18 June 2026

IUNS Holds Successful Online General Assembly – 18 June 2026

The International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) held its online General Assembly today, bringing together more than 100 representatives from Adhering Bodies and partner organisations worldwide. We extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their engagement and for their patience at the start of the meeting while voting members were verified to confirm quorum.

The strong participation reflects the continued commitment of our global community to advancing nutritional science and strengthening international collaboration. It was a pleasure to see members actively contributing, sharing updates, and supporting the ongoing work of IUNS.

The General Assembly also provided an opportunity to highlight several important developments underway across the Union. In the coming weeks, IUNS will open applications for the Re-Integration Grants and launch the new Jo Hautvast Award. Planning is also underway to establish a new IUNS Early Career Committee to support the development of early-career researchers in nutritional science. In addition, preparations are moving forward for the IUNS 80th Anniversary celebration event, which will take place in London this November.

The slides and minutes from the meeting will be shared with Adhering Bodies following Council review and approval.

We thank all participants once again for their contributions to today’s meeting and for their continued support of IUNS.

9 January 2026

Celebrating 80 Years of IUNS: A Message from President Hyun‑Sook Kim

Anniversary Significance

The year 2026 marks a truly historic moment for our Union — the 80th Anniversary of IUNS. For eight decades, our community has advanced nutritional science, guided by dedication, collaboration, and global solidarity.

Today, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all past and present leaders, scientists, and Adhering Bodies who have contributed to this remarkable legacy. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the strong support and active participation of our IUNS community at the 23rd IUNS-International Congress of Nutrition held in Paris in 2025. Thanks to your remarkable engagement, the Congress welcomed over 3,800 registrations from 117 countries across the world — including 46 LMICs. A total of 155 symposia were held, representing one of the highest achievements in the 80-year history of IUNS — the second-largest in our Union’s history.

Building on this success, we are already proudly looking ahead to the 24ᵗʰ IUNS-ICN to be held in 2029 in Vancouver, Canada – where our global community will once again come together to advance science, collaboration, and impact. Our world continues to face evolving nutrition challenges from health inequities and ageing populations to changing food systems and environmental pressures.

In this context, the role of nutritional science is more important than ever. Together, we will support the young researchers, deepen global partnerships, and promote nutrition as a foundation for health, resilience, and sustainable development for all.

Thank you for your dedication and for your continued support of IUNS. I wish you a meaningful anniversary year and a healthy and inspiring New Year.

With my warmest gratitude and respect,

Hyun-Sook Kim

President, International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS)

9 December 2025

An overview of national and international long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake recommendations for healthy populations

It is widely recognised that the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA;22:6n-3) are beneficial for health. But what is the general recommended level of consumption of these polyunsaturated fatty acids?

A review has been published on Nutrition Research Reviews aiming at providing a global overview of dietary recommendations for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3PUFA) for healthy general populations. The authors have identified 42 technical and scientific documents (TSD) for inclusion, using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) global online repository of FBDG and structured Google searches. The authors examine how different countries and expert groups set intake targets across various life stages. The most common recommended intake for adults is about 250 mg/day of EPA + DHA, while pregnant women are often advised to take an additional 100–200 mg/day of DHA.

The review reveals considerable variation in how nations provide guidance: not all life stages are equally covered, and supplement advice or warnings about high intakes differ widely. Importantly, achieving the recommended intake can be a challenge for many populations due to the low consumption of these omega-3s, mainly from seafood. To bridge the gap, the authors highlight the need for more accessible and sustainable sources, such as bio-enriched foods or supplements. These insights are useful not only for nutrition researchers but also for public health officials, food industry stakeholders, and consumers looking to optimise their omega-3 intake.

To access the full review, please visit here.

7 November 2025

In Memoriam: Professor José Eduardo Dutra de Oliveira (1929–2025)

The International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Professor José Eduardo Dutra de Oliveira, a distinguished scholar, educator, and global leader in the field of nutrition, who passed away on 3 November 2025 in Brazil.

Professor Dutra de Oliveira dedicated his life to advancing nutrition science and improving human health through education, research, and policy. A physician by training and a pioneer in medical nutrition, he was instrumental in defining Nutrology (clinical nutrition) as a recognised medical specialty in Brazil, laying the foundation for generations of physicians and scientists to integrate nutrition into healthcare practice. He was also a founding member of the Brazilian Society of Nutrition (SBAN) and a key figure in promoting international scientific exchange in Latin America.

As a Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Professor Dutra de Oliveira inspired countless students and colleagues with his dedication to scientific rigor and his compassion for improving people’s lives through better nutrition. Over his career, he trained and inspired several generations of researchers. His research covered a wide range of topics—from the nutritive value of staple foods and micronutrient fortification to strategies for addressing protein-energy malnutrition and chronic diseases—always grounded in the realities and cultural context of local diets.

Beyond academia, he served as a consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations University (UNU), contributing to global discussions on nutrition policy and public health.

Professor Dutra de Oliveira also served as President of IUNS from 1989 to 1993, during which he played a vital role in strengthening the global nutrition community and advancing international collaboration in the field.

Professor Dutra de Oliveira’s remarkable legacy endures through his scientific contributions, visionary leadership, and the many professionals he mentored across continents. His passing is a profound loss to the global nutrition community.

His contributions to nutrition science and education will be remembered by colleagues, students, and the global nutrition community.

May his dedication to science and humanity continue to inspire us all.

17 October 2025

The 3rd PNDS International Conference 2025: Nutri-Connect 2025 – Bridging the Gap between Clinical and Public Health Nutrition

Organised by the Pakistan Nutrition & Dietetic Society (PNDS), the 3rd PNDS International Conference 2025 is set to take place from 17–19 October 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Under the theme “Nutri-Connect 2025: Bridging the Gap between Clinical and Public Health Nutrition,” the conference aims to drive actionable solutions and advance nutrition science—from patient care to national health programmes—through evidence-based dialogue, policy advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration.

Objectives

To provide a holistic understanding of the links between dietary intake, health outcomes, and disease prevention from both clinical and public health perspectives.
To facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among nutrition researchers, clinicians, public health practitioners, and policymakers.
To advocate for integrating nutrition into healthcare systems, policy, and medical education.
To offer networking and mentorship opportunities for students, early-career professionals, and institutions in nutrition and dietetics.

Expected Outcomes

Strengthened collaboration between clinical and public health nutrition professionals.
Increased awareness of nutrition’s role in disease prevention and health promotion.
Policy recommendations for integrating nutrition into Pakistan’s healthcare and education systems.
Enhanced skills and networks among emerging nutrition professionals.
Showcasing of innovative, evidence-based interventions adaptable to Pakistan’s context.

The President of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) also recorded a special video message for the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of global partnerships in empowering the next generation, strengthening the nutrition community, and fostering collaboration across regions.

Nutri-Connect 2025 is more than a conference—it is a movement toward integration, innovation, and impact in the field of nutrition.

9 September 2025

2025 - 2029 IUNS Council Announcement during Closing Ceremony of 23rd IUNS-ICN Paris 2025.

IUNS Announces Newly Elected Council Members

IUNS is pleased to announce the results of the recent elections for the IUNS Council [2025 – 2029] held during the General Assembly at the IUNS-ICN in Paris last week.

The newly elected Council will guide IUNS in advancing nutrition science globally and strengthening collaboration across disciplines and regions. The election results are as follows:

President: Professor Hyun-Sook Kim
President-Elect: Professor Jacques Delarue
Secretary General: Professor Edith Feskens
Vice President: Professor Francis Zotor
Treasurer: Professor Welma Stonehouse
Council Members: Professor Amos Laar, Professor Ngozi Nnam, Professor Ridwan Hardinsyah, Professor Philip Calder, Dr Gladys Morales, Professor Zhaoping Li

During the IUNS-ICN week in Paris, the newly elected Council also held an informal meeting with outgoing members. This gathering provided an opportunity for sharing reflections, experiences, and priorities to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for IUNS.

The Union warmly thanks the outgoing Council members for their dedicated service and leadership, and extends its congratulations to the newly elected Council as they begin their term.

23 July 2025

Celebrating 79 years of IUNS!

Founded in 1946, following initial discussions in London, IUNS is proudly entering its 8th decade as the only truly Global Federation of Nutrition Scientists. Officially established at an International Congress in London in 1946, the IUNS has built a strong history of scientific progress, global teamwork and support for nutrition and public health.

Rooted in the belief that “to live a life without malnutrition is a fundamental human right“, IUNS supports the moral imperative to eliminate malnutrition globally. Its core mission is to promote advancement in nutrition science, research and development through global cooperation and extends to fostering scientific communication and leveraging modern communication technologies.

IUNS covers the full spectrum of nutritional science, including but not limited to:

Fundamental biochemistry and metabolism
Clinical and precision nutrition
Public health nutrition and the life-course approach
Food science, safety and sustainable diets
Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases

These themes are brought to life through IUNS task forces, symposia, conferences and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Throughout these years, IUNS has been involved in key activities and programmes such as :

International Congress of Nutrition (ICN) :

Held every four years, ICNs serve as flagship events, gathering thousands of delegates from across the globe to share research, start important conversations about health policies and highlight new ideas and solutions. Past editions include London (1946), Washington (1960), Mexico City (1972), Rio de Janeiro (1978), Seoul (1989), Durban (2005), Bangkok (2009), Granada (2023), Buenos Aires (2017), Tokyo (2022) and the upcoming Paris session in August 2025 themed “Sustainable Food for Global Health”.

Task Forces :

IUNS Task Forces aim to tackle important nutrition-related issues that need collaboration among individuals or organisations from different parts of the world. Each Task Force has been focusing on a current or emerging issue in the nutrition field that is not getting enough attention or faces challenges that require joint efforts.

Here are the current IUNS Task Forces :

ICONIC (International Collaboration on Nutrition in relation to Cancer)
Sustainable Diets
Precision Nutrition
International Malnutrition
Traditional and Indigenous Food Systems and Nutrition
Towards a Multi-Dimensional Index to Child Growth

Guided by a global Council, IUNS current leadership includes:

President (Dr. Lynnette M. Neufeld)
Vice-President (Professor Francis Zotor)
President-Elect (Professor Hyun-Sook Kim)
Secretary-General (Professor Jacques Delarue)
Treasurer (Dr. Welma Stonehouse)
Immediate Past-President (Professor J. Alfredo Martinez)
6 Council Members representing diverse nations and continents (Professor Barbara Burlingame, Professor Ali Dhansay, Professor Edith Feskens, Dr Rubina Hakeem, Professor Zhaoping Li and Professor Sergio Paiva).

IUNS affiliates national Adhering Bodies, representing the voices of nutrition societies worldwide, along with several observer bodies and affiliated scientific organisations.

Throughout these years, IUNS continues its effort to shape global nutrition policies and dietary guidelines, research frameworks for tackling malnutrition and obesity, standards for food safety and sustainable food systems, and enhanced discourse between scientists, policymakers and practitioners.

Looking ahead, IUNS is expanding representation from low and middle-income countries (LMICs), strengthening governance transparency and developing strategic fundraising involving private sector partnerships while adhering to strict independence guidelines.

As IUNS celebrates its milestone year, we honour nearly 80 years of strong commitment to global nutrition. Its legacy of inclusive governance, scientific rigour and advocacy continues to shape a healthier world!

12 December 2024

Call for Nominations for IUNS Council 2025-2029: Deadline Extended

FOR IUNS MEMBERS ONLY

All IUNS Adhering Body Members in good standing are invited to nominate candidates for the IUNS Council 2025-2029. Nominations are sought for six (6) Council member positions and four (4) Officer positions, namely:

President-Elect
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary-General

Nominees must be aware of and willing to assume the responsibilities of IUNS Council membership and the time commitment involved. More information on the duty and the commitment of each position can be found in the IUNS STATUTES AND RULES.

Every eligible IUNS Adhering Body organisation may nominate no more than one (1) name for each Officer position and six (6) names for Council member position.

According to the IUNS STATUTES AND RULES, Adhering Bodies shall nominate candidates for President-Elect from among members of the current Council (2022-2025).

Adhering Bodies may propose the same person for a Council and an Officer position.

The election will be held in August 2025, during the ICN in Paris. All elected Council members will take office at the end of the General Assembly (24-29 August 2025) and serve for four years, except for the President-elect, who will take office first as President-elect and after the General Assembly in 2029, as President for an additional four years.

Eligible Adhering Bodies are welcome to submit the nominations via the online application platform by Sunday, 12 January 2025.

A call for nomination email will be sent to all Adhering Bodies shortly. If your organisation has not received the information or is unsure about your status, please do not hesitate to contact the IUNS Secretariat at office@iuns.org.

21 October 2024

IUNS Announces New Report on Private Sector Sponsorship for International Congress of Nutrition Conferences

The International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) is pleased to announce the publication of a new report titled “Towards a Sustainable Financing Model for Scientific Nutrition Meetings, Including the Role of Private Sector Sponsorship.” This comprehensive operational framework will guide sponsorship contributions for future IUNS-ICN meetings, starting with Paris 2025.

The new operational framework outlines clear parameters for decision-making regarding private sector sponsorships for scientific meetings. These guidelines support the IUNS Principles of Engagement Policy, originally published in 2002 and updated in 2021, which establishes criteria and processes to minimize, mitigate, and manage potential conflicts of interest at our congresses.

The report details the development process of the framework and the resulting recommendations from the IUNS presidential task force. It aims to bring an approach that is evidence-based, implementable, replicable and independent to build on previous IUNS sponsorship policies, enhancing transparency and integrity while addressing the practical realities of organizing world-class events that advance the science of nutrition.

The 2022-2025 IUNS Council expects Adhering Bodies, regional organizations, and other non-IUNS scientific meetings in nutrition to adopt these guidelines as minimum criteria for private sector sponsorship. This unified approach will bring a strong and consistent voice from the nutrition community in support of private sector sponsorship for scientific meetings.

For more information about the new report, please visit here.

31 July 2024

Call for Nominations for IUNS Council 2025-2029