Research Agenda

Formulating a nutrition science research agenda in collaboration with WHO

In collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO), the Sackler Institute is launching a global initiative to formulate an agenda for nutrition science research. The Institute is convening scientific leaders from around the world to evaluate and communicate the body of evidence in specific priority areas, identifying gaps that exist and developing scientific roadmaps that set forth promising directions in nutrition science research. This work is essential to promote dialogue between scientists, systematically assess knowledge in different areas of nutrition, develop the rationale for research priorities, and identify best practices for evidence-based interventions. The work of formulating a nutrition research agenda is fully supported with funding from foundations and nonprofit organizations.

Description of focus areas

Focus area 1: Environmental and societal trends affecting food and nutrition among vulnerable groups.

Focus area 2: Unresolved issues of nutrition in the lifecycle:

• Creating a food-based systems biology of nutrition and human health in mother and child.


• Determining optimal nutrition during pregnancy and understanding effects on child growth, early childhood development, and long-term health.
  

Focus area 3: Delivery of intervention and operational gaps.

Panels of experts have been convened to begin work on these three focus areas through an extended research and consultation process that will provide insight about existing evidence and knowledge gaps, and serves to guide new research endeavors and funding in the delivery science field. The outcome of these working groups will be featured in focus area-specific white papers to be published and disseminated by the Academy. These papers will help policy makers, program implementers, donors, the research community and the private sector in their decision making process.