This team straddles the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (SMDBS), forming a core inter-disciplinary research (IDR) pillar within IGFS. With research expertise in three main areas – molecular nutrition; biomarker development and discovery; and nutritional epidemiology and randomised controlled trials – the theme has expanded from six to 14.3 FTE academic staff in the last two years and also includes 27 PDRFs and 36 PhD students.

Prestigious investment in this theme includes two US-Ireland R&D Partnership Programme funding streams (£3.25M & £2.5M; 2019-24).  There is a major focus on plant-based diets, diet quality, biomarkers, cardio-metabolic health and healthy ageing.  International collaborators include, for example, world leaders at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and across Europe.

Having a strong foothold in the Centre for Public Health at the SMDBS drives impact. For example, this theme participates in two all-Ireland, INTERREG healthcare intervention projects, one involving Type 2 Diabetes in relation to neuro-cognitive ageing; the other regarding weight management in pregnancy. Similarly, two researchers lead on the dietary aspects of the NICOLA study – the first large-scale, longitudinal study of ageing in NI.

This group holds monthly meetings throughout the academic year, providing a vibrant and supportive environment for experienced staff and ECRs alike.

PROJECT CASE-STUDIES

Research Expertise in Nutrition and Preventive Medicine

Theme members:

• Professor Jayne Woodside
• Professor Aedin Cassidy
• Professor Michelle McKinley
• Professor Helen Roche
• Professor Ian Young
• Professor Brian Green
• Professor Moira Dean
• Dr Marie Cantwell
• Dr Claire McEvoy
• Dr Qiaozhu Su
• Dr Anne Nugent
• Dr Danielle McCarthy
• Dr Laura Magowan
• Dr Tilman Khun
• Dr Konstantin Panov
• Dr Ciaren Graham