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.
Every year on 10 November, the world celebrates World Science Day for Peace and Development—a moment to recognise the vital contributions of science in fostering wellbeing, sustainability, and understanding among nations. The 2025 celebration reaffirms that all scientific communities share a collective responsibility to use evidence and innovation in supporting and promoting prace and sustainable development.
As part of this global effort, the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) stands alongside the wider scientific community in advancing knowledge that directly supports these aims. Nutrition science plays a fundamental role in promoting health equity, strengthening food systems, and ensuring that sustainable diets are accessible to all.
This commitment was powerfully reflected at the 23rd International Congress of Nutrition (IUNS-ICN 2025), held in Paris under the theme “Sustainable Food for Global Health.” The Congress exemplified IUNS’s mission in action: bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange evidence, foster collaboration, and explore solutions linking human and planetary health.
On this World Science Day for Peace and Development, IUNS celebrates the spirit of global scientific cooperation and reaffirms its dedication to advancing nutrition science that benefits people and the planet alike. By working collectively—across disciplines and borders—we strengthen the foundation for a healthier, more peaceful, and more sustainable future.
The Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS) and the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) co-hosted a scientific symposium on August 27, 2025, during the IUNS-ICN 2025 Congress in Paris. The session, titled “Asian Dietary Patterns and Chronic Disease Prevention and Management,” highlighted oriental dietary patterns and their role in chronic disease prevention. Experts from China, Singapore, and Indonesia shared evidence and insights on shaping a new Oriental dietary pattern to promote better health across Asia.
The session was co-chaired by FANS President Prof. Yuexin Yang and FANS President-elect Dr E. Siong Tee. Speakers from China, Singapore, and Indonesia presented evidence on regional diets, including the health benefits of Jiangnan and southeastern coastal dietary patterns, the role of traditional dietary wisdom, and trends in Indonesian diets and metabolic syndrome. Dr. Zhang Xuguang provided a presentation on“Probiotic Lc19 Improves Blood Glucose Homeostasis Through Producing a Novel Active Compound Trp-CA,”underscoring the importance of the probiotics in blood glucose control. Discussions underscored the diversity of Asian diets and their potential to form the foundation of a new Oriental dietary pattern, aimed at reducing risks of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes while supporting longer, healthier lives.
Closing the session, Prof. Yuexin Yang, President of FANS, emphasised that Asia’s rich dietary heritage offers unique opportunities for tackling chronic disease. She called for further exploration and summarisation of the distinctive characteristics of Asian cuisine, resources, and culture, and encouraged regional cooperation to contribute to Asian strength in the prevention and control of chronic diseases and the promotion of optimal longevity. The event attracted a wide audience of researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, sparking dialogue and laying the groundwork for future cross-country collaborations.
This year, the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) proudly awarded 21 exceptional early-career researchers with the IUNS Early Career Travel Grant, supporting their travel to the IUNS-ICN in Paris to present their work on the global stage.
With hundreds of applications submitted from around the world, the selection process was highly competitive. The final recipients stood out for the quality, originality, and relevance of their abstracts—representing the very best of emerging research in nutrition science and public health.
Honouring Excellence at IUNS-ICN
During the congress, IUNS formally recognised these early-career researchers in nutrition through a dedicated segment in the awards ceremony and a special reception evening. The event celebrated not only their scientific contributions but also their potential to shape the future of global nutrition.
A Night to Remember
The reception was held at the stunning rooftop bar of the Hyatt Regency Etoile, offering panoramic views of Paris and a warm atmosphere for networking and celebration. We were delighted to be joined by Taichi Inui and colleagues from DSM-Firmenich, whose generous sponsorship made the event possible, as well as members of the IUNS Council.
The Future of Nutrition is Bright
As the reception ended, the energy in the room was great—a genuine feeling of inspiration, new connections, and shared goals. The IUNS Council and all attendees were truly impressed by the dedication and important work of these grant recipients. These 21 researchers are not just presenting their research; they are bringing forward the innovative solutions and critical ideas needed to handle the world’s challenges in nutrition and public health.
We offer our sincere congratulations again to all recipients of the IUNS Early Career Travel Grant. Your commitment to advancing nutrition science is inspiring, and we wish you every success as you turn your crucial research into real-world action. IUNS is proud to have supported your journey to the IUNS-ICN in Paris. We look forward to many more opportunities to support and help the next generation of global nutrition leaders in the years ahead.
2025 - 2029 IUNS Council Announcement during Closing Ceremony of 23rd IUNS-ICN Paris 2025.
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
Professor Hyun – Sook KimProfessor Jacques DelarueProfessor Francis ZotorProfessor Edith FeskensProfessor Welma StonehouseProfessor Zhaoping LiProfessor Amos LaarDr Gladys MoralesProfessor Philip CalderProfessor Ngozi NnamProfessor Ridwan Hardinsyah
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.
IUNS is pleased to announce that the 24th IUNS International Congress of Nutrition (IUNS-ICN) will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 2029. This Congress will bring together nutrition scientists, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration in the field.
The Selection Process
Canada was selected as the host nation following a competitive bidding process that included strong proposals from Brisbane, Australia, and Accra, Ghana. During IUNS-ICN 2025 in Paris, the Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) presented its bid, highlighting Canada’s contributions to nutrition science, research, and policy, as well as its capacity to host an inclusive and impactful global event.
On August 25, CNS President Dr. Stéphanie Chevalier and Past-President Dr. Rajavel Elango presented to the IUNS Assembly of Adhering Bodies.
Announcement and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the Congress in Paris, Dr. Rajavel Elango announced Canada’s selection during the closing ceremony, extending an invitation to all IUNS members and partners to gather in Vancouver in 2029.
The decision, as voted for by the IUNS General Assembly, reflects the strong case presented by CNS and the collective support of the Canadian nutrition community.
Looking Ahead
IUNS congratulates the Canadian Nutrition Society and its partners on their successful bid. Planning is now underway to ensure that IUNS-ICN 2029 provides an engaging forum for scientific exchange, international collaboration, and progress in global nutrition.
We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to Vancouver in 2029!
Professor Francis Zotor, Vice-President of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), delivers an inspiring message to nutrition professionals across Europe: this is your moment to lead, contribute, and connect on the global stage.
As we look ahead to the 23rd IUNS-International Congress of Nutrition (IUNS-ICN 2025), taking place in Paris from 24–29 August, we extend an open invitation to Europe’s vibrant nutrition community to engage in shaping the future of Sustainable Food for Global Health.
Whether you’re an established authority or emerging voice, your perspectives matter. Let’s ensure Europe’s science, priorities, and innovations are part of the global conversation.
The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) https://nutritionnigeria.org, the nation’s leading professional body for nutrition professionals, continues to spearhead transformative nutrition efforts through research, innovation, and multisectoral collaboration. NSN convenes annual scientific conferences that bring all stakeholders in nutrition in Nigeria to share knowledge and networking opportunities. The Society works as a proud affiliate of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) and a key regional stakeholder. NSN has recently taken on the coordination of Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) https://grandchallengesnigeria.org—a national innovation platform advancing scalable solutions for nutrition, food systems, health, and equity. In collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, development partners, and the global Grand Challenges network, GCNg fosters dialogue, funds bold ideas, and accelerates local solutions through a research-to-impact model.
In alignment with IUNS goals, NSN is also preparing to lead Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming IUNS-International Congress of Nutrition (ICN) 2025, to be held in Paris, France. NSN is engaging stakeholders across academia, policy, and the private sector to showcase Nigerian-led science and best practices. Plans are underway for a Nigeria Side Event at ICN 2025, focused on “Scaling Local Innovations to Address Africa’s Nutrition Burden.” NSN remains committed to fostering global networking, promoting evidence-informed policymaking, and sharing context-driven innovations to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 on Zero Hunger. We welcome collaboration with fellow IUNS member societies in co-hosting side events, participating in regional forums, and fostering South-North and South-South Collaboration and learning exchanges.
The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), the country’s largest interdisciplinary nutrition consortium, has leveraged oversix decades of leadership in nutrition policy, advocacy, and programming. Its landmark achievements include spearheading the development of Nigeria’s National Nutrition Policies (1992 and 2016), the National Strategic Action Plans, and supporting the establishment of the Vice President-chaired National Council on Nutrition. In 2022, NSN significantly reshaped the nutrition research landscape in Nigeria by enhancing capacity and launching implementation science grant awards. Building on this momentum, in 2024, NSN established Grand Challenges Nigeria, which now plays a pivotal role in advancing maternal and child health through ten innovation grants, scalable solutions, and robust multisectoral partnerships.
The Society is currently prioritising a $5.2 million Strategic Work Plan (2022–2026), anchored on a five-pillar strategy:
Research and Learning – addressing national skill gaps and strengthening academia-government linkages.
Capacity Building – establishing regional competency hubs to bolster technical proficiency.
Policy Advocacy – targeting diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs) and undernutrition.
Monitoring and Evaluation – enabling real-time surveillance among vulnerable populations.
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) – promoting awareness and behaviour change for improved nutrition outcomes.
NSN remains open to partnerships in co-designing implementation research for Nigeria’s Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, contributing expertise to capacity-building workshops and webinars, peer-reviewing Grand Challenges Nigeria proposals, collaborating on sustainable diet policy frameworks, and providing funding and technical support.
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!
Are you heading to IUNS-ICN 2025 in Paris? While the scientific sessions are the heart of the programme, the week also promises an exciting lineup of social programmes you won’t want to miss. From networking opportunities to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Please note that all social programmes are subject to availability and may require a minimum number of registered participants to proceed. To attend any social programme, you must be registered for the IUNS-ICN 2025.
2025 - 2029 IUNS Council Announcement during Closing Ceremony of 23rd IUNS-ICN Paris 2025. 
