Press Releases
Uni expert appointed to advise Government on nutrition
Release Date : 16 February 2010
The University of Reading is delighted to announce that Dr Julie Lovegrove has been appointed as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).
SACN provides expert advice to the Food Standards Agency and Department of Health as well as other Government Agencies and Departments. Members are appointed as independent scientific experts on the basis of their specific skills and knowledge.
Dr Lovegrove, from the University's Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, joins SACN for an initial three-year period and is one of six new members. Her broad knowledge and expertise surrounding nutrition, particularly on the impact dietary fats, fruits and vegetables have on the risk of cardiovascular disease, was key in Julie's appointment.
Dr Lovegrove said: "I am honored to be appointed to SACN. This exciting opportunity will enable me to contribute to Government policy on public health and nutrition. It also recognizes the University's Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition as a centre of excellence in nutrition research."
Dr Lovegrove's research includes investigating the nutritional influences on the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk, including nutrient and gene interactions. Of particular interest to Julie and her team are the effects of dietary fat, carbohydrates and phytochemicals on vascular reactivity, insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in different population groups.
Professor George Marston, Head of the University of Reading's School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy said: "We are delighted within the School that Julie Lovegrove's academic distinction in the area of human nutrition has been recognised in this way. The appointment reflects the very high standing that both Julie and the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences enjoy within the scientific community."
Ends
For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr, Press Officer tel 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
The Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition is part of the University of Reading's Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences. It has an international reputation for its research into the relationship between diet and the risk of chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and cancer. It collaborates with centres of excellence throughout the world and has strong links with food companies.
The other new members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition are:
CHAIR
Dr Ann Prentice, Director at MRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge
MEMBERS
Dr Susan Lanham New - Reader in Nutrition Division of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey.
Dr Julie Lovegrove - Reader in Nutritional Metabolism and Deputy Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research at the University of Reading.
Professor Harry McArdle - Deputy Director of Science and the Director of Academic Affairs at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen.
Professor Hilary Powers - Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry and Head of Human Nutrition Unit, University of Sheffield.
Professor Angus Walls - Professor of Restorative Dentistry within School of Dentistry (the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (HEFCE)) and Hon. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry to the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Ian Young - Professor of Medicine and Director of Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast and Associate Medical Director (Research and Development), Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.