From Evidence to Everyday: translating nutrition research for a healthy Āotearoa

The Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre held a one-day symposium at the University of Otago, Wellington, on Friday 20 September:

From Evidence to Everyday: Translating nutrition research for a healthy Aotearoa

A fascinating lineup of topics explored how nutrition research is interpreted by health professionals, the media, policymakers, the community, and ultimately makes its way into our everyday food choices.

Date: Friday 20 September, 2019
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Nordmeyer Lecture Theatre, 23A Mein Street, University of Otago, Wellington
Cost: $50; students register for free

View the presentations

Symposium speakers

View the bios for our symposium speakers, chairs and panel members

Speakers:

• Nia Aitaoto (University of Utah Health) spoke about diabetes and related risk factors in the Pacific
• Niki Bezzant (Food and nutrition writer) talked about the role of social media in disseminating research evidence.
• Sarah Boseley (Health Editor, The Guardian), award-winning journalist and author, discussed the role of media in translating nutrition evidence.
• Hugh Campbell (Professor of Sociology, University of Otago) outlined how we must consider nutrition in the context of sustainability.
• Matire Harwood (Ngāpuhi, Director for Tōmaiora, Māori Health Research, Auckland Medical School) kept our focus on the everyday, and the lived realities of those in the community.
• Helen Leach (Emeritus Professor, University of Otago), a culinary anthropologist, explained how our food and recipes have changed over time.
• Jim Mann (Professor of Medicine, University of Otago) talked about the minefield of ever-changing "nutrition advice".
• Grant Robertson (Minister of Finance) discussed how governments respond to research evidence.
• Merlin Thomas (Otago alumnus, Monash University), a physician scientist, talked about the basic science underlying the long term effects of diet on disease.
• Nick Wareham (University of Cambridge) is a renowned expert on how multi-agency approaches are required to combat the obesity and diabetes epidemic.

Karen Brown, Health Correspondent at Radio NZ, chaired a session at the symposium on the role of media and other agencies in translating nutrition evidence.

The Cost of Food panel

As part of the symposium, we hosted a panel discussion on the Cost of Food, chaired by renowned broadcaster Kim Hill.

Panel members:

• Sally Mackay (University of Auckland) answered the question: is healthy food really more expensive?
  
• Deborah Manning (KiwiHarvest) discussed the redistribution of unsold food to those in need.
  
• Hugh Campbell (University of Otago) commented on the cost of sustainable diets.
• Matire Harwood (University of Auckland)talked about the real cost of food in the community.
  

Listen to a Radio NZ recording of the Cost of Food panel discussion