Food for a fitter leaner future

Dr Susan Jebb is Head of Diet and Population Health at the Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research Unit (HNR) in Cambridge, UK.

With 25 years experience in nutrition research, Susan now leads a team of scientists working across a range of public health nutrition issues, with particular emphasis on the translation of nutrition science into policy and practice. She is Chair of a NICE Programme Development Group developing guidance for the prevention of obesity at a community level and chaired the cross-government Expert Advisory Group on Obesity in England from 2007-11. She is Co-Chair of the Public Health Responsibility Deal Food Network. In 2008 she was awarded an OBE for services to public health.

Watch the IFR in the City Lecture 2012 - 'Food for a leaner future'

Who do you turn to for advice and which advice do you take?  A simple enough question but does your head ever rule your heart and are your decisions evidence based?  Do you ever doubt experts based on who they are seen to be representing and can you ever get truly independent advice?  Are you confused by controversy between scientific experts on issues such as GM, Climate Change, Food Security, Diet and Health and MMR?  How does the peer review process in science work and is it robust?  

During this event we explored these and other aspects of decision making with "experts" in risk perception, gardening and peer review.

Watch the 3 presentations

Folic acid - why do most women have too little, too late?

A lack of folate can lead to neural tube defects while a diet rich in folates can help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Mandatory fortification of bread flour with folic acid has been recommended in the UK. The science behind this decision is a fascinating insight into how what we eat and who we are affects our health. IFR has had a long and internationally recognised record in the area of folic acid research, contributing science-based advice to the regulatory bodies through the BBSRC's research portfolio on health.

Dr Siân Astley from IFR and Laura Read OBE, Policy Advisor, Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, host a session at the Forum in Norwich, as part of the Norfolk Food Festival, examining the issues surrounding potential mandatory fortification of UK bread flour and the benefits of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects (NTD) in pregnancy.

Watch the Folic Acid Debate

The Importance of Water and Climate Change in Food Production

Jean Venables, Chief Executive, Association of Drainage Authorities, will focus on the competing demands facing the fresh water cycle, compounded by the pressures on our finite land resource and how these pressures have increased the challenge of providing food for an increasing population with rising expectations. The lecture will explore the implications of these issues, the increasing demands on water resources and the proportion that is available, or can be made available, for food production, and the concept of virtual water in the context of the global trading of food.

The Cator Lecture is part of a series of events run by the IFR as part of its IFR in the City programme. The programme provides an opportunity for people with a real interest in the work and future of food science to gain an insight into cutting edge science.

Watch the Cator Lecture

This public event was held at the Forum in Norwich in March 2011 to showcase some of the varied research being undertaken by young scientists at both the John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research. After the audience had listened to the 4 presentations they were asked to vote for which project they would give continued funding to. You can also vote for your favourite area of research by watching the presentations and then using the online voting form to cast your vote.

Watch the Showcase of Young Science

The Institute of Food Research was a co-sponsor of an evening of short presentations about what is happening in Norfolk to meet the Food Security challenges, followed by a consumer led debate chaired by Caroline Seaman, manager of The Joy of Food. Recordings of these presentations and the debate that followed are now available to view online.

Watch the Big Norfolk Food Debate

National Science Week 2010

IFR joined forces with the city’s other science organisations to show why Norwich is such a powerhouse in science. We took over The Forum in Norwich for the week with interactive displays culminating in ‘Science in Norwich Day’ . There are over 2,700 scientists working in Norwich; if you’ve ever wondered what they all do then this was a chance to find out.

An innovative project has enabled people with learning difficulties to uncover some of the science behind a healthy diet and to produce resources to share their finding with their peers.

The Garden Science Trust, People First of Norfolk and scientists from the Institute of Food Research have worked with adults with learning difficulties to produce a DVD called ‘superfoods explained.’  This will be distributed widely to residential homes, day services and education providers. 

The DVD was launched on February 3rd 2010

The 2010 Richardson Lecture was given by Professor Harald von Witzke and was entitled "The end of the agricultural treadmill: Implications for world food security and global warming". The Richardson Lecture is now available for viewing online. The Lecture was named in honour of David Richardson OBE. David is a farmer and journalist and has presented radio and TV programmes on farming, food and the countryside for over thirty years.  

Watch the Richardson Lecture

Previous IFR in the City Annual Lectures:

• In 2009 The Gorsuch Lecture was in honour of Tom Gorsuch, given by Dr David Spiegelhalter from the University of Cambridge.
• In 2008 The Derek Burke Lecture in honour of Derek Burke was given by Professor Tom Sanders.
• In 2007 The Read Lecture was in honour of Bryan Read CBE and was given by Dame Deirdre Hutton.

IFR and the Inspirational Science Theatre Company entertained the crowds of the Suffolk County Show in 2009 and the Norfolk Show in 2009 & 2010.

Their unique science cookery show, “Where is the ‘F’ in food?” showcased information surrounding fats, folates, fruit, fresh and frozen foods and fish. Both adults and children alike took on board healthy eating messages, brought to them by Dr Ken and his dumb waiter, Dave. The risqué title pulled in the crowds and certainly did not disappoint.

For more information about Dr Ken and Dave visit: www.dodifferent.co.uk

You can view excerpts of “Where is the ‘F’ in food?” at www.youtube.com/user/FoodResearch

Wheat, a plant that changed the world

Funded by the BBSRC, the Institute of Food Research and the John Innes Centre have developed an exhibition and website on the history of wheat and the impact this important crop has had on mankind and the planet.  The exhibition was displayed at Gressenhall Museum (until May 09), and was established to encourage dialogue and to educate about the process of growing wheat, and to gain a better understanding of the needs of consumers and growers.

See www.allaboutwheat.info

This public event was held at the Forum in Norwich in March 2010 to showcase some of the varied research being undertaken by young scientists at both the John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research. After the audience had listened to the 4 presentations they were asked to vote for which project they would give continued funding to. You can also vote for your favourite area of research by watching the presentations and then using the online voting form to cast your vote.

Watch the Showcase of Young Science

You Decide Science Funding

A public audience voted for the science they would fund at The Garage in Norwich. Hosted by BBC Radio 4 presenter Anna Hill, four Institute of Food Research scientists ran the gauntlet after a presentation by Dr Mary Anderson (Head of Contracts) explaining how science funding works in the UK.

See further details

Vulnerable children learn about the benefits of health and fitness - 2010

Vulnerable children from across Norwich, Yarmouth and Dereham attended an event at Sportspark at UEA in July 2010 to learn more about the importance of physical fitness and following a sustainable diet. The event was part of the national Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) initiative, with Sportspark the launch venue for a pilot programme designed to encourage healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

Activities included archery and rock climbing, as well as food and taste experiments with Dr Tristan Bunn from Norwich’s Institute of Food Research.

See further details

During September 2006 IFR held a series of 3 Open Days.

Displays explaining the scientific research happening within IFR at the time are available online at www.food-research.info