Women in science: international prize for Reading professor

An expert in human nutrition at the University has received an international award recognising her outstanding contributions to health and medical sciences.

Professor Julie Lovegrove, Hugh Sinclair Chair in Human Nutrition, received the Venus International Women's Award for Distinguished Women Researcher in Science. The award was presented at the Tenth Annual Women’s Meet in Chennai, India on 1 March, where Julie also delivered the keynote presentation on dietary fats and cardiovascular disease risk.

The awards, taking place in Women’s History Month, recognise excellence among women researchers from across the world and seek to inspire the next generation of women in science.

Julie’s research on diet in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases, particularly her work on dietary fats, dairy, plant phytochemicals and personalised nutrition, has made significant contributions to our understanding of how diet quality influences health outcomes.

Julie said: “It was an honour to be awarded the Venus International Women’s Award at the Annual Women’s meet in Chennai earlier this month. 

“The award coincided with International Women’s Day 2025 which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. I felt privileged to be among so many inspirational women from around the world who have all made a major contribution to science or arts. 

“This award also recognises the huge contribution members of my research group have given to the science of human nutrition and cardiometabolic disease prevention over many years”.