November 17, 2017, by Emma Rayner

Prestigious prize for leading UK nutrition scientist

A leading expert in nutrition and metabolic physiology at the University of Nottingham, Professor Ian Macdonald, has won the prestigious British Nutrition Foundation Prize for 2017.

The annual BNF Prize is awarded to an individual scientist or group for outstanding achievement in this important field of public health. The accolade includes the opportunity to present the Annual Lecture that will take place on the Foundation’s Annual Day in a year’s time.

Professor Macdonald, from the University’s School of Life Sciences, has pioneered research into nutrition, dietary habits and exercise as well as metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. He also sits on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), informing government policy on issues relating to the nation’s diet and its effect on public health.

Prof Judy Buttriss, BNF’s Director General, said:  The BNF Prize is awarded annually by BNF’s Council in recognition and celebration of a contribution of outstanding merit in the world of nutrition and health. Professor Macdonald was nominated for his internationally respected work in the fields of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and exercise, and for his work on SACN, the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.”

Reacting to the award, Professor Macdonald said: “I was surprised and flattered to receive it, but at the same time very pleased, as one might expect. It is a reflection of the excellent research environment in human nutrition and physiology that has been built in Nottingham during my long time here and the outstanding research collaborations we have established both in Nottingham and around the world. Much of this research has been of an applied nature, using a rigorous scientific approach to answer clinically relevant questions in patients or to identify the role of dietary components and lifestyle to optimising health.”

HRH The Princess Royal, who is Patron of the British Nutrition Foundation, presented Professor Macdonald with his Prize at a ceremony at the Royal College of Physicians in London on Tuesday 14th November 2017.

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