The abstracts presented at IUNS-ICN 2025, held in Paris in August 2025, are now available as a special collection published in the Journal of Nutritional Science.
The collection brings together the scientific contributions presented at the Congress and provides a lasting resource for the nutrition science community.
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
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.
The Micronutrient Forum and the Millers for Nutrition (M4N) Coalition will host a webinar on 13 August 2026 exploring practical approaches to strengthening food fortification programmes and expanding access to fortified foods.
Drawing on experiences from Nigeria, Kenya and India, the webinar will share lessons from the M4N Coalition, which has engaged more than 500 millers across Africa and Asia to improve fortification compliance, expand access to fortified foods and strengthen incentives for private-sector participation.
The session will also explore approaches including fortification quality indices and expanding fortified rice into voluntary markets and through private-sector engagement.
Date: 13 August 2026
Time: 3:00 PM CEST
The World Food Prize Foundation will host the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue (Borlaug Dialogue) from 20–22 October 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Held annually, the Borlaug Dialogue brings together leaders and experts from around the world to discuss critical issues affecting global food security and explore solutions for a more food-secure future.
The 2026 Dialogue will take place under the theme “Before Hunger Wins”, marking the 40th anniversary of the World Food Prize. The programme will feature discussions on food security, agriculture, innovation and related global challenges.
For further information, including the programme, speakers and registration details, please visit the World Food Prize Foundation website.
The 9th Bangladesh Nutrition Conference will take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 21–23 November 2026. The conference is jointly organised by the Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF), the Nutrition Society of Bangladesh (NSB) and the Nutrition Foundation of Bangladesh (NFB).
The conference aims to strengthen nutrition programmes in Bangladesh by showcasing recent advances in nutrition science and promoting innovation, evidence-based interventions, and emerging developments in clinical, molecular, biochemical and public health nutrition. It will also provide a valuable platform for scientific exchange, collaboration and networking among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students and young professionals.
The organisers warmly invite scientists, policymakers, development partners, students and early career researchers to participate in this important event and contribute to advancing nutrition science and improving nutrition outcomes in Bangladesh.
For further information, please contact the conference organisers directly at BangladeshNutritionConference@nsb.org.bd.
Hosted by the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) and the Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA), the 2026 Nutrition Congress will take place from 7 – 9 October 2026 at the Wanderers Club, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Registration and Abstract Submission are now open for the 2026 Nutrition Congress. Abstract submission will be closing on 17 March 2026.
Congress Theme: Qhamuka: a call to serve, lead, and innovate in nutrition
Congress Website: www.nutritioncongress.co.za
Save the date and check out the Congress website for more updates.
The Sabri Ülker Foundation Istanbul Science Summit 2026 will bring together leading researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, civil society representatives and early-career scientists to explore the theme “Childhood Nutrition: Education, Health and Security – A Global Perspective”.
Organised by the Sabri Ülker Foundation in collaboration with The Nutrition Society, the Summit will take place on 20–21 October 2026 at Rixos Tersane Istanbul, with opportunities for both in-person and virtual participation. Registration is free for all participants.
The scientific programme will focus on three key areas: Developmental Origins, Nutrition Education, and Public Health Approaches. Through plenary lectures, thematic sessions, panel discussions, workshops, oral presentations and digital ePoster sessions, the Summit will provide a platform for sharing evidence, exchanging ideas and strengthening collaboration across disciplines.
The event welcomes professionals and researchers interested in advancing evidence-based approaches to childhood nutrition and improving health outcomes for future generations.
Further information, including the programme, abstract submission, registration and practical details, is available on the official Summit website: https://sabriulkeristanbulsciencesummit.org.
Dietary fiber intake is widely recognized by leading scientific bodies as a key factor in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet intake across all age groups continues to fall short of recommended levels. This live virtual seminar, hosted by the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food (FIHF) in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), brings together health professionals and scientists to explore the evolving evidence connecting dietary fiber to cardiovascular health.
The session will examine fiber’s emerging role in CVD progression and quality of life, how its clinical relevance shifts as disease intensifies, and which patient subgroups may benefit most from targeted fiber interventions. Speakers will also present practical, innovative strategies for closing the gap between fiber guidelines and real-world consumption, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A on engaging dietary fiber in cardiovascular disease-related policy conversations.
The program features presentations from Dr. Rod Wallace (President, FIHF), with a panel discussion joined by Dr. Daniel Anderson (Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UNMC), Dr. Corrine Hanson (Director, Medical Nutrition Program, UNMC), and Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian (Director, Food is Medicine Institute, Tufts University), facilitated by Dr. Deborah Robin.
This accredited continuing education activity is designed for physicians, nurses, registered dietitians, public health professionals, and researchers working in cardiovascular disease prevention and nutrition science, and offers 1.5 CE credits/contact hours across multiple disciplines.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Online (webinar link provided upon registration)
Registration: https://fihf.org/event/cardiovascular-disease-and-dietary-fiber/, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cardiovascular-disease-dietary-fiber-clinical-outcomes-and-interventions-tickets-1980664961217?aff=oddtdtcreator
The International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) is pleased to congratulate the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) on Nutrition 2026, the Society’s flagship annual meeting taking place in National Harbor, Maryland, USA.
To mark the occasion, Professor Hyun-Sook Kim, President of IUNS, shared a video message congratulating Dr Naïma Moustaïd-Moussa, ASN President, and the organising committee for delivering an outstanding scientific programme that brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, and policymakers from around the world. In her message, Professor Kim also reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between IUNS and ASN, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing nutritional science globally.
Professor Kim noted that 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of IUNS, celebrating eight decades of international collaboration in nutrition science. She recognised the invaluable contributions of IUNS’ 85 Adhering Bodies and Regional Affiliated Bodies, whose collective efforts continue to advance the Union’s mission of promoting excellence in nutritional science and fostering global knowledge exchange.
Reflecting on the enduring relationship between IUNS and ASN, Professor Kim emphasised the importance of international collaboration in addressing global nutrition challenges, including undernutrition, obesity, food security, and the development of sustainable food systems.
“Although we come from different countries and cultures, we are united by a common purpose: improving quality of life through nutritional science.”
Professor Kim concluded by encouraging participants to use Nutrition 2026 as an opportunity to inspire new scientific discoveries, strengthen international partnerships, and reaffirm a shared commitment to advancing nutrition research for the benefit of people worldwide.
IUNS congratulates ASN on Nutrition 2026 and looks forward to continuing its close collaboration in advancing nutrition science and supporting the next generation of nutrition researchers worldwide.
The Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS), will hold the 15th European Nutrition Conference (FENS 2027) from 7–11 November 2027 at De Doelen Congress Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Co-organised by FENS and the Dutch Nutrition Society (NAV), the congress will be held under the theme “Inclusive Nutrition: Embracing Diversity!” The programme will showcase the breadth of nutrition science, spanning fundamental, clinical, epidemiological, and social perspectives, while providing a platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and early career scientists to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.
Save the date:
Abstract submission and registration will open later this year.
For the latest congress news, programme updates, speaker announcements, and important deadlines, visit the FENS2027 website and follow the official FENS 2027 LinkedIn page.
IUNS is delighted to share this announcement and encourages members of the global nutrition community to mark their calendars for this important European nutrition congress.