Empowering EMCRs to Lead the Future of the Science of Nutrition

In 2017, the Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank ‘Rethinking Food and Nutrition Science’ convened a gathering of 60 early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) to discuss the future of nutrition science in Australia, with the aim of inspiring the nutrition community to action. This event served as a springboard for the development of Nourishing Australia: a decadal plan for the science of nutrition, published by the National Committee for Nutrition in 2019. Five years later, it is an opportune time to revisit the plan’s key goals and prepare for the next stage of implementation.

One-day symposium

This one-day symposium will focus on accelerating the implementation of Nourishing Australia, with EMCR participants having the chance to review the plan’s progress to date, set new objectives, and collaborate with key organisational influencers and stakeholders to develop implementation strategies for key recommendations and priority areas, including:

• establishing a ‘trusted voice’ for nutrition science in Australia
• developing a national capability for nutrition data
• enhancing nutrition education and research training
• analysing nutrition mechanisms to identify the relationships between diet and health.

The primary goal of this symposium is to empower EMCRs to take an active role in leading the implementation of the plan’s recommendations. The symposium will provide EMCRs with an opportunity to take ownership of the promotion and execution of specific goals, with a commitment to driving progress towards achieving their respective objectives by 2030.

The symposium is ideal for EMCRs who are interested in building the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to manage key stakeholder organisations and devise effective implementation strategies. The symposium offers a platform for EMCRs to participate and make meaningful contributions towards the implementation of the decadal plan and shape the future of nutrition science in Australia.