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German Nutrition Society – Linking Health, Environment and Dietary Intake in Optimised Food-Based Dietary Guidelines

The German Nutrition Society (DGE)’s food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) for Germany, ‘Eat and drink well’, and the updated DGE nutrition circle were published in March 2024. The new methodological paper, ‘Investigations of a multi-objective diet optimisation model including human health, the environment, and observed dietary intake’, published in Food & Nutrition Research, provides the basis for the mathematical optimisation of FBDGs.

The study describes how the three components – minimising the risk of disease, minimising environmental impact and minimising deviations from typical consumption – influence one another within the model. It also demonstrates the derivation of a health indicator to integrate the links between diet and disease risks into the model.

These methodological investigations provide an important basis for the development of the DGE’s FBDG. The methodology paper illustrates how health, the environment and diet are interrelated and emphasises the importance of all three components for the optimisation model. At the same time, the publication provides important insights for researchers involved in the development of the FBDG. It describes practical experience gained from the use of optimisation models and thus supports the derivation of scientifically sound dietary recommendations.

Publication: https://foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/view/13758

Further information (in German): www.dge.de/fbdg

2026 Annual Conference of the Nutrition Society of India

Nutrition Society of India (NSI) invites members of IUNS-affiliated bodies to participate in its 58th Annual Conference, to be held on 9–10 October 2026 at the Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

The theme of the 2026 conference is “Food and Nutrition – Leaving No One Behind”. A pre-conference workshop will also take place on 8 October 2026.

Further details are available in the conference brochure below and on the official conference website: https://nsi-aicon.com/index.

NSI-2026 Annual Conference BrochureDownload

Free-From and Rich-In Foods – Food Technology and Nutritional Innovation Webinar on 9 July

Organised by the FoodTeach Village, this webinar will take place on 9 July 2026 at 15:00 (London time) and will explore the rapidly growing field of free-from and rich-in food products.

It will provide an overview of the scientific, technological, regulatory, and consumer drivers shaping the development of foods designed to meet specific nutritional and health-related needs. The session will also cover current market trends, formulation challenges, and innovative solutions in product development.

Topics include sugar, lactose, and fat replacement strategies; protein and fibre enrichment; use of functional and bioactive ingredients; and approaches to maintaining product quality and sensory acceptance. Regulatory considerations, nutrition and health claims, and selected case studies will also be presented.

The webinar is relevant for researchers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in food innovation and the development of healthier product solutions.

Registration is open

41st Annual Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia – Sustainable and Smart Nutrition Solutions for a Resilient Malaysia

The Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) is pleased to announce its 41st Annual Scientific Conference, themed “Sustainable and Smart Nutrition Solutions for a Resilient Malaysia”, to be held on 28–29 July 2026 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is at a pivotal moment, navigating rising nutrition-related health challenges, growing pressures on the food system, and an increasing need for sustainable, technology-driven solutions. This year’s conference brings together leading minds to explore how innovation, evidence-based practices, and cross-sector collaboration can respond to these national priorities. By aligning sustainability with smart nutrition strategies, the conference seeks to strengthen community well-being, promote food system resilience, and support Malaysia’s progress toward a healthier and more sustainable future.

The conference serves as a valuable platform for academics, healthcare professionals, government agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and translate science into meaningful policy and practice. Sessions will address the double burden of malnutrition, food system sustainability, and population health resilience through innovation and evidence-based action.

Key Dates:

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 May 2026
  • Early Bird Registration Deadline: 15 June 2026
  • Conference Dates: 28–29 July 2026

We warmly encourage IUNS members and nutrition professionals worldwide to participate in this important platform for dialogue, discovery, and partnership.

For registration, abstract submission, and further information, please visit the official conference website:
https://www.nsmconference.org.my/

Contact: nsmconference@nutriweb.org.my

Second announcement_41st NSM ConferenceDownload

New Global Framework on Adolescent Nutrition Calls for Coordinated Action and Youth Engagement

A new global framework on adolescent nutrition has been released by the Global Adolescent Nutrition Network (GANN) in collaboration with youth partners, including Act4Food. The co-created framework aims to address the growing “triple burden” of malnutrition affecting adolescents worldwide—undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity.

Unlike previous approaches, this framework was developed with direct input from young people and takes a multi-level perspective. It outlines coordinated action across four levels: adolescents themselves, their immediate environments such as schools and communities, national systems including policies and services, and broader global and planetary health systems. The goal is to provide a more integrated and actionable roadmap for governments, donors, researchers, and civil society to improve adolescent nutrition outcomes.

The framework highlights the importance of meaningful youth engagement in shaping nutrition policies and interventions. For more details and the full context of the initiative, please visit here.

GAIN Launches NutrInvest: A Milestone for Nutrition-Focused Investing

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has officially launched NutriInvest, a pioneering online framework designed to help impact investors identify, assess, and compare the nutrition impact potential of enterprises and projects. The tool makes it easier than ever to integrate nutrition outcomes into investment decisions and track progress across portfolios.

NutriInvest was unveiled at the GIIN Impact Forum 2025 in Berlin, where GAIN engaged with development finance institutions, private impact investors, fund managers, and impact measurement organisations. The vibrant discussions underscored a growing consensus: nutrition is investable, and financial returns can go hand in hand with measurable social impact.

Developed in collaboration with Wellspring Development and funded by USAID, NutriInvest is part of GAIN’s investor engagement workstream under the Nourishing Food Pathways (NFP) program, jointly supported by multiple international partners including the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Irish Aid, BMZ (Germany), SDC (Switzerland), Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union.

Key Features of NutriInvest include a nutrition-lens framework, portfolio assessment capabilities, and tools for stakeholder engagement, enabling investors to make informed, nutrition-focused investment decisions.

By bridging the gap between nutrition impact and investment strategy, NutriInvest represents a significant step forward in mobilizing private capital for healthier, more sustainable food systems.

Explore the NutriInvest tool here.

JSNFS, KFN, NST and SCJ Joint Symposium “Frontiers of Food and Nutrition Research Pioneered by Young Asian Researchers”

The Joint Symposium of JSNFS, KFN, NST, and SCJ, entitled “Frontiers of Food and Nutrition Research Pioneered by Young Asian Researchers”, was held during the annual meeting of the JSNFS in a hybrid format on May 24, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:30 at Toyoda Auditorium, Nagoya University. This annual symposium, organized under the auspices of the IUNS Subcommittee of the SCJ, provides a platform for young researchers from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan to present their work, exchange knowledge, and foster international collaboration. Notably, the SCJ (IUNS Subcommittee) and the NST are IUNS adhering bodies, and this event highlights their commitment to advancing nutrition science in Asia.

The symposium was coordinated by Prof. Tatsuya Sugawara, Chair of the International Exchange Committee of JSNFS, who served as moderator. From the IUNS Subcommittee of SCJ, Prof. Asako Takenaka delivered the closing remarks and Prof. Kaeko Murota acted as session chair. Opening addresses were given by Prof. Hitoshi Ashida (President of JSNFS), Prof. Jane C-J Chao (President of NST), and Prof. Jeongmin Lee (President of KFN).

A total of six young researchers, two from each country, delivered lectures on diverse and timely topics in food and nutrition science. Presentations included studies on dietary fructose and colon carcinogenesis, anti-obesogenic effects of plant extracts, matcha and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the AGE-RAGE axis in prostate cancer, protein nutrition in pressure injury healing, and novel functions of microbe-derived vitamins and saccharides. These talks stimulated active discussion and highlighted the breadth of innovative research being carried out by emerging scientists in Asia.The symposium attracted 59 on-site participants and 19 online participants. Beyond the formal program, a post-symposium lunch provided an opportunity for young researchers to engage in lively exchange and strengthen cross-border networks. As a collaborative initiative involving two IUNS adhering bodies (Japan and Taiwan) together with Korea, this symposium continues to play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of nutrition scientists and reinforcing regional cooperation.

2025.5_symposium posterDownload

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025: Addressing High Food Price Inflation for Food Security and Nutrition

The 2025 edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report has just been released.

It highlights that global hunger remains above pre-COVID levels, and progress toward ending malnutrition by 2030 is lagging. Rising food prices continue to make healthy diets out of reach for vulnerable populations.

The report calls for coordinated fiscal and trade policies, improved data systems, and greater investment in resilient agrifood systems to stabilize markets and support those most at risk. Without urgent action, global goals to end hunger and malnutrition may fall short.

Access the full report on the FAO website.

In tribute to Sir David Nabarro

The International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir David Nabarro, a lifelong champion of global nutrition, health equity and sustainable development.

A physician and international civil servant, Sir David held senior leadership roles within the World Health Organisation and the United Nations, where he coordinated responses to major global health crises including Ebola and COVID-19. He was instrumental in the development and growth of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, which supported over 50 countries in an addressing malnutrition through collaborative, multi sectoral action.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions he was awarded the World Food Prize in 2018.

Sir David legacy’s lives on through his tireless advocacy, his mentorship of future leaders and his unwavering dedication to improving lives through better nutrition and health worldwide.