Training

The 9th Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme Successfully Held in Ürümqi

The Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme (CNLP), a collaborative initiative between the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) and the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), was established with the aim of empowering young scholars in the field of nutrition in China, to expand their thinking beyond professional boundaries and develop into confident, globally-minded leaders. Since its inception in 2008, this flagship programme has been conducted eight times, successfully cultivating over 300 leaders in the nutritional profession and establishing itself as a key initiative for nurturing young leadership within the nutrition society.

The 9th Chinese Nutrition Leadership Training Programme (CNLP) took place in the city of Ürümqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 2–7, 2026. This programme was jointly organized by the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), and the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS). After selection process involving nominations, initial screening, and competitive evaluation, 46 participants representing a diverse background from Universities, Research institutions, medical facilities, Provincial CDCs were chosen from over 100 applicants to join this programme.

Programme Key Themes

  • International Perspective and Innovative Thinking: To broaden participants’ global outlook and cultivate innovative approaches to challenges in the nutrition field.
  • Professional Integration and Capacity Building: To strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance professional competence across diverse domains.
  • Vision Enhancement and Comprehensive Literacy: To broaden participants’ horizons and refine their overall professional and cultural literacy.
  • Leadership and Implementation Capability: To elevate participants’ leadership skills, ensure the effective execution of ideas, and improve their ability to communicate with clarity and impact.

Picture 1. The group photo of the opening ceremony of 9th CNLP

Programme Overview

At the opening ceremony held on August 2, Professor Yuexin Yang, President of the Chinese Nutrition Society;President of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies, officially announced the beginning of the programme. She emphasized that the goal of CNLP is not “professional” learning by itself, but rather expanding one’s thinking and identifying personal growth areas. She noted that leadership training is not about learning administrative authority, but about self-improvement and self-management encompassing execution, cooperation, guidance, and influence—all rooted in the power of thought. Professor Yang encouraged participants to cherish the opportunity, engage in earnest study, foster teamwork within their groups, build friendships, and enlighten one another through the learning process.

Picture 2. Professor Yuexin Yang，President of Chinese Nutrition Society,President of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Society , delivers an opening speech

Following the opening, participants engaged in leadership self-assessment, ice-breaking activities, group division, and task assignments. The 46 participants were organized into four groups – Event Operations, Media&News, Culture&Sports, and Team Development – each with distinct responsibilities, and were actively involved in planning and implementing activities throughout the programme.

Picture 3. Candidates for class monitor and group leaders.

Over the subsequent five days, the programme was delivered through a diverse mix of lectures, panel discussions, forums, site visits, and interactive workshops, structured around four core modules: international perspective and innovative thinking; professional integration and capacity building; vision enhancement and comprehensive literacy; and leadership and implementation skills. Each module combined theoretical grounding with hands-on practice, covering cutting edge topics in nutrition science, research methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural awareness, and team management. Faculty members from multiple countries and disciplines, including China, the United States, and Italyetc., contributed to the sessions, enriching participants’ global outlook and practical skills.

Complementing the formal sessions, each group designed and facilitated interactive activities that put leadership principles into practice, including self-awareness exercises, professional branding, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution through a structured debate on dietary patterns and a scenario-based negotiation simulation. An evening peer-exchange session further allowed participants to explore practical challenges in leadership and communication.

Picture 4. The Culture & Sports Group leads participants in break-time activities.

Picture 5. Team Development Group leads Scenario-based simulation exercise

On August 7, the programme held its final summary and learning achievement sharing session. Representatives from each group delivered presentations in English, reflecting on their gains in terms of broadened industry vision, enhanced professional skills, elevated leadership qualities, and strengthened team collaboration. Some participants also shared their personal reflections：

“This experience has made me realize that true breakthroughs come from organized collaborative research, systematic data sharing, and the heartfelt exchange of experience.”

“Not a nutrition major, but I came purely for my love of clinical nutrition. My heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Nutrition Society for building this precious platform for young clinicians and scholars—and for this extraordinary opportunity to grow and connect.”

A panel of experts provided on-site comments and feedback. They commended the participants’ rapid progress and deep thinking, and encouraged them to continue consolidating their professional foundations, to develop their own distinctive “nutrition labels,” and to actively contribute to the national Healthy China initiative.

The ceremony included a video review produced by the Media&News group, followed by the presentation of training certificates.

Conclusion

The 9th CNLP has successfully achieved its goal of equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the field of nutrition. The participants expressed that the five-day training had not only improved their professional literacy but also enhanced their teamwork and leadership abilities. They unanimously agreed that this training was not an end point but a new starting point for their professional growth, and they pledged to apply what they had learned and continue to contribute to the development of the nutrition field. Additionally, the participants have formed deep friendships and established extensive cooperation networks. It is believed that in the future, these participants will become leading figures in the field of nutrition, collectively advancing the prosperity and development of the nutrition industry and guiding it towards new heights.

Strengthening Global-African Collaboration: Reflections on the IUNS-FANUS Joint Webinar 2026

Article written by Dr Robert Fungo, current President of the Federation of African Nutrition Societies (FANUS)

The IUNS-FANUS Joint Webinar 2026 marked a significant milestone in fostering meaningful scientific exchange between the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) and the Federation of African Nutrition Societies (FANUS). Held over two days on 2–3 June 2026, the event attracted overwhelming interest, with registration closing early due to high demand. It built directly on the success of the inaugural regional webinar in March 2025, responding to feedback from IUNS Adhering Bodies calling for deeper, more substantive engagement across regions and disciplines.

The planning process exemplified responsive and participatory collaboration. IUNS and FANUS leadership drew on insights from previous events and member societies to shape the programme. A registration process invited participant input on topics, allowing the community to help prioritise emerging issues. This survey-driven approach ensured relevance, blending global perspectives with Africa-centered solutions. Under my leadership at FANUS and IUNS representatives, the team curated a balanced agenda that moved seamlessly from problem analysis to evidence-based action. Moderators, including Dr. Fungo, Dr. Habiba Hassan-Wassef, and Prof. Francis Bruno Zotor, played a pivotal role in facilitating dynamic discussions.

Day 1 focused on “Understanding the Nutrition Challenge,” examining the evolving burden of malnutrition in all its forms-micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs)-within shifting food environments. Speakers such as IUNS President Prof. Hyun-Sook Kim, Dr. Saskia Osendarp (Micronutrient Forum), Dr. Yunhee Kang, and Tunisian specialists Prof. Henda Jamoussi and Dr. Rym Ben Othman shared cutting-edge evidence on determinants, dietary transitions, and policy implications. Participants gained nuanced insights into how global trends intersect with local African realities.

Day 2 shifted to “Evidence for Actions to Address the Problems,” emphasising translation into practice. Sessions covered ultra-processed foods and food systems transformation (addressed by Prof. Amos Laar and Prof. Jacques Delarue), nutrition and cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (addressed by Prof. Alan Jackson), mycotoxin food safety risks (addressed by Prof. Sheila Okoth and Dr. Lindy Joy Rose), and the design and scaling of school feeding programmes, featuring experts like Kwadzanai Nyanungo and Dr. Jacqueline Kung’u. Discussions highlighted practical innovations, partnerships (including contributions from Mr Francois Stepman), and the role of resilient systems in sustainable development.

One of the webinar’s greatest strengths was its emphasis on interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder dialogue. Attendees from researchers and academics to policymakers and practitioners, engaged actively through Q&A sessions, fostering connections that extend beyond the event. My closing remarks on Day 2 underscored the importance of translating evidence into tangible improvements in nutrition outcomes across Africa, reinforcing FANUS’s commitment to capacity building and leadership.

The process from idea gathering to delivery revealed key lessons: community input via surveys enhances ownership; balanced global-African speaker representation enriches perspectives; and structured progression from analysis to action sustains engagement. Challenges such as high demand and time-zone coordination were managed effectively through accessible virtual formats. Overall, the IUNS-FANUS webinar demonstrated the power of partnership in advancing nutrition science. It not only disseminated knowledge but also inspired collaborative action toward resilient health systems. As participants carry forward these insights, the event stands as a model for future regional initiatives, strengthening the global nutrition community’s ability to address pressing challenges with context-specific African solutions.

Last Chance to Register for ANH2026 Learning Labs

The Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH) Academy launches ANH2026 on Monday, 22 June, and there is still time to register. The three‑day online Learning Labs (22–24 June), followed by a panel discussion with the Africa Regional Collaborative for Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH‑ARC) on 25 June, are free and open to all.

ANH2026 brings together researchers, policymakers and practitioners worldwide for a programme designed to strengthen skills and collaboration across food systems, nutrition and health. Sessions cover evidence‑to‑policy translation, new tools and metrics, equity, governance, climate, conflict, innovation and sustainable diets.

Programme Highlights

22–24 June: Learning Labs
A mix of plenaries, technical deep dives and soft‑skills workshops, including:

  • Food‑related health risks in informal food environments
  • Cost and affordability of healthy diets
  • Nutrition‑sensitive agriculture indicators
  • Equitable partnerships in food systems
  • Translating national food systems roadmaps into local action
  • Women at the Market Table: human‑led demand and market systems

25 June: ANH‑ARC Panel
Transforming Food Systems with the Africa Regional Collaborative for Agriculture, Nutrition and Health

Find Out More & Register

Full programme details and registration are available at:
https://www.anh-academy.org/community/news/register-for-anh2026

Participants are encouraged to join the conversation using #ANH2026 on social media.

ANH Academy Science‑Policy Fellowships 2026–27: Call for Applications

The Agriculture, Nutrition & Health (ANH) Academy has opened applications for the second round of its Science‑Policy Fellowships for 2026–27, offering a unique opportunity for researchers to translate scientific evidence into actionable policy. These one‑year, full‑time Fellowships aim to support evidence‑based policy decisions that increase access to healthy diets and reduce food loss and waste in Sub‑Saharan Africa and South Asia. 

Up to three Fellows will be selected to work with both a Policy Mentor from a public sector organisation and a Research Mentor from an academic or research institution, tailoring research to inform real‑world decision‑making. Fellows will spend significant time embedded within a policy organisation, strengthening ties between science and policy processes. 

Applications are open now and must be submitted by 28 February 2026. Fellowships will begin between June and December 2026, and each award includes a competitive stipend of £52,600 to support the Fellow for the 12‑month period. 

Candidates with a doctoral degree in agriculture, nutrition, health or related fields are encouraged to apply, especially early‑career scientists and those connected to institutions in the targeted regions. 

Please visit here for more information. 

Care2Care Project by the Association for Dietetics in South Africa

In 2024, ADSA embarked on the Care2Care project, in partnership with The Nutrition Society and funded by Global Health Partners. The overarching aim of the project was to strengthen the mental well-being and resilience of healthcare professionals by equipping them with knowledge and tools to better manage mental health challenges, both in themselves and in their professional environments.

The project delivered three key outcomes:

  1. A national needs assessment conducted among healthcare workers to identify the most pressing challenges related to mental health support. The findings informed the content and structure of the self-directed learning course.
  2. A self-directed online learning course, designed to build foundational knowledge and promote mental health literacy among healthcare professionals. The course is freely available on the ADSA Learn platform (https://adsa.org.za/courses/care2care/).
  3. A facilitator training guide, developed to support the delivery of in-person or virtual workshops, ensuring scalable and sustainable impact beyond the duration of the project. 

At project completion on 30 June 2025, 151 participants enrolled for the course, representing 12 professions registered under the Health Professions Council of South Africa, with 52 participants completing the course in time for statistical analysis. 81.1% of participants demonstrated an increase in knowledge and awareness on the subject matter post assessment. The feedback on the self-learning course as well as the workshop has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the need for similar initiatives and interventions post project completion. 

ADSA was delighted to host Sabrina Sangha, the NHS volunteer for the project, in Cape Town. Sabrina currently works as a Senior Specialist Women’s Health Dietitian in the UK. Sabrina shared a bit about her experience as a volunteer: 

“During my trip to South Africa as an NHS England volunteer, I had the privilege of supporting the creation and delivery of facilitation sessions for the Care2Care Project. One of my key reflections was to consider the role of facilitation over teaching. I saw first-hand how facilitation empowers people to share their own insights and experiences, making the learning far more impactful. I also learnt the importance of keeping sight of the aim. It’s easy to go off on tangents or add new ideas, but this can risk derailing the core purpose of a project. Finally, I discovered that for any future international work, hospitality and generosity are fundamental languages. They are what truly build trust, relationships, and collaboration. These lessons have been invaluable in my new role setting up a women’s health dietetic clinic in North East London with Barts Health Trust. I’m incredibly grateful to ADSA for their time, warmth, and generosity. It was an unforgettable experience.”

This free activity is available on the ADSA Learn platform (https://adsa.org.za/courses/care2care/).

We encourage healthcare professionals to make use of the opportunity to reflect on their personal wellbeing, capacity and explore resources available to support you in times when your light shines a bit dimmer.

Advances in Pediatric Nutrition – Bridging Research and Practice

Join the Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) Virtual Learning Series to explore emerging research and practical strategies in pediatric nutrition, featuring leading experts dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children.

The CNS Virtual Learning Series happening this Fall 2025-Spring 2026 presents “Advances in Pediatric Nutrition – Bridging Research and Practice,”  designed to highlight the latest science and clinical applications in pediatric nutrition.

This series includes 8 engaging online sessions featuring leading clinicians, researchers, and nutrition experts sharing insights on the most current evidence and innovative practices in pediatric nutrition. Participants will gain an understanding of how research findings translate into improved dietary guidance and clinical outcomes for children.

Topics include:

  • Evidence-based updates in pediatric growth and development
  • Clinical approaches for optimizing nutrition in early life and special populations
  • Practical recommendations for integrating new research into practice

The session is ideal for pediatric dietitians, nutrition researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone passionate about advancing child nutrition.

For full programme details and registration, please visit:
https://cns-scn.ca/news-events/advances-in-pediatric-nutrition-bridging-research-and-practice-in-pediatric-nutrition

CNS Pediatric Series FlyerDownload

Emergency Nutrition Network – Announcements and nutritionists needed

En-net of the Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is a free and open online community forum where nutrition practitioners can access prompt technical advice for challenges they are facing. On this platform, you can ask questions and get responses from your colleagues around the world.

Inside the platform, there is also an area for Announcements and Nutritionists Needed. You can use it for announcements of training, publications or conferences and when there is an urgent need to fill an emergency post or locate a consultant to undertake emergency work. This means you can also explore some job opportunities there!

OpenWHO: Free Online Courses

WHO offers a Free Online Course platform with loads of material to explore! Launched in June 2017, the platform has been honoured with different Leaning Awards. The platform includes different public health topics, including global nutrition, along with lots of life-saving health knowledge. You can browse the courses by theme, proficiency level, and keywords. What is more – the courses are offered in 75 different languages to facilitate your learning!

The OpenWHO course provides various tools to acknowledge learners’ efforts in completing the course material. A certificate of achievement will be awarded to learners who successfully complete the course and pass the formal assessment.

You can also easily share your badge via social media directly from OpenWHO using the “Share Open Badge” buttons and do not forget to tag #OpenWHO and #LearningSavesLives.

Head to OpenWHO.org to explore more today!

DiscoverNUTRITION –– Online Learning From ASN

Featuring the world’s leading nutrition experts, DiscoverNUTRITION offers research-driven content on demand, anytime, anywhere.

  • Exclusive Content: Access lectures, courses, and webinars led by top nutrition experts.
  • Specialized Programming: Curated by subject matter experts, government and academic leaders, and industry partners.
  • Flexible Learning: Participate in self-paced courses from your office or on the go, with access from tablets and mobile devices.
  • Year-Round Resource: Gain the knowledge and skills to advance your career.

ASN Members get exclusive discounted pricing and access. Log in to receive special member rates on all courses. Visit DiscoverNUTRITION FAQ to learn more.

Coming soon! Recordings from NUTRITION 2024 will be made available in September. 

Sleep

NHLBI Workshop: Optimal instruments for measurement of dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep among adults.

Optimal Instruments for Measurement of Dietary Intake, Physical Activity, and Sleep Among Adults Workshop will be held on Sept. 21-20, 2022

The 2022 Optimal Instruments for Measurement of Dietary Intake, Physical Activity, and Sleep Among Adults Workshop will be held virtually on September 21- 22, 2022. The workshop times are 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT on September 21st, and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT on September 22nd.

The purpose of the workshop is to review the state of the science regarding the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of instruments used to assess dietary intake, physical activity and sleep in large observational studies and clinical trials among adults. Additionally, the workshop will involve evaluating the pros and cons, including the feasibility of instruments to measure dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep in large studies, as well as recommend best practices to harmonize data from differing instruments across studies within each measurement domain to facilitate pooling studies as well as the possible incorporation of a new instrument within each domain into on-going studies while retaining the ability to perform valid longitudinal comparisons from previous instruments. Lastly, the identification of gaps and opportunities for future research to develop improved measurement tools for large studies to assess these key health behaviors including the use of biomarkers (“omics” such as metabolomics), mobile technology, sensors, etc. will be discussed.

The overarching goal of this 2-day (10-hours) workshop is to assemble a multi-disciplinary panel of experts across multiple domains to identify key knowledge gaps in measurements tools used to assess dietary intake, physical activity and sleep. The workshop is intended to guide researchers, NIH staff, and the community on the best methods and instruments for measurement of dietary intake, physical activity and sleep in large observational studies and clinical trials among adults. The workshop is intended to identify possible barriers and opportunities on the different measurement tools used to assess diet, physical activity and sleep in adults. Experts from multiple disciplines will be assembled to examine research gaps on such tools from behavioral, lifestyle, social, and technological perspectives.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/optimal-instruments-for-measurement-diet-activity-sleep-among-adults-tickets-414825483187