On the 27th of November, Ulster University and the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland marked the 30th anniversary of the Annual Dairy Council Nutrition Lecture with a special symposium.
In welcoming the three eminent speakers – Professor Gerry McKenna, Ulster University; Professor Julie Lovegrove, University of Reading and Professor John Mathers, Newcastle University – the symposium reflected what has been achieved in the field of nutrition research since the inaugural lecture in January 1991 and shared insights into future developments.
The lectures are recognised as a forum for cutting–edge research to be shared with health professionals, researchers and nutrition students in Northern Ireland and signify the long–standing relationship between the Dairy Council and Ulster University, specifically the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE).
Focusing on key areas of human nutrition, the lectures have delivered significant insights into contemporary issues and presented emerging research from leading international researchers in the field. Commenting on the significance of this 30th anniversary milestone, Professor Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland said:
“This symposium is important as it celebrates the longevity of the partnership between the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland and Ulster University, marking a valuable and mutually beneficial relationship. The outstanding research undertaken at Ulster has always been and will continue to remain a major benefit for our agri–food sector. 30 years on, I can say it has been with great pride that we acknowledge the many achievements of Ulster University and the crucial impact their research is having throughout Northern Ireland and internationally. I look forward to maintaining and building on this relationship further.”
During the Anniversary Symposium, Professor Gerry McKenna MRIA, Emeritus Professor of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University & Vice President, Royal Irish Academy, a pioneering figure in higher education, discussed ‘The development of research in an increasingly competitive environment’.
Professor Julie Lovegrove, Director of the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading & President of the Nutrition Society provided ‘A review of dairy’s role in cardiometabolic health – where are we now?’
And Professor John Mathers, Director of the Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University, spoke of ‘Nutrition research challenges in the next 30 years’.
Speaking on the success of the symposium Professor Sean Strain MRIA, Emeritus Professor of Human Nutrition, Ulster University, said:
“We are delighted that the generosity of the Dairy Council of Northern Ireland has allowed us to invite so many distinguished nutritionists to speak at the University over such a long period. The list of past speakers is an eminent who’s who in nutrition in the UK, Europe and world–wide. The event takes pride of place in the NICHE academic calendar and inspires and informs our students and early career researchers at Ulster as well as being a highly informative forum for others within the University and the wider community. I was particularly pleased that the two people, Professor Mike Johnston and Professor Gerry McKenna, who were responsible for drawing up the original agreement, contributed to the success of the 30th Anniversary symposium”.
Nutrition and Health Professionals can see the summaries of the talks here.
Picture L to R: Prof Sean Strain OBE, Prof John Mathers, Prof Julie Lovegrove, Prof Carol Curran OBE, Executive Dean, Ulster University, Prof Gerry McKenna and Dermot Farrell, DCNI Chairman.