequalities in obesity at individual and contextual levels by examining age, cohort, and period effects in three population-based cohorts from Porto; studying time trends and estimating future trends of obesity social disparities and their economic costs, using data from the Portuguese National Health Surveys; and comparing socioeconomic inequalities in different European regions through a multilevel approach, using data from the European Health Interview Survey for six countries. Looking at the “causes of the causes” can shift obesity prevention strategies from an individual to a societal level, curbing obesity burden and inequity.
Supervisor names:
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Joana Araújo
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Ulf Gerdtham
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Sílvia Fraga
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Shumone Ray (external advisor)
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Kathy Martyn (external advisor)
An outline of the positive societal impact of the research:
This research helps uncover how social and economic conditions influence who is more likely to live with obesity in Portugal and other parts of Europe. By showing how the economic costs of obesity affect different groups, we can highlight whether people in more vulnerable situations are unfairly paying a higher price—both in health and financially. The findings aim to support fairer health policies, raise awareness about the social roots of obesity, and reduce stigma by shifting the focus from personal blame to societal responsibility.
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Programme status:
PhD in Public Health in Progress
helena trigueiro
Current university:
Ulster University [Northern Ireland]
A brief abstract of research:
Type 2 diabetes is a major and rapidly growing public health issue in Southeast Asia. The prevalence rates are rising, and the burden of the disease is significant. This project seeks to understand how systems thinking can help shape prevention policies for type 2 diabetes in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam. It looks into how systems-based methods are applied and how they improve public health strategies by mapping the complex relationships between policy, health behaviours, and socio-economic factors.
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Supervisor names:
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Prof. Sumantra Ray
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Dr Alyson Hill
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Dr Kathy Martyn
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Dr Celia Laur
An outline of the positive societal impact of the research:
This project promotes awareness of policies, behaviours, socio-economic factors, and their interactions with type 2 diabetes on a systemic level. We believe this research can empower communities and support inclusive and collaborative prevention efforts to fight diabetes in the region.
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Programme status:
In progress
Jorgen Johnsen
Current university:
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University [Northern Ireland]
A brief abstract of research:
The PhD research addresses the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) by examining the implementation of double duty actions (DDAs) within health systems. Recognising a gap in knowledge and practical guidance, this research examines how DDAs are currently understood and practised by policymakers, health workers, and health programme officers. The PhD aims to investigate existing knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding DDAs, identify barriers and opportunities for integration and implementation, and develop a practical framework to integrate DDAs into existing health systems. By leveraging global networks, the research will ultimately pilot a theory of change to guide the effective implementation of DDA, contributing to more coherent and impactful nutrition policy and practice.
Supervisor names:
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Professor Sumantra Ray
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Dr Alyson Hill
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Dr Caomhan Logue
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Dr Kathy Martyn
An outline of the positive societal impact of the research:
The PhD will support the understanding and potential development of more effective nutrition policies and programmes by integrating the DDAs framework into existing health systems. By enhancing the knowledge and implementation of DDAs among health workers, the PhD aims to strengthen responses to reduce malnutrition in all its forms. Ultimately, this will contribute to better health and well-being outcomes, reduce the burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases, and support progress toward global nutrition and health goals.
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Programme status:
In progress
matheus abrantes
Current university:
University of São Paulo [Brazil]
A brief abstract of research:
My research explores how Business Intelligence tools can enhance the management and impact assessment of social initiatives. Using the Mobile Teaching Kitchen Initiative (MTKi) as a case study, I apply data analysis, predictive modelling, and interactive dashboards to improve decision-making and scalability in community nutrition education.
Supervisor names:
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Prof Oldack Elias Conde Jaoude
An outline of the positive societal impact of the research:
This research helps community nutrition projects become more effective by using data to understand what works best. With better information, these initiatives can reach more people, improve public health, and support local entrepreneurship, especially in underserved areas.
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Programme status:
MBA in progress
Shane Mcauliffe
Current university:
University of New South Wales [Australia]
A brief abstract of research:
This PhD program proposes to conduct the first comprehensive exploration and implementation of current Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) nutrition evidence-based guidelines (EBG’s). With a strong clinical and translational focus, it proposes to utilise implementation science and technological solutions to co-design a tailored, evidence-based care pathway. By employing targeted implementation strategies and a data-driven approach, the aim of the project is to deliver meaningful practice change and effectively translate the proven benefits of these EBG’s to patients.
Supervisor names:
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Merran Findlay
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Geoff Delaney
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Judy Bauer
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Jonathan Clark
An outline of the positive societal impact of the research:
Malnutrition can have serious consequences for patients with Head and Neck Cancer, affecting their chances of recovery and overall well-being. This includes negative impacts on survival, treatment response and quality of life. This project aims to engage patients, their carers and healthcare professionals to co-design a support programme based on implementation science to improve nutrition care before surgery. Evidence suggests that this has potential to reduce the harmful effects of malnutrition surgery and improve outcomes for these patients.
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Programme status:
In progress
Sucheta Mitra
Current university:
Bern University of Applied Sciences [Switzerland]
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A brief abstract of research:
Thousands of regular and irregular migrants are forced to leave their countries each year, rebuilding their lives in entirely new environments. Alongside social and economic challenges, many face a higher risk of adopting poor diets and lifestyles, increasing their vulnerability to food insecurity and diet-related diseases. Although their surroundings change, the health challenges they carry often remain unresolved. This research examines the food consumption behaviours of Eritrean migrants living in Switzerland, focusing on how socio-economic, cultural and environmental factors influence their everyday dietary choices. Using a qualitative, cross-sectional approach, combining literature review, expert interviews, and focus group discussions, the research explores the challenges migrants face in maintaining traditional food practices, such as high costs, limited ingredient availability, and time constraints. Findings reveal that while Eritrean migrants continue to preserve their traditional cultural dietary heritage, they often adapt recipes, integrate Swiss foods, and rely on community groups to access culturally appropriate ingredients. This Master thesis highlights the importance of ensuring affordable access to traditional foods, promoting healthy and sustainable dietary choices through local and cultural diets, with the aim of supporting the nutritional well-being and cultural integration of migrant communities.
Supervisor names:
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Prof Dr Evelyn Markoni
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Prof Ingrid Fromm
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Prof Sumantra Ray
An outline of the positive societal impact of the research:
This Master Thesis research contributes to a better understanding of how migrant communities, especially Eritrean communities in Switzerland adapt their diets in new cultural and economic environments, despite being resilient to the challenge they face. By identifying barriers to accessing healthy and culturally relevant foods, the research informs dietary choices that can improve nutrition, support cultural identity, and foster social inclusion. These insights can guide policymakers, NGOs, and local communities in creating food systems that are more equitable, diverse, and responsive to the needs of all residents.
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Programme status:
In progress
wanja nyaga
Current university:
Utrecht University [Netherlands]
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A brief abstract of research:
This doctoral research investigates the potential for culinary nutrition education as a novel approach to support the development of sustainable global food systems. The Mobile Teaching Kitchen (MTK) International Initiative is an innovative, community-based model for improving food security through culinary nutrition education. The aim is to address the gap in understanding how the MTK initiative can be sustainably adapted across cultures and how community engagement fosters culturally sensitive food systems. The research will include in-depth case studies across diverse settings (India, Mexico, USA, UK) to identify key adaptation strategies and community engagement mechanisms. Preliminary findings suggest that MTKs can enhance community nutrition knowledge, shift dietary behaviours, and support local economic empowerment, particularly among women - Mobile Teaching Kitchen (MTK) | NNEdPro
Supervisor names:
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Prof Sumantra Ray
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Prof Kathy Martyn
An outline of the positive societal impact of the research:
This research aims to contribute a new framework for culturally sensitive and sustainable adaptation of community-based nutrition interventions and provide evidence-based strategies for leveraging community engagement to build resilient food systems.
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Programme status:
In progress