Search

Author: Sarah Anderson Reviewers: Shumone Ray As we reach the midpoint of 2025, we are proud to reflect on a vibrant second quarter within the global ecosystem of the NNEdPro Global Institute and all its nine partner initiatives. The past few months have witnessed strategic organisational developments, increasing global engagement, and continued momentum towards our apex event for this calendar year, the 11th International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health in December 2025.   Over the first half of 2025, we have implemented pledges made in our 10th International Summit (December 2024) by strengthening our commitment to advancing nutrition science in a manner that is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to global challenges through cross-sector partnerships and impactful knowledge exchange.   None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our members, collaborators, and funders. With your help, we continue to bridge the gap between evidence and action across disciplines and geographies.   Read on for key highlights from April to June and discover what’s on the horizon, including how you can be part of our mission and vision as we prepare for an inspiring second half of our 17th year. Birthday Message From the Chair As I turned 50 on 3rd July, I have been reflecting on the 25 years since I began my journey since I qualified dually as both a medical doctor and public health nutritionist. The world has changed in so many ways, yet when it comes to population health and resilience, there's still so much work to do particularly as we are met with new global challenges, nowadays often geopolitical in origin, but inevitably adding to the already complex burden of disease.   That said, I feel hopeful. The shared experience, commitment, and knowhow of our incredible virtual community of well over 1,000 professionals from almost half of the world’s nations is an intangible yet invaluable asset in our quest to harness science in the service of society. With continued momentum and directed efforts, I truly believe that the next 25 years can bring meaningful and lasting change for future generations including an increased understanding of our responsibilities linking food, nutrition, health, and climate change. We are all set to explore this fully in our end of year Summit including an exciting satellite event in the margins of COP 30 in the heart of the Amazon itself!   To mark my personal milestone this July and having now spent over half of my adult life in the support of the NNEdPro mission I have started the ball rolling by donating £50 to a cause close to my heart – supporting education for children living in two slum communities with which we have been working for several years – I will be visiting these communities with my daughter, Niki, in August and am looking forward to using proceeds from this crowdfunding campaign and other fundraising activities that we have started, to provide essential educational resources to these children as a small but tangible investment in tomorrow’s changemakers. If you can contribute (even £5 helps significantly) , it would mean a great deal. We will keep everyone updated on impact of funds raised.   Thank you for your continued support and kindness.   – Shumone https://www.nnedpro.org.uk/sumantra-ray Q2 HIGHLIGHTS NNEdPro Contributes Nutrition Content to New Lifestyle Medicine Textbook We are proud to announce that NNEdPro had the opportunity to co-write the nutrition section of the newly published Essential   Lifestyle Medicine  textbook.   This is the official textbook of the British Society for Lifestyle Medicine, a strategic collaborative partner of NNEdPro. The collaborative effort reflects our commitment to evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches to health.   Special thanks to Dr Breanna Lepre , Dr Federica Amati , Professor Lauren Ball  and Professor Sumantra Ray  for their valuable contributions to this achievement. Thanks also to Dr Ellen Fallows, lead editor, for inviting NNEdPro to contribute. NNEdPro-NICHE Partnership Strengthens Through Expert Lectures and Workshops at Ulster University In April, NNEdPro partnered with Ulster University’s NICHE research group  to host a series of impactful events featuring Professor Martin Kohlmeier , Editor-in-Chief of BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, and  Verónica Flores  from Tec de Monterrey.   These well-attended sessions, including lectures and workshops on precision nutrition, publishing, and challenge-based learning , helped deepen collaboration in nutrition education and innovation between our organisations.   We extend our sincere thanks to all involved in making these events a success, including BrianÓg Murphy, Francesco Giurdanella, Prof Pauline Douglas, and Dr Catherine Hughes. Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 NNEdPro–IANE Awards Symposium  On 30th April, NNEdPro hosted the annual NNEdPro–IANE Awards Symposium  at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, bringing together our global community to recognise outstanding contributions across nutrition education, research, and innovation.   This year marked the introduction of a new award category for Excellence in Medical Nutrition Education in the UK , co-judged with the Association for Nutrition  and Nutritank , with nominations received from three leading UK medical schools. A clear winner and runner-up were selected for their exceptional efforts in advancing medical nutrition education.   We were also proud to recognise a research group of outstanding calibre with the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award , alongside numerous Fellows and Academy Members across a range of categories. This year’s symposium was especially meaningful as the IANE Academy officially surpassed 1,000 members  — a milestone worth celebrating.   Our sincere thanks to Sucheta Mitra and the NNEdPro Operations Team for coordinating this year’s awards, as well as the expert judging panel for their time and dedication.   👉 Read the full list of winners on our blog  Gene-Edited Foods and Public Health: NNEdPro on Times Radio On 6 May, NNEdPro’s Chief Scientist, Professor Sumantra Ray, appeared live on the Times Radio Breakfast Show to discuss the UK’s forthcoming legislation on gene-edited foods.   The interview explored key implications for food security, nutrition, and consumer health, and highlighted the importance of transparency, robust research, and public trust. Read the blog here . Dr Rajna Golubic Represents NNEdPro at 75th International Diabetes Federation Congress  We were proud to see  Dr Rajna Golubic  (NNEdPro Associate Director, BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health Associate Editor, and NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Diabetes and Endocrinology) deliver a prestigious invited talk at the 75th International Diabetes Federation Congress  in Bangkok.   Dr Golubic’s presentation focused on the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and glucose-lowering treatments for diabetes prevention, drawing on the NNEdPro Nutrition and Levels of Prevention Framework .   The IDF Congress brought together over 6,000 delegates from around the world, with strong representation from low- and middle-income countries and a shared emphasis on prevention-oriented strategies in resource-constrained settings. NNEdPro–King’s College London Seminar and Partnership Launch  In May, NNEdPro joined King’s College London for a special seminar titled Global Nutrition, Health and Disease: From Molecules to Mankind. The event featured insights across the nutrition science spectrum and marked the beginning of a new phase of strategic partnership between NNEdPro and King’s.   The seminar was recorded and will be available for those who were unable to attend live. We look forward to building on this renewed collaboration through joint initiatives in research, education, and public engagement. Bringing Mexican Flavours to Scotland: MTK Knowledge Exchange Workshop in Dundee On 8th May, NNEdPro’s MTK Mexico Lead, Verónica Flores , led a vibrant knowledge exchange workshop at the Dundee International Women’s Centre . The session marked a significant step in adapting plant-based Mexican menu templates into the UK MTK repertoire, made possible through collaboration with the Scottish MTK team.   Participants included women from seven different countries, highlighting the programme’s global reach and the power of food to connect cultures. The hands-on workshop inspired new ideas, including the potential development of an interventional cookbook focusing on the MENA region with adaptations for the UK context.   This workshop also coincided with the exciting news that UK MTK core funding has been extended into its second year; a promising step for future community-led innovations in culinary education and nutrition.   Our heartfelt thanks to all in-person and remote contributors, and to the communications team for capturing and sharing the day’s highlights. Professor Walter Willett to Deliver Keynote at the 11th International Summit on Food, Nutrition & Health We are honoured to announce that Professor Walter Willett, EAT-Lancet Commission Co-Chair and Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , will be delivering a keynote at the 11th International Summit this December.   Reflecting on decades of work in nutritional epidemiology, Professor Willett’s talk will explore the extent to which evidence has informed meaningful changes in nutrition education and public behaviour. His session will conclude with an interactive panel debate, co-hosted with the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) Foundation. Dietary Patterns and Mental Health: NNEdPro Featured in BBC Coverage of New Study A newly published study in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health examining links between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms has received widespread media attention, including BBC Radio coverage featuring insights from Professor Sumantra Ray.   The NNEdPro Global Institute, as co-owner of the journal, issued a response highlighting both the significance and limitations of the findings, and the need for further well-designed research in this area. Read the full article . IANE Webinars Spotlight Global Nutrition Innovations and Challenges The International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE)  continued its engaging webinar series this quarter, bringing together members and global partners to share diverse perspectives on nutrition in practice.   Dr Ebiambu Agwara  delivered a compelling presentation in collaboration with one of our new partner organisations in Ghana, where an NNEdPro–IANE awardee is actively advancing community-based nutrition initiatives. Her talk explored gaps and opportunities in the nutritional management of hypertension in Ghana and similar West African contexts.   Dr Timothy Eden  also presented on The Changing Landscape of Bowel Cancer in the UK, examining how nutrition can play a preventative and therapeutic role in cancer care.   Rounding out the quarter, Dr Dionysia Lyra  shared insights from her research at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai, highlighting halophytes — salt-tolerant edible plants — and their potential as functional foods in sustainable nutrition systems.   IANE webinars remain a cornerstone of our knowledge exchange efforts, bridging theory and practice across global regions. Spotlight on the 11th International Summit and Satellite Events   The countdown is on! The 11th International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health  returns this December, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners to advance nutrition knowledge and equity on a global scale.   Registration is now open for the Main Summit, all Satellite Events, and a series of Masterclasses. Satellite events are free to attend with limited in-person spaces. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this global journey! Bern Satellite Event on Nutrition in Population Health   10 July 2025 | 09:00–12:00 CEST In-person & Virtual | Free to attend Hosted in collaboration with Bern University of Applied Science, this event focuses on applying nutrition research to population-level health strategies, with cross-cutting themes in health equity and systems thinking. Biel/Bienne Culinary Masterclass   10 July 2025 | 14:30–18:30 CEST In-person only | Ticketed   This hands-on culinary masterclass explores sensory education and plant-forward menu innovation in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Masterclass Kuala Lumpur Satellite Event: Nutrition, Disease Prevention & Systems Thinking   28 July 2025 | 14:00-17:00 MYT In-person & Virtual | Free to attend This session highlights interdisciplinary approaches to preventing non-communicable diseases through nutrition and systems-based solutions in the Malaysian context. New Delhi Satellite Event: Masterclasses on Nutrition-Sensitive Policy   6–7 August 2025 In-person only | Ticketed  Held at and in collaboration with Shiv Nadar University, this two-day masterclass series focuses on policy-level approaches to nutrition resilience in India and the wider South Asian region. Ulster Satellite Event: Precision Nutrition   5 November 2025 | 09:00–17:00 GMT In-person & Virtual | Free to attend   Replacing the annual NICHE symposium, this event hosted in Northern Ireland delves into the science and practical application of precision nutrition strategies. Belem Satellite Event on Food Security & Sustainability   24 November 2025 | 18:00–22:00 GMT-3 In-person & Virtual | Free to attend   Hosted in Brazil, this event addresses nutrition's role in shaping food systems and promoting sustainability, especially in the context of climate and equity. Main Summit: Dundee & St Andrews, Scotland   10–13 December 2025 In-person & Virtual | Ticketed   Join us in Scotland for the full Summit experience:   10 December: Pre-Summit Symposium & Opening Reception at the James Hutton Institute (Dundee)   11–12 December: Main Summit at Dundee and Angus College, plus the Gala Tartan Dinner on the evening of the 11th   13 December: Global Youth Essay Competition & Festival of Ideas  at St Leonards School (St Andrews)   Note:  IANE members receive a 30% discount on Main Summit registration. Join IANE today  to claim your discount! St Andrews Satellite Event on Medical Nutrition Education   13 December 2025 | 14:30–17:00 GMT In-person & Virtual | Free to attend   Concluding the Summit, this dedicated session explores innovations in medical nutrition education and clinical learning, hosted by the University of St Andrews. 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.   👉 Submit or update your research today 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: www.nnedpro.org.uk vle.nnedpro.org.uk www.iane.online www.createacademy.online www.mtki.org www.nutritionresearchregistry.org Anna Edesia, named after "Annapurna" (the Hindu 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 .

Author: Holly Giles Speakers: Dr Timothy Eden Panellists: Prof Sumantra, Sarah Armes Reviewers: Sarah Armes, Sarah Anderson What is early-onset bowel cancer? Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) refers to bowel cancer first presenting in adults under the age of 50. These are caused by growth abnormalities in the lining of the colon or rectum. There are differences in the clinicopathological features in younger patients. Symptoms of bowel cancer can include unintentional weight loss, bleeding, and changes in stool habits. It is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 people being diagnosed each year. Does bowel cancer only affect older adults? There is a changing landscape surrounding bowel cancer, as whilst 90% of bowel cancer diagnoses are in adults aged over 50, the proportion of younger adults being diagnosed is rising annually. Cancer Research UK reports that incidents of early-onset CRC have risen by more than 50% since the early 1990s, with an increase of 3.6% each year in the last decade. Why are the levels of early-onset bowel cancer increasing? A common misconception is that the rise is due to the widespread application of bowel cancer screening. However, this is targeted at 50-74 year olds, meaning this is not thought to be the reason. It is also noted that screening uptake is affected by socioeconomic factors, meaning there is a need for increased awareness and education about bowel cancer and its symptoms. Addressing socioeconomic factors is crucial for equitable outcomes for all. Instead, it is attributed to the “birth-cohort effect”, where each generation born since 1970 has encountered unique lifestyle and environment factors such as antibiotic use in childhood, fructose intake, microplastics, sedentary lifestyles, and pollution. New research also suggests that early childhood bacterial toxin exposure, which causes a DNA mutation in the gut, increases the risk of early-onset bowel cancer. How does diet modify bowel cancer risk? It is known that obesity and dietary factors, such as red/processed meat and fibre intake, are significantly linked to bowel cancer risk. Numerous meta-analyses have shown that red and processed meat consumption are associated with a significant increase in colorectal cancer risk. Fortunately, the trend indicates a decrease in the consumption of red meat and processed meat among adults aged 18 to 64. However, 43% of adults still consume more than the recommended guidelines (<70 g/day). Fibre is a critical modifiable risk factor, as it dilutes carcinogens in the gut lining and enhances short-chain fatty acid production, which has anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic properties. The recommended intake of fibre is 30g per day, but the average consumption is 18-20g per day. Only 9% of adults in the UK are estimated to reach the recommendations. Alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen for colorectal cancer with a dose-dependent relationship. Microbiome dysbiosis is increasingly recognised as a contributor to carcinogens. This is influenced by high alcohol consumption, low fibre intake, and consumption of red meat. Research is still ongoing in this area to understand the contribution of the microbiome to the progression of tumour growth. How does obesity link to bowel cancer? Obesity is directly linked to colorectal cancer risk. Men who were obese in early life had a 39% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer in adulthood. In women, this same lifestyle factor was associated with a 19% risk. This is due to multiple mechanisms, including abnormal lipid metabolism, adipokines, hormones, insulin resistance, and alterations to the gut microbiome. Obesity also increases the risk of late diagnosis, due to a slow-growing tumour of 3-6 years, meaning that the condition is more established prior to diagnosis. What therapeutic role can nutrition have for bowel cancer? There is a role for prebiotics in promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acids, which enhances the barrier function and reduces inflammation within the gut. There is a need for further research to determine the therapeutic effect of pre- and probiotics at this stage. Overall, the prevalence of early-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise. Nutrition plays a crucial role in prevention by reducing the risk of colorectal cancer: this includes minimising red meat and alcohol consumption, while boosting our fibre intake and microbiome health. More research is needed to understand the role of pre- and probiotics from a therapeutic perspective, which may lead to the potential for personalised treatment based on microbiome profiles.

Author: Holly Giles Speaker: Dionysia Angeliki Lyra Panellists: Sumantra (Shumone) Ray, Meis Moukayed, Yasmin Haddad, Sarah Armes Reviewers: Sarah Armes & Sarah Anderson What are halophytes, and why are we studying them? Halophytes are highly salt-tolerant plants, representing around 1% of the world’s flora. There are 1560 halophyte plant species, including trees, shrubs, seasonal plants, and more. These crops offer a wide range of uses: food, oil production, ornamental, skincare products, forage, phytoremediation, fuel wood production, and medicinal. This is particularly important in the context of climate change, which is causing sea levels to rise and leading to seawater intrusion into freshwater sources. As a result, the salinity of groundwater is increasing. Recent data estimate that over 30% of groundwater resources in the Middle East and North Africa region are saline, rising to 70% in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This indicates a significant availability of saline water that could be further explored for potential use in agriculture. What halophytes do we currently eat? Some of the most well-known halophytes are quinoa, sea fennel, and samphire. Quinoa is a facultative halophyte and can grow in saline environments, with some varieties even thriving under such conditions. While these plants are already valued in coastal communities, increasing awareness of their potential in the context of the climate crisis highlights their wider relevance. Their notable nutritional properties (shown in the image below) further support their potential as valuable alternative crops. What health benefits are associated with halophytes? Halophytic plants can play a significant role as “functional foods”, which are defined as unprocessed foods with proven health benefits beyond their nutritional value based on the USDA definition. The exact benefits of halophytic foods depend on the plant species, but this highlights their nutritional potential. A lot of the emphasis in this area has focused on antioxidants. What is the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) project implemented in the United Arab Emirates? The aim of the project was “to focus on the protection, restoration and management of coastal ecosystems as a key nature-based solution approach to strength climate change mitigation, enhance biodiversity, and open up benefits for society through opportunities that unlock blended finance to support ecosystem protection, Blue Carbon, ecotourism, and food security”. This focused on two main halophyte species ( Salicornia sinus-persica  and Arthrocaulon macrostachyum ), including an exploration of the palatability of these products. The study showed that different growth locations significantly influenced the flavonoid, polyphenol, triterpenoid, and vitamin C content. When brought inside to grow in low-saline water, these levels were lower for all plants. This shows that the external soil, water, and climatic conditions create a specific environment that might trigger the plant to deploy strategies against salinity stress, which influences the composition of the soil as a sequence. The benefits of these crops, methods for cooking them, and information about their benefits for the climate are highlighted in the online halophyte guide . What is the halophytic kitchen lab program? The Halophytic Kitchen Lab Program aims to increase public awareness of halophytes and their potential nutritional benefits. This includes an education session to address food security challenges in hot and arid environments, a desert farm tour where halophytic crops are cultivated, cooking halophytes with a chef using the foraged halophytes and a nutritionist who provides information on the nutritional benefits of the halophytes and their dishes. Click here  for more information. What is the takeaway message? The webinar highlighted the huge culinary and commercial potential of halophytes as functional foods and potent nutritional powerhouses that could provide potential options to reduce agricultural pressure on freshwater resources and mitigate the impacts of rising salinity due to climate change. The Halophytic Kitchen Lab Program aims to increase awareness of these foods and their adoption into the diet and cultural landscape of hot and arid countries. References Al-Tamimi, M., Green, S., Abou Dahr, W., Al-Muaini, A., Lyra, D., Ammar, K., Dawoud, M., Kenyon, P., Kemp, P., Kennedy, L. and Clothier, B. (2023) Salt dynamics, leaching requirements, and leaching fractions during irrigation of a halophyte with different saline waters.  Soil Research ,  62 (1). Al-Tamimi, M., Green, S., Abou Dahr, W., Al-Muaini, A., Lyra, D., Ammar, K., Dawoud, M., Kenyon, P., Kemp, P., Kennedy, L. and McLachlan, A. (2023) Drainage, salt-leaching impacts, and the growth of Salicornia bigelovii  irrigated with different saline waters.  Agricultural Water Management ,  289 , p.108512. Barreira, L., Resek, E., Rodrigues, M.J., Rocha, M.I., Pereira, H., Bandarra, N., da Silva, M.M., Varela, J. and Custódio, L., 2017. Halophytes: Gourmet food with nutritional health benefits? Journal of Food Composition and Analysis ,  59 , pp.35-42. Castañeda-Loaiza, V., Oliveira, M., Santos, T., Schüler, L., Lima, A.R., Gama, F., Salazar, M., Neng, N.R., Nogueira, J.M.F., Varela, J. and Barreira, L., 2020. Wild vs cultivated halophytes: Nutritional and functional differences.  Food Chemistry ,  333 , p.127536. Christiansen, A.H., Lyra, D.A. and Jørgensen, H. (2021) Increasing the value of Salicornia bigelovii  green biomass grown in a desert environment through biorefining.  Industrial Crops and Products ,  160 , p.113105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.113105 Custodio, L., Garcia-Caparros, P., Pereira, C.G. and Castelo-Branco, P., 2022. Halophyte plants as potential sources of anticancer agents: a comprehensive review.  Pharmaceutics ,  14 (11), p.2406. ElNaker, N.A., Yousef, A.F. and Yousef, L.F., 2020. A review of Arthrocnemum (Arthrocaulon) macrostachyum  chemical content and bioactivity.  Phytochemistry Reviews ,  19 , pp.1427-1448. Ksouri, R., Ksouri, W.M., Jallali, I., Debez, A., Magné, C., Hiroko, I. and Abdelly, C., 2012. Medicinal halophytes: potent source of health promoting biomolecules with medical, nutraceutical and food applications.  Critical reviews in biotechnology ,  32 (4), pp.289-326. Lopes, M., Sanches-Silva, A., Castilho, M., Cavaleiro, C. and Ramos, F., 2023. Halophytes as source of bioactive phenolic compounds and their potential applications.  Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition ,  63 (8), pp.1078-1101. Lyra, D., Raman, A., Hozayen, A., Zaaboul, R., Abou-Zaid, F.O., El-Naggar, A., Mansoor, S., Mahmoudi, H., Ammar, K. (2022) Evaluation of Salicornia bigelovii Germplasm for Food Use in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates based on Agronomic Traits and Nutritional Composition. Plants, 11, 2653. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192653 Lyra, D., Ismail, S., Rahman, K., and Brown, J. J. (2016) Evaluating the growth performance of eleven Salicornia bigelovii  populations under full strength seawater irrigation. Australian Journal of Crop Science (IF:1.02) https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.10.p7258 Lyra, D.A., Lampakis, E., Al Muhairi, M., Tarsh, F.M.B., Dawoud, M.A.H., Al Khawaldeh, B., Moukayed, M., Plewa, J., Cobre, L., Al Masjedi, O.S. and Al Marzouqi, K.M. (2021) From Desert Farm to Fork: Value Chain Development for Innovative Salicornia-Based Food Products in the United Arab Emirates. In  Future of Sustainable Agriculture in Saline Environments  (pp. 181-200). CRC Press. Lyra D.A., Ismail S., Brown J.J. (2020) Crop Potential of Six S alicornia bigelovii  Populations Under Two Salinity Water Treatments Cultivated in a Desert Environment: A Field Study. In: Emerging Research in Alternative Crops , Editors: Hirich A., Choukr-Allah R., Ragab R. Environment & Policy, vol 58. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90472-6_14 Lyra D., Al-Shihi R.M.S., Nuqui R., Robertson S.Μ., Christiansen A., Ramachandran S., Ismail S., A. M. Al-Zaabi (2019) Multidisciplinary studies on a pilot coastal desert modular farm growing Salicornia bigelovii in United Arab Emirates. In: Ecophysiology and utilization of halophytes under changing environment, Editor: Mirza Hasanuzzaman. Springer Japan  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3762-8_16   Mohammed, H.A., Emwas, A.H. and Khan, R.A., 2023. Salt-tolerant plants, halophytes, as renewable natural resources for cancer prevention and treatment: roles of phenolics and flavonoids in immunomodulation and suppression of oxidative stress towards cancer management.  International Journal of Molecular Sciences ,  24 (6), p.5171. Panta, S., Flowers, T., Lane, P., Doyle, R., Haros, G., & Shabala, S. (2014). Halophyte agriculture: success stories. Environmental and Experimental Botany , 107 , 71–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2014.05.006 Panth, N., Park, S.H., Kim, H.J., Kim, D.H. & Oak, M.H. (2016). Protective effect of Salicornia europaea  extracts on high salt intake-induced vascular dysfunction and hypertension.  International Journal of Molecular Sciences ,  17 (7), p.1176. Robertson S. M., Lyra D., Mateo-Sagasta J., Ismail S. and Akhtar M.J.U. (2019) Financial analysis of halophytes cultivation in a desert environment using different saline water resources for irrigation. In: Ecophysiology and utilization of halophytes under changing environment, Editor: Mirza Hasanuzzaman. Springer Japan https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3762-8_17 Sood, S., Methven, L., Balagiannis, D.P. and Cheng, Q., 2024. Can samphire be the new salt? Understanding the potential of samphire harvested from the UK coastline.  Food Chemistry ,  438 , p.138065.

Event organised by Lead Partners Programme Registration Venue Speakers Abstracts Supporters FAQs More... The NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, in lead partnership with BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, the International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE), the iKANN Nutrition Research Registry , the Global Nutrition, Health & Disease Programme at Ulster University and the Mobile Teaching Kitchen International (MTKi) Initiative , is thrilled to announce the 11th International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health, taking place from 10th to 13th December 2025 in Dundee and St Andrews, Scotland. Under the theme “Target 2030: Food and Nutrition Policy - From Human to Planetary Health” , this Summit will bring together global experts to address critical challenges at the intersection of nutrition, health, and sustainability. Join us for this landmark gathering to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and shape the future of food and nutrition policy for a healthier planet. Photos from the 2024 Summit in Kolkata, India . View the full album here . As a delegate of the NNEdPro Summit you are entitled to a 20% discount on the cost of publishing an article in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health Programme Programme Highlights The 11th International Summit aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) —a global blueprint for peace, prosperity, and planetary well-being. Nutrition is a critical factor in achieving many of these goals, from eradicating hunger and improving health outcomes to promoting sustainable food systems and reducing inequalities. The below programme highlights showcase key themes and innovations in Clinical & Applied Nutrition; Nutrition in Population Health; and Food Nutrition & Sustainability. Each topic is linked to relevant SDGs, demonstrating how advancements in nutrition science and policy can drive positive change for individuals and societies worldwide. Clinical & Applied Human Nutrition Precision Nutrition & Non-Communicable Diseases Exploring targeted dietary interventions for managing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders (SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being; SDG 8: reduction in healthcare costs). Medical Nutrition Therapy in Patient Care Best practices in integrating nutrition into clinical pathways, including hospital-based nutrition interventions (SDG 3). Gut Health & Microbiome Research Understanding the role of nutrition in digestive health, immunity, and disease prevention (SDG 3). Nutrition in Critical Care & Recovery Supporting patients in post-surgical recovery, critical illness, and long-term care through evidence-based nutrition strategies (SDG 3). Diet & Cognitive Health Exploring the impact of diet on neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), mental health, and mood disorders, including the Mediterranean and MIND diets (SDG 3). Food, Nutrition & Sustainability Sustainable Food Systems & Climate Action Policy discussions on reducing carbon footprints, promoting sustainable agriculture, and mitigating the climate impact of food production (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water). Traditional & Indigenous Crops for Food Security Promoting climate-resilient crops such as millets, pulses, and heirloom varieties can combat malnutrition while preserving food heritage. (SDG 2, SDG 15: Life on Land) . Food Biodiversity & Gut Health A varied diet sourced from biodiverse agriculture supports a healthy gut microbiome, influencing immunity, mental health, and chronic disease prevention. (SDG 3). Democratising Nutrition Food Heritage & Gastro-diplomacy The Role of Global Youth Nutrition in Population Health Food Security & Affordability Strategies to combat food poverty, ensure equitable access to nutrition, and integrate food banks and community programmes (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities). Maternal & Child Nutrition Addressing malnutrition in vulnerable groups, including prenatal and early childhood nutrition for long-term health impact (SDG 2, SDG 5: Gender Equality). School & Workplace Nutrition Programmes Implementing policies to improve diet quality and reduce health disparities in institutional settings (SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 3, SDG 9: Learning and Innovation). Nutrition Literacy & Behaviour Change Empowering individuals through education on healthy eating habits and diet-related disease prevention (SDG 4, SDG 10). Water, Sanitation & Food Hygiene Ensuring access to clean water and food safety to prevent diet-related illnesses and infections (SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation). Draft Programme Please note, further details will be shared soon. Registration Summit Events Registration You can now register for the Satellite Events, Masterclasses and the Main Summit. The satellite events are free to attend but have limited in-person spaces available. Various ticket options are available for the Main Summit, and early bird registration is now open! Successfully Completed Bern Satellite Event on Nutrition in Population Health 10 July 2025 | 09:00-12:00 CEST In-person & Virtual. Bern, Switzerland. Biel/Bienne Satellite Event - Culinary Masterclass 10 July 2025 | 14:30-18:30 CEST In-person. Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. View the Photo Album Coming Up Kuala Lumpur Satellite Event on Nutrition, Disease Prevention and Systems Thinking 28 July 2025 In-person & Virtual Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Register for Kuala Lumpur New Delhi Satellite Event on Building a More Resilient India: Masterclasses on Nutrition-Sensitive Policy Development 06 to 07 August 2025 In-person only Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, India Register for New Delhi Ulster Satellite Event on Precision Nutrition* 05 November 2025 | 09:00-17:00 GMT In-person & Virtual. Coleraine, Northern Ireland *The Ulster Satellite Event replaces the regular annual joint symposium with NICHE this year, aligning with the Summit. Register for Ulster Belem Satellite Event on Food Security/Sustainability 24 November 2025 | 18:00-22:00 GMT-3 In-person & Virtual. Belem, Brazil Register for Belem Find Out More Register for the Youth Symposium Register with the above button if you'd like to only register for the Global Youth Essay Competition. Register with the above button if you'd like to register for the entire Main Summit, including the Global Youth Essay Competition. Remember: Members of the International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE) receive a 30% discount on Main Summit registration fees! Become a member today. Main Summit 10-13 December 2025 In-person & Virtual. 10 December Half-day Pre-Summit Satellite Symposium at the James Hutton Institute | Dundee, Scotland Opening Reception at the James Hutton Institute | Dundee, Scotland 11 and 12 December Main Summit Event at Dundee and Angus College | Dundee, Scotland Gala Tartan Dinner | Dundee, Scotland [Evening of 11th] 13 December Global Youth Essay Competition & Festival of Ideas at St Leonards School | St Andrews, Scotland Register for the Main Summit St Andrews Satellite Event on Medical Nutrition Education 13 December 2025 | 14:30-17:00 GMT In-person & Virtual. University of St Andrews, Scotland Register for St Andrews Venue Main Summit Accommodation Options For delegates attending the main Summit in December, we recommend staying at the Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa , which offers comfortable, modern accommodations with excellent amenities, including a spa, fitness centre, and waterfront views. You can use this link to book your stay at a discounted rate. Other Suggested Accommodation Options For those looking for alternative accommodations, here are some hotels in the area: Four Points Flex by Sheraton Dundee Malmaison Dundee Holiday Inn Express Dundee Premier Inn Dundee Staybridge Suites Dundee Please note that these are suggested options only, and we are not responsible for availability, pricing, or booking arrangements. We recommend booking early to secure the best rates. Summit Chairs & Key Speakers Draft Programme International Summit Co-Chairs / Key Speakers Professor Pauline Douglas NNEdPro | Ulster University Professor Sumantra Ray NNEdPro Honorary Joint President of NNEdPro & IANE Keynote Speaker Prof Suzanne Piscopo University of Malta | President, SNEB Prof Walter Willett Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Key Speakers Dr Ahlam El Shikieri NNEdPro | Taibah University Dr Alan Flanagan NNEdPro | Alinea Nutrition Prof Alexandra Johnstone Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen Chef Amabile Cortiglia RISTOLAB s.r.l. Prof Ananya Mukherjee Shiv Nadar University Andre Laperriere Former Exec. Director GODAN Andrew Lang Ninewells Hospital | NNEdPro Dr Angela Craigie University of Dundee Dr Anna-Maria Choy University of Dundee Dr Beatrice Biasini University of Parma Dr Biplab Kanti Nandi Former Senior Food and Nutrition Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UNITED NATIONS (UN FAO) Prof Bryndís Eva Birgisdóttir University of Iceland Dr Breanna Lepre University of Queensland | NNEdPro Brigette Tonon Action contre la Faim Prof Chim Lang UKM | School of Medicine, University of Dundee Dr Cinzia Franchini University of Parma Prof Clare Wall NNEdPro | University of Auckland Prof Claudia Laricchia Smily Academy Dr Cristiana Mignogna University of Parma Prof Daniela Martini NNEdPro | University of Milan Prof Daniele del Rio NNEdPro | University of Parma Prof Deborah Kennedy The Food Coach Academy Prof Derek Stewart The James Hutton Institute Dr Dionysia Sissy Lyra Independent Researcher Dr Elizabeth Helzner SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Dr Federica Amati WellFounded Clinic Dr Fiona Lavelle King's College London Prof Francesca Scazzina University of Parma Francesco Giurdanella NNEdPro Dr Glenys Jones Association for Nutrition Dr Harry Jarrett HEIGHTS Helena Trigueiro NNEdPro | EU Parliament Jaroslav Guzanic NNEdPro | Swiss Association for Cooperation on Food Education Dr Jenneffer Braga NNEdPro | University of Alberta Dr Jenny Blythe Queen Mary University of London Dr Joanne Cecil University of St Andrews Dr Jodie Webber NNEdPro | University of Cambridge Dr Kathy Martyn NNEdPro | Brighton University Jorgen Johnsen NNEdPro | Ulster University Prof Lucia Scaffardi University of Parma Prof Mariam Molokhia King's College London Dr Mariana Markell State Univeristy of New York Downstate Prof Martin Kohlmeier NNEdPro | Editor in Chief, BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health | BMJ Poster Competition & Abstracts Panel Dr Maryam Habib Public Health Nutrition Matheus Abrantes NNEdPro Prof Mei Yen Chan NNEdPro | Nazarbayev University School of Medicine Mercedes Tejeda Zorrilla NNEdPro | Tec de Monterrey Prof Nitya Rao University of East Anglia Dr Patrick Cortbaoui McGill University Prince Ishamel Dimah Healthplus Africa Care (HPAC) Show More Speakers Summit Contributions from NNEdPro & IANE Members and Regional Networks NNEdPro and IANE have close to 1000 members straddling the International Virtual Core and the International Collaborators Group , all of whom are invited to contribute to the Summit. NNEdPro and IANE also work with several Strategic Collaborative Partners , including academic institutions and specialist organisations. Leads from our 10 Regional Networks spanning nearly 80 countries will also contribute directly to the shaping of the 2025 Summit events. Our Summit is also supported by our Youth Ambassadors . Abstracts Abstract Submissions Our call for abstracts is now open. We accept abstracts that align with the theme of this year's Summit or any scientific topic related to food, nutrition and health. Abstracts relevant to the themed BMJ NPH Special Collections can also be submitted. Accepted abstracts will have the opportunity to be published in the open-source journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health . You can submit your abstracts via email to info@nnedpro.org.uk - please read the guidance below for further information. Previous Abstracts Key Information ABSTRACT VIRTUAL PRESENTATION AND COMPETITION T o deliver an engaging Summit experience for presenters and attendees, authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit a short video (3 to 5 minutes) presenting their work; this will be displayed on the website prior to the Summit. Accepted abstracts will also be asked to provide a poster of their work, which will be displayed at the venue and presented during the Summit (in person or online). You must register for the Main Summit to have your abstract reviewed. You can submit up to 3 abstracts per registration. If your abstract is rejected and you no longer wish to attend the Summit, we will refund your registration fee minus a 25% administrative charge. IMPORTANT DATES Submission Deadline: 15th October 2025 Notification of Acceptance: 1st November 2025 Other Key Dates: Poster Submission Deadline: 1st December 2025 Video Submission Deadline: 1st December 2025 Abstract Competition winners will be announced on 13th December 2025 at the Global Youth Essay Competition & Festival of Ideas at St Leonards School, St Andrews, Scotland. We encourage early submission to take advantage of lower registration fees and to secure your spot at the Summit. If you have any questions regarding the abstract submission process, please contact us at info@nnedpro.org.uk Supporters Partners LEAD PARTNERS Global Nutrition [Health & Disease] SUPPORTING PARTNERS Supporters Looking to showcase your brand alongside the below leading organisations driving real change in the world of food, nutrition and health? Join us as a supporter and make your mark! We offer a variety of dynamic supporter packages and exhibitor opportunities tailored to maximise your impact. Click on the link below to discover how you can be part of this exciting journey. Supporter Packages We are truly grateful to our headline supporters (Gold and Silver) who are generously supporting multiple aspects of our 2025 Summit events (Main Summit and Satellite Symposia). Gold Supporters Silver Supporters Affiliate Supporters We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the following institutions in facilitating our 2025 Summit events. Main Summit Summit Satellite Symposia Global Youth Essay Competition Summit Organisers The Summit Organising Committee also includes several moderators, speakers and panellists. Dr Alan Flanagan Summit Organising Committee Andrew Lang Summit Organising Committee Ankita Ghosh Summit Organising Committee Asim Kumar Manna Summit Organising Committee Prof Clare Wall Poster Competition & Abstracts Panel Debashis Chakraborty Summit Organising Committee Francesco Giurdanella Summit Organising Committee | Global Youth Essay Competition Panel Dr Halima Jama Summit Organising Committee Harmanpreet Kaur Summit Organising Committee Jaroslav Guzanic Summit Organising Committee Dr Jenneffer Braga Summit Organising Committee Jorgen Johnsen BMJ Poster Competition & Abstracts Panel Kai Kargbo Summit Organising Committee Dr Kathy Martyn Summit Organising Committee | BMJ Poster Competition & Abstracts Panel Manelle Ramadan Summit Organising Committee Matheus Abrantes Summit Organising Committee Dr Neda Sedora-Roman Summit Organising Committee Ngozi Rosemary Bukola-Ajetunmobi Summit Organising Committee Priyanka Kotak Summit Organising Committee | Global Youth Essay Competition Panel Dr Ramya Rajaram Summit Organising Committee Rauf Khalid Summit Organising Committee Ravi Mohan Lal Summit Organising Committee Dr Samyyia Ashraf Summit Organising Committee | Global Youth Essay Competition Panel Sarah Anderson Summit Organising Committee Sarah Armes Summit Organising Committee Sucheta Mitra Summit Organising Committee Wanja Nyaga Summit Organising Committee FAQs Frequently Asked Questions What are the Terms & Conditions to attend the course? 1. The NNEdPro Summer School is for individuals interested in nutrition and its health applications and is also open to undergraduate students as well as adult learners. Whilst the course is open-access, a background in relevant biological sciences and/or health related disciplines is required for candidates to sit the final assessment and to receive a certificate of competence. However, those from other backgrounds will be eligible for a certificate of attendance but will not need to sit the final assessment. 2. To ensure that all participants are able to enjoy as well as benefit from studying with us, you will need to be confident understanding and following arguments presented in written and spoken English at University level. 3. Refunds can only be issued for cancellation requests received up to seven days after the access to the material is given, this will be when the email confirmation with your access details to the NNEdPro Virtual Learning Environment is sent. If you cancel after that, no refunds can be issued. Substitute delegates are not accepted. Please note that any transaction fee incurred will be deducted from your refund.To request a refund, please contact us at info@nnedpro.org.uk Who is the course for? The Summer School is intended for individuals interested in nutrition and its health-applications and is also open to undergraduate students and other adult learners. How much time should I set aside for this course? The course consists of: Around 40 hours of pre-recorded lectures you can study at your own pace. You will be invited for a 2-day Q&A and mentoring session with the faculty online or in person in Cambridge, according to your selection when booking the course. The assignments (essay, critical appraisal and final test) should not take longer than 3 hours each to complete. What are the requirements? Whilst the course is open-access, a background in relevant biological sciences and/or health related disciplines is required for candidates to sit the final assessment and to receive a certificate of competence. However, those from other backgrounds will be eligible for a certificate of attendance but will not need to sit the final assessment. To ensure that all participants are able to enjoy as well as benefit from studying with us, you will need to be confident understanding and following arguments presented in written and spoken English at University level. What will I learn throughout the course? The course provides in depth exposure to Applied Human Nutrition including basic concepts in human nutrition; nutritional research methods; nutrition in healthcare and nutrition public health and policy. For a taste of what to expect, check out the previous years content at the bottom of the page. Will I be assessed? Candidates from healthcare and related backgrounds will be able to undertake an assessment at the end of the course to gain a certificate of competence, accredited by professional bodies in the UK for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development. To date, dual accreditation has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal Society of Biology in the UK, providing internationally recognised quality benchmarks. If are not from healthcare and related backgrounds, you can still complete the final assignment to receive a certificate of completion. What additional support and benefits can I get? In addition to learn and network with an international community of peers and experts, the opportunity to be assessed and gain a certificate of competence, as a member of the International Academy of Nutrition Education (IANE) Members you will receive a post-course 1:1 mentoring session. As a delegate of a NNEdPro event, you are also entitled to a 20% discount on the cost of publishing your article in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Those attending the NNEdPro Summer School will receive discounted registration to the NNEdPro International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health. This scientific meeting is a opportunity for candidates attending the NNEdPro Summer School to participate in directly relevant international conference proceedings immediately after completing their course. Is there a discount for group reservations? A discount of 10%, 12% and 15% will be applied for groups of over 3, 6 and 10 respectively. Please contact us to learn more. What is your refund policy? 3. Refunds can only be issued for cancellation requests received up to seven days after the access to the material is given, this will be when the email confirmation with your access details to the NNEdPro Virtual Learning Environment is sent. If you cancel after that, no refunds can be issued. Substitute delegates are not accepted. Please note that any transaction fee incurred will be deducted from your refund. To request a refund, please contact us at info@nnedpro.org.uk Any more questions? Please contact us at info@nnedpro.org.uk or use the enquire button available on this page Previous Years Monday - Friday 11:00 - 18:30 Saturday 11:00 - 17:00 Sunday 12:30 - 16:30 2024 Read More > 2017 Read More > 2016 Read More > 2015 Read More > 2023 Read More > 2022 Read More > 2021 Read More > 2020 Read More > 2019 Read More > 2018 Read More > Summit Proceedings 2015 – Launch of the International Summit on Medical and Public Health Nutrition Education and Research 2016 – Nutrition education and research for public health impact 2017 - From education and research through to policy and practice 2018 - Connecting nutrition as hard science and international knowledge networks 2019 - Closing the gap: data-based decisions in food, nutrition and health systems 2020 - An Evaluation of Global Knowledge Networks in the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025) 2021 - Advancing research, policy and practice to promote resilient and sustainable food and health systems in the year of action on nutrition 2022 - Empowering global nutrition with digital technology: Proceedings of the 8th annual International Summit on Nutrition and Health 2023 - Sustainable Resourcing for All in Food & Nutrition Security: Creative solutions for healthy & resilient populations – Proceedings of the 9th annual International Summit on Nutrition and Health 2024 - Evaluating the Socio-Economic Impact of the Microenterprise Component of the Mobile Teaching Kitchen Initiative in Kolkata, India Previous Years Programme Registration Speakers Abstracts Supporters FAQs Previous Years Top of Page Programme Registration Venue Speakers Abstracts Supporters FAQs Previous Years International Summit

NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health is an award-winning interdisciplinary think-tank, building upon 10 years of nutrition education, research and innovation. Event organised by In lead partnership with Founded in Cambridge (UK) in 2008 and directed by Professor Sumantra (Shumone) Ray , the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, along with its partner initiatives seeks to advance and implement food and nutrition knowledge for health and society. Our aim is to improve nutrition-related health outcomes by training professionals, strengthening research, implementing solutions and addressing inequalities, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals . We believe that everyone has the right to access healthy food and that global malnutrition can be resolved through equity, collaboration, knowledge sharing and technology. Led by cutting-edge academic research, we look to benefit vulnerable families and communities on-the-ground, as our education programmes train frontline healthcare and nutrition professionals throughout the world. Together, through interdisciplinary partnerships, we can improve food and health systems – from production through to consumption, and beyond into healthcare – to change behaviours and facilitate sustainable improvements in global nutrition. Check out our latest Impact Report and join us in shaping the future—your support makes a difference! let's end malnutrition by 2030 By advancing and implementing nutrition knowledge to improve health, wellbeing and society. OUR TOP OFFERINGS BMJ NUTRITION, PREVENTION & HEALTH A peer-reviewed journal publishing high-quality research on the role of nutrition in disease prevention, health promotion, and policy impact. Read More > MOBILE TEACHING KITCHEN INTERNATIONAL A community-driven programme that empowers individuals with hands-on nutrition, culinary and microenterprise education to promote healthier eating and sustainable food practices. Read More > DATA SCIENCE AND EVIDENCE SyNtHESIS HUB A hub for advancing research literacy and analytical skills through tailored training, collaborative projects, and evidence-based insights for informed decision-making in nutrition and health. Read More > foundation certificate in applied human nutrition An intensive programme equipping professionals with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills in nutrition science, research, and policy to drive global health impact. Read More > INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NUTRITION EDUCATORS A global network supporting professionals in advancing nutrition education, leadership, and research to improve health outcomes worldwide. Read More > human nutrition intervention studies To offer expert support, guiding organisations in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based strategies to improve dietary behaviours, health outcomes, and nutrition policies. Read More > our numbers +28,800 Followers across all social media platforms. +24,000 People served annually by our base Mobile Teaching Kitchen. +260 Alumni of our flagship summer school & foundation certificate training. 100 S Professionals receiving specialised training in nutrition and health every year. +500 In person registrants for our 2024 International Summit and many more online. +350 Invitations to deliver academic teaching & scientific presentations. our publications +240 Peer-reviewed journal papers directly led by our projects. +70 Scientific articles for knowledge dissemination. +13 Textbooks and chapter contributions. PLEASE SUPPORT US Please support us today so we can continue to advance and implement food and nutrition knowledge for health and society this year and beyond to help achieve significant progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By supporting us, you will facilitate the continuity of the NNEdPro projects and initiatives. DONATE NOW LEARN MORE NNEdpro in the news forum for democratising food & nutrition: A Knowledge & Advocacy Initiative Following the resounding success of our 2024 Summit on Democratising and Decolonising Food & Nutrition, attended in person by over 500 delegates and supported by a vast number of global and regional stakeholders, we are pleased to announce the creation of a knowledge and advocacy forum dedicated to progressing the actions arising from this highly impactful Summit. LEARN MORE Latest CONTENT Anna Edesia - July Newsletter Author: Sarah Anderson Reviewers: Shumone Ray As we reach the midpoint of 2025, we are proud to reflect on a vibrant second quarter... The Changing Landscape of Bowel Cancer in the UK: The Role of Nutrition Author: Holly Giles Speakers: Dr Timothy Eden Panellists: Prof Sumantra, Sarah Armes Reviewers: Sarah Armes, Sarah Anderson What is... Reframing Halophytes: Their Emerging Role in Functional Food Systems and Nutrition Author: Holly Giles Speaker: Dionysia Angeliki Lyra Panellists: Sumantra (Shumone) Ray, Meis Moukayed, Yasmin Haddad, Sarah Armes... read our blogs read our articles & Newsletters Partner initiatives founded by the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health Global Nutrition [Health & Disease]

Professor Sumantra Ray UK Licensed Medical Doctor and UK Registered Public Health Nutritionist NNEdPro Founding Chair, Chief Scientist and Executive Director* *Founder – BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health | International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE) | iKANN Nutrition Research Registry and Digital Knowledge Hub | Global Nutrition, Health & Disease at Ulster University | Bhavishya Shakti Global (The Mobile Teaching Kitchen International Initiative) | The International Food and Nutrition [TIFN] Trust | Ray Advisory Services | CREATE Global Leadership Academy | The CREATE Centre (Population Health | Resilience | Sustainability) | Cambridge Summer School in Applied Human Nutrition (11th Edition in 2025) | International Summit on Food, Nutrition and Health (11th Edition in 2025) s.ray@nnedpro.org.uk Mobile: +44-7743988276 (Executive Assistant: Admin.Support@nnedpro.org.uk ) SHORT BIOGRAPHY Sumantra (Shumone) Ray is a UK licensed medical doctor and a registered public health nutritionist. He is the Chief Scientist and Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health in Cambridge. His work has been recognised through a decade and half of funding from UK Research Councils as well as Fellowships awarded by Wolfson and Fitzwilliam Colleges at the University of Cambridge. He holds a fractional appointment as a Full Professor of Global Nutrition, Health and Disease at Ulster University. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and most recently has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at Kings College London. Internationally, Shumone is an Honorary Distinguished Visiting Professor at the SNU Institution of Eminence in Delhi India. He is also the co-founder and Chair of the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Professor Ray has published over 200 scientific papers . He is the editor of the Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Healthcare Research as well as the Elsevier Essentials of Nutrition in Medicine and Healthcare. Since 2024 he has also been Head of Nutritional and Preventative Medicine for the WellFounded Clinic. SUMMARY OF KEY CROSS APPOINTMENTS (Download Here) Fractional & Honorary External Appointments - UK Ulster University Professor of Global Nutrition, Health & Disease, NICHE Research Group | Vascular Studies Platform Lead & Doctoral Supervisor King's College London Honorary Visiting Professor in Life Sciences & Medicine | ESRC Doctoral Supervisor University of Cambridge 'TIGR2ESS' UKRI Global Challenges Research Co-Lead - Cambridge Global Food Security National Research Ethics Service (England) Vice-Chair of the Oxford-A Research Ethics Committee of the NHS Health Research Authority Well Founded Health (England) Head of Nutritional and Preventative Medicine at the Well Founded Clinic UK Research & Innovation Advisory Board Member for the BBSRC FoodBio-Systems Doctoral Research Programme and the ESRC London Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Doctoral Research Programme | UKRI Talent Peer Review College Member Nesta - The UK's Innovation Agency for Social Good Expert Advisory Group Member The Janki Foundation for Spirituality in Healthcare Medical & Scientific Advisor Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Healthcare Research Editor-in-Chief Elsevier Essentials of Nutrition in Medicine and Healthcare Editor-in-Chief Fractional & Honorary External Appointments - INTERNATIONAL Shiv Nadar University – Institution of Eminence (India) Honorary Distinguished Visiting Professor UNICEF (East Asia and Pacific) International Expert Consultant in Nutrition Education Society for Nutrition Education & Behavior [SNEB] (USA) SNEB Foundation Trustee Remedy Clinic Study Group [RCSG] (India) Academic Vice-President University of Parma (Italy) EU Food for Future Project - [Department of Law] | EU Doctoral Leadership School in Food Sciences [School of Advanced Studies in Food & Nutrition] - Advisory Board Member & Visiting Faculty Lord Rana Foundation Charitable Trust (UK-India) Honorary International Dean & Visiting Professor in Strategy Development at the Cordia Colleges SWITCH Horizon Europe Project - CMCC Foundation for Climate Change Advisory Board Member SMILY Academy for Climate Justice Lead Research Advisor Frontiers in Public Health (Switzerland) Associate Editor in Public Health Policy SUMMARY OF KEY FORMER APPOINTMENTS NIHR Academic Public Health Fellow University of Cambridge (2008-2010) Corfield Scholar at Selwyn College University of Cambridge (2008-2010) Senior Clinician Scientist UK Medical Research Council, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory Cambridge (2010-2018) Lead Clinician National Diet and Nutrition Survey, UK Health Departments (2013-2018) Senior Clinical Tutor and Course Director University of Cambridge (2015-2019) Adjunct Professor in Public Health University of Waterloo, Canada (2015- 2020) Governing Body Fellow of Wolfson College University of Cambridge (2015-2021) Honorary Visiting Professor in Primary Care and Public Health Imperial College London (2016-2024) Honorary Professorial Fellow University of Wollongong, Australia (2017-2022) Board Member GCRF Latin America Safewater Programme UK Research & Innovation Advisory (2017- 2022) Eminent Visiting Professor University of Brunei (2018-2019) Distinguished Visiting Professor University of Sao Paolo, Brazil (2019) Director of Research in Food Security, Health and Society University of Cambridge (2019-2022) Transformative Research Challenge Mentor World Food Forum [WFF] of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], Italy (2021-2024) Bye-Fellow of Fitzwilliam College University of Cambridge (2021-2024) Advisory Board Chair The Nutrition Reliance, USA (2022-2024) Principal Medical Academic Advisor to the Modality NHS Partnership National Health Service, England (2022-2025) Advisory Board Member Ahara Inc, USA (2023-2024) SUMMARY OF AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Fellow of the American College of Nutrition (2012) Josephine Lansdell Award, British Medical Association (2013) Honorary Lifetime Associateship, British Dietetic Association (2014) Deputy Chairman, BMA Conference of Medical Academic Representatives (2015) Complete Nutrition Outstanding Achievement Award, for NNEdPro (2015) Multiple Visiting Professorial Awards and Invited Lectures (2015-2025) Deputy Chairman, BMA COMAR (2015) Medical Nutrition Industry Award, with ESPEN (2017) BMJ Awards Finalist, for NNEdPro (2016) Outstanding Achievement Award, UK Bengali Convention (2022) SNEB Program Impact Award for MTK Initiative (2022) Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award, University of Cambridge for TIGR2ESS (2021) Academic Guest of Honour, Universidad Iberoamericana, Tec de Monterrey, Mexico (2023) Fellow, Royal Society of Biology (2025) FULL BIOGRAPHY Professor Sumantra (Shumone) Ray qualified in 2001 with a degree in Clinical Medicine (with Distinction) and a Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (with Merit). He subsequently undertook a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education, a taught Master of Philosophy Degree in Public Health with Epidemiology, and a Research Medical Doctorate in Nutrition and Cardiovascular Prevention. Shumone has also attained relevant professional body memberships/fellowships by competency assessment and received National Health Service training in Medicine and Public Health in the East of Scotland and the East of England. Throughout his training, Shumone specialised in nutrition within hospital and public health medicine, receiving extensive training in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. These exposures eventually culminated in the Editorship of the Oxford Handbook of Clinical/Healthcare Research (2016) as well as the Editorship of the Elsevier Textbook of Essentials of Nutrition in Medicine (2023). Additionally, Shumone had formal training in management and leadership (British Medical Association and the Institute of Leadership and Management) as well as social entrepreneurship (Innovate UK). From 2003-8, Shumone worked as a Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Clinical Teacher, as well as subsequently as a Senior Clinical Research and Teaching Fellow at the University of Dundee School of Medicine and its Institute of Cardiovascular Research, incorporating one of the UK's flagship Clinical Trials Units. From 2008-10, Shumone was a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Fellow and Corfield Scholar at Selwyn College Cambridge. Following this, from 2010 to 18, he also held a Senior Clinician Scientist position with the Medical Research Council, focussing on nutrition and vascular studies, heading up a dedicated experimental medicine facility for human nutrition studies and also functioning as the Lead Clinician for the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (c/o Public Health England) as well as working clinically at Cambridge University Hospitals. From 2010 to 2018, Shumone led undergraduate nutrition teaching in the Cambridge clinical/medical curriculum, and he was a University of Cambridge senior clinical tutor from 2015 to 18. Shumone was cross-appointed in Cambridge as a Governing Body Fellow of Wolfson College (2015-20) and Co-Lead for the Food, Nutrition and Education Work Package for the TIGR2ESS Programme in India (2017-22) led by the University of Cambridge and supported by the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) Global Challenges Research Fund and he was appointed as Course Director in Nutrition Science at the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (2017-19). In 2021, TIGR2ESS received the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Impact from the University of Cambridge. Shumone also received further personal recognition in Cambridge through a Bye-Fellowship of Fitzwilliam College (2021-24) at the University of Cambridge. Additionally, Shumone holds a fractional personal chair appointment as a Professor of Global Nutrition, Health and Disease at Ulster University as well as several honorary/visiting professorial appointments more widely, including Imperial College London in the UK. He is also an experienced Doctoral Supervisor at several universities, including Cambridge, Monash, Porto, Ulster, Utrecht, Waterloo and Wollongong, as well as a Doctoral Training Programme Advisor for BBSRC and ESRC (UKRI). He has served as a PhD examiner in Brighton, Cambridge, London, Nottingham and Parma. In 2013, Shumone received the Josephine Lansdell Award from the British Medical Association (BMA) in support of work in Nutrition and Cardiovascular Prevention. In 2014, he was elected to the Honorary Lifetime Associateship award by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) council. Shumone was also elected Deputy Chairman of the 2015 BMA Conference of Medical Academic Representatives (COMAR). In 2015, NNEdPro won the Complete Nutrition Outstanding Achievement Award. Shumone was appointed Adjunct Professor at the University of Waterloo in Canada and received a Griffith University Visiting Fellowship from Australia. In 2016, Shumone was appointed an Honorary Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and Ulster University in Northern Ireland. NNEdPro was a finalist and runner-up in the 2016 British Medical Journal (BMJ) Awards. Also, in 2016, Shumone published the Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Healthcare Research to strengthen basic research skills across the global health-related workforce and became Programme Director for the Cambridge Summer School in Applied Human Nutrition. In 2017, Shumone was elected to an Honorary Professorial Fellowship at the University of Wollongong Australia (2017-22), while NNEdPro won the Medical Nutrition Industry International Award with the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. In 2018, Shumone became the Founding Chair, along with the BMJ Group, of BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health. He was also invited to lecture at the University of Brunei Darussalam under their 'Eminent Visiting Professorship' scheme in 2018. In 2019, Shumone was appointed a presidential Council Advisor at the University of Parma School of Advanced Studies on Food and Nutrition. In 2019, he was appointed as Honorary International Dean to the Cordia Colleges in India and recognised through an invitation to speak as an 'International Visiting Professor' to the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. From December 2018 to July 2019, Shumone served part-time as a Consultant on a special assignment to the Nutrition Directorate of the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, leading the development of a strand of work in nutrition and healthcare capacity building within the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016-25. NNEdPro and its Mobile Teaching Kitchen (MTK) Initiative , led by Shumone, won the Society for Nutrition Education and Behaviour Program Impact Award 2022 . He also won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the UK Bengali Convention 2022 in recognition of the MTK. In 2022, Shumone was appointed to the NHS Modality Partnership (the largest primary care consortium in the UK) as a Principal Medical Academic Advisor and the Vice-Chair of a National Research Ethics Committee. He also played a key role in the UK's new health research inclusivity policy. In 2023, Universidad Iberoamericana and Tec de Monterrey in Mexico invited Shumone to deliver a series of lectures as an academic guest of honour, marking 30 years of the nutrition programme in Puebla and three years of the Mexico City MTK. Furthermore, Shumone has served as an advisor to several national funding bodies over 2023/24, including the NIHR and UKRI. In 2024, Shumone was appointed as Head of Nutritional Medicine by Well Founded and Curia Health in the UK and India. He received the title of Honorary Distinguished Visiting Professor by the Shiv Nadar University (SNU) and Institution of Eminence, and he is an invited keynote speaker at the 2024 Times Higher Education Innovation and Impact Summit hosted by SNU. In 2025, Shumone was appointed as an Honorary Visiting Professor in Population Health Sciences at Kings College London in recognition of contributions in the field and with the view to drive forward strategic collaboration, including on the London Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Doctoral Programme of which the NNEdPro Global Institute is a supporting partner. In early 2025, Shumone served as a visiting professor at the University of Malta (Faculty of Education) and was invited as a visiting academic lecturer by the University of Iceland (Department of Nutrition). In mid 2025 the Royal Society of Biology has also conferred Fellowship by special recognition to Shumone for contributions in Human Nutrition.