Anna Edesia - January 2026 Newsletter
- Sarah Anderson
- Jan 30
- 9 min read
Author: Sarah Anderson
Edited by: Sumantra (Shumone) Ray
As we move into the early months of 2026, this edition of the Anna Edesia newsletter reflects on a particularly active and important period for our global community. Since our last update in November 2025, we have brought together researchers, educators, practitioners and partners from around the world (120 in person and many more online) at the 11th International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health in Scotland. The Summit marked a significant milestone, offering space for critical dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration across human and planetary health, education, policy and practice.
Alongside the Summit, the past few months have seen continued progress across the NNEdPro network, particularly Strategic Collaborative Partnerships. We are pleased to share updates on new and strengthened partnerships, developments within BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, and upcoming events and opportunities for engagement in 2026. Together, these activities reflect our shared commitment to advancing evidence-informed action, capacity building and equitable approaches to food, nutrition and health worldwide.
We hope this newsletter provides a useful snapshot of recent highlights and what lies ahead, and we thank our members, partners and collaborators for their ongoing contributions and support.
A Recap of the 11th International Summit
From 10–13 December 2025, the 11th International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health brought together a global, multidisciplinary community in Scotland for four days of discussion, debate and collaboration. The Summit provided a timely opportunity to reflect on progress across the field while addressing the complex challenges shaping food, nutrition and health systems worldwide.
Across plenaries, parallel sessions and interactive discussions, participants explored emerging evidence, innovations in education and practice, and the interconnectedness of human and planetary health. The hybrid format enabled broad international engagement, reinforcing the Summit’s role as an inclusive platform for knowledge exchange across research, policy and practice.
A strong emphasis was placed on systems thinking, equity and implementation, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in translating evidence into action. The programme also created space for early-career researchers and practitioners to engage with established leaders and contribute to forward-looking dialogue.
Further reflections and key insights from the Summit are captured in two recent blog posts, which we invite you to explore here:
Did you attend the Summit? Don't forget about your CPD credits!
The Summit was formally approved by the Royal Society of Biology for Continuing Professional Development.
Participants who attended the full four-day programme may claim 87 CPD points, including those registered with the Royal Society of Biology’s CPD scheme.
This recognises the Summit as an event of significant professional value, supporting the development needs of attendees across disciplines.
NNEdPro in the Global Media
A strong start to 2026 saw NNEdPro’s evidence-based nutrition expertise reach international audiences through high-profile broadcast media. Professor Sumantra Ray represented the Institute across platforms including The BMJ, TRT World and Times Radio, translating complex nutrition science into accessible, policy-relevant insights for professionals and the wider public.
From workforce wellbeing and climate-related threats to food quality, to emerging food technologies and public trust, these engagements highlighted NNEdPro’s role as a trusted global authority at the intersection of nutrition science, public health and policy.
Read more about these media contributions and key takeaways in our recent blog post.
Announcing New Partnerships
We are pleased to announce some new and strengthened partnerships!
These collaborations support NNEdPro’s mission to advance evidence-informed nutrition education, research and policy across diverse global contexts.
Scottish Alliance for Food (SCAF)
We are pleased to announce that we have signed a collaborative agreement with SCAF.
Both NNEdPro and SCAF share a strong commitment to addressing food and nutrition inequalities across Scotland and beyond, strengthening community-based action, and supporting healthier, fairer food systems.
This collaboration brings together research, policy, and practice, encompassing innovative initiatives such as community teaching kitchens, joint funding opportunities, and shared events and learning.
We're excited to build on the momentum!
The James Hutton Institute
We're excited to collaborate with The James Hutton Institute (one of the Founding Members of SCAF) to advance research and action at the intersection of food systems, nutrition, the environment, and population health.
By bringing together complementary expertise, this partnership will support evidence-informed policy, innovative research, and practical solutions for more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems.
Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) International
NNEdPro is pleased to announce a new partnership with PAN International, marked by the official launch of the Global Nutrition Observatory for Medical Nutrition Education (GNOME). This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening nutrition education within medical and healthcare training worldwide.
GNOME has been established as a global hub for evidence, collaboration and action, designed to map, analyse and support improvements in medical nutrition education across regions. Through the collection of comparative data and real-world insights, GNOME will help inform curriculum development, policy dialogue and capacity building efforts internationally.
As founding partners, NNEdPro and PAN International have jointly committed funding and strategic support to ensure a strong foundation for GNOME’s first global survey cycle and its long-term impact. This partnership represents an important step towards advancing evidence-based nutrition training for healthcare professionals globally.
Bern University of Applied Sciences
We are pleased to share that, from 2026, the International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE) will be co-managed and co-hosted with the Department of Health Professions at Bern University of Applied Sciences alongside NNEdPro as the founding and lead managing partner.
This partnership formalises our ongoing collaboration and provides a strengthened framework for jointly delivering future IANE activities and strategic initiatives. It enhances our Pan-European presence, supports coordinated academic and professional development efforts and reinforces our commitment to advancing high-quality nutrition education and practice.
We are also delighted to announce that Prof Dr Tamara Bucher is the new Honorary Academic Dean and Fellow of IANE, alongside her team members, Dr Joyce Haddad and Franziska Scheidegger-Balmer, who join as IANE Professional members.
We look forward to working closely with colleagues at Berner Fachhochschule BFH as this new phase begins.
BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health:
Editorial Board Updates
We are delighted to welcome Kathy Martyn and Jimmy Louie as the new co-Editors-in-Chief of our flagship journal, BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health!
Dr Kathy Martyn, RN, RNutr, BSc, BEd, MSc (Nutritional Medicine), PhD, based in the UK and Dr Jimmy Louie, AdvAPD, BSc, MNutrDiet, PhD, located in Australia, together bring decades of experience across nutrition research and practice spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary disease prevention as well as clinical intervention in diverse health systems!
We are excited by the perspectives brought to the table by the new co-EiCs around inclusivity in nutrition research as well as democratisation of nutrition knowledge to serve all echelons of society. We believe that this milestone in the changing vanguard of BMJ NPH will steer our journal to new heights as a beacon for evidence informed policy and practice on the global stage!
We are also very grateful to our inaugural Editor-in-Chief since 2018, Martin Kohlmeier, for his exceptional service over the past 8 years! Martin continues as an Emeritus / Consulting Editor for BMJ NPH and following his retirement from UNC Chapel Hill he has now been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the State University of New York (SUNY Downstate Health Sciences) with which NNEdPro has a very fruitful knowledge exchange partnership.
There are also several changes to both he editorial board as well as the management board of BMJ NPH and to find out more about the new leadership please click here.
Mobile Teaching Kitchen (MTK): Scotland Milestone
As Burns Night was marked on 25 January, we also celebrated two years since initial funding was awarded to launch the Mobile Teaching Kitchen (MTK) in Scotland. This milestone reflects both the growth of the MTK programme and NNEdPro’s established presence in the region.
Prior to the commencement of the Scottish MTK project, Professor Sumantra Ray held an inaugural workshop at The Rowett Institute in Aberdeen and we subsequently signed a collaborative partnership agreement with the Rowett. We are delighted that on the second anniversary of the Scottish MTK, Professor Ray has been elected to an Honorary Fellowship [Research] at the Rowett, and we are looking forward to collaborating further with our excellent colleagues in Aberdeen as we envision Y3 and beyond of the MTK journey in Scotland!
To mark this anniversary, NNEdPro unveiled the official Scottish MTK Tartan, created by Ashleigh Slater during the Gala Tartan Dinner at the 11th International Summit in December 2025.
The images below capture the journey and the MTK Champions who continue to bring this work to life.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Updates
This year marks ten years since the establishment of NNEdPro’s first Regional Networks, which have grown to 10 voluntary networks across six continents, engaging more than 1,000 professionals! This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on progress and to shape the next phase of network activity in line with the forthcoming Strategy 2026–2030.
From 1 February 2026, an updated and simplified structure will support this evolution, with Regional Networks led by Co-Leads (and Deputy Co-Leads where appropriate) and all members encouraged to engage in at least one network.
Alongside Regional Networks, NNEdPro’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) continue to advance collaboration across thematic areas aligned with the 13 BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health Special Collections. Recent SIG outputs include editorials on Nutrition, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Nutrition and Women’s Health and Nutrition Education (currently in final revision).
We are also seeking Co-Chairs for several SIGs, including Food, Mood and Mental Health; Precision Nutrition; and Public Health Nutrition. Members interested in contributing to SIG leadership are invited to express interest by 15 February 2026.
Upcoming Events
April 2026: NNEdPro Summer School
The NNEdPro Summer School returns from 23 to 24 April, offering an intensive learning experience focused on evidence-based nutrition, research literacy and real-world application.
Designed for students, early-career professionals and practitioners, the programme combines expert teaching with interactive discussion and practical case studies.
More details, including dates and registration information, can be found here.
Sneak Peek: 12th International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health
Planning is underway for the 12th International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health, taking place from 23 to 25 November 2026 in Malta!
Building on insights from previous Summits, the 2026 programme will continue to address global challenges through evidence, ethics and implementation across food, nutrition and health systems.
Further announcements on themes, speakers and abstract submissions will follow soon!
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Global Youth Essay Competition and Research Dissemination: Youth as Agents of Change
Target 2030 - Food and Nutrition Policy: From Human to Planetary Health: An Overview of the NNEdPro 11th International Summit 2025
A Strong Start to 2026: NNEdPro Bringing Evidence-Based Nutrition to Global Media
Got Milk? How Your Ability to Digest It Might Be Connected to Your Weight
Availability and Access: Key Takeaways from the Nairobi Satellite Event
A Strategic Evolution for BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health: Honouring Our Foundations and Welcoming New Leadership
Belém 2025: From Global Crises to Amazonian Solutions
MTK through the eyes of Agents of Change
Check out all published blogs here.
SHARE YOUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH A GLOBAL NETWORK
We are pleased to invite you to showcase career and academic opportunities on the International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE) portal.
IANE is a global, membership-based academy run by the NNEdPro Global Institute, dedicated to capacity building and professional development in nutrition education, research, and practice. Our platform connects professionals, students, and institutions across six continents.
You are welcome to submit listings including:
🔹 PhD opportunities
🔹 Academic or clinical job openings
🔹 Research or teaching placements
🔹 Internships and fellowships
📢 For a limited time, posting opportunities on our portal is completely free – helping you reach a wide, international audience of nutrition, health, and education professionals.
👉 Submit your opportunities here.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with a global talent pool! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us.
BECOME A REVIEWER FOR BMJ NUTRITION, PREVENTION & HEALTH
We encourage all members to actively engage in the scientific community. By becoming a reviewer for BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, you have the chance to stay up-to-date with the latest literature, advance your career, and establish your expertise and reputation in the field. Express your interest by reaching out to us at info.nutrition@bmj.com.
Online First Alerts - Ensure you stay ahead in your field by signing up here to receive alerts for Online First content in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Be the first to access new publications and stay informed.
Visit the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health webpage for more detailed information on editorial policies, open access, and author guidelines.
SHOWCASE YOUR RESEARCH WITH THE IKANN REGISTRY
Are you conducting research in food, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, or health?
Register your study on the iKANN Independent Research Registry to boost its visibility, uphold transparency, and connect with a global community of researchers.
Whether your project is ongoing or already completed, registering helps ensure quality, ethical standards, and long-term impact.
Bonus: Registered researchers receive 20% off article processing charges in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health and 20% off IANE membership.
BE AWARE
The official websites of NNEdPro Global Institute and its subsidiaries are listed below. Please note that any other websites with similar names which do not conform to these URLs are not run by us and do not represent our organisation:
Anna Edesia, named after "Annapurna" (the Ancient Indian deity of food and nourishment) and "Edesia" (the Ancient Roman goddess of food), is NNEdPro's platform for highlighting our ongoing work, providing a snapshot of our key projects, ongoing research outputs and related publications - including from our flagship journal, BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health. Since 2023, Anna Edesia has been published in the form of blogs, continuing to share insights into our key projects, research, and publications. From June 2021 to June 2023, Anna Edesia was a quarterly magazine, and before that, it was shared as newsletters. |
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