As part of the ongoing project to support early career nutritionists and researchers, the Nutrition Societty are offering an opportunity to boost the professional development and skill base of two early career members.

The Society would like to offer two members, from the UK or overseas, within 15 years of their graduation, the chance to experience presenting to an international audience of nutritionists and dieticians. Mega Evento Nutrição, held annually in São Paulo, brings together dietitians and nutritionists from across Brazil and provides the chance to present to a wider scientific community, to engage young scientists and to strengthen scientific connections. This year it is to be held from 23 – 25 August 2018.

The Society is a longstanding supporter of Mega Evento Nutrição and plans to continue its support by hosting a one day workshop. The Society is flexible in this respect and is happy to consider two single speakers presenting a half day each or indeed, two speakers running a joint workshop. The workshop normally runs from around 09:30 – 16:30, with a break for lunch.  Although normal attendance is around 700 delegates, the prevailing economic climate has meant lower numbers in recent years.  The workshops are usually one of three parallel sessions, so attendance is expected to be around 100 delegates at each workshop.  English is not spoken fluently by the majority of attendees, therefore the workshop will have simultaneous translation into Portuguese.  

The title of the workshops is decided by the speakers.  Last year Dr Louise Wilson (Yakult) and Marcela Mendes (University of Surrey) delivered their workshop entitled “Vitamin D in the spotlight: an update of the latest scientific research”.

Louise commented “Travelling to São Paulo to present at this conference was certainly not a chance that would come around very often, and I am grateful to the Nutrition Society for the opportunity. Not only was it exciting to present my area of research to an international audience, but it was also fascinating to see a bit of Brazil.  I highly recommend doing this.”

Marcela added “It was such an honour and a great experience to present on behalf of the Nutrition Society in my home country, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. The audience was really interested in what we had to say and it was a brilliant feeling to present at an event, at which we were made to feel so welcome.”

Travel costs and expenses for the conference will be covered by the conference organisers and the Society.

Brazil has around 80,000 dietitians and nutritionists, with most of those attending Mega Evento Nutrição coming from the South and East of the country.  São Paulo is a busy, lively, and surprisingly hilly city, with over 5500 skyscrapers dominating the landscape. As well as skyscrapers, there is also an abundance of restaurants and a vast array of parks and green spaces for when the hustle and bustle become too much.

Read more about Mega Evento Nutrição and about the city of São Paulo.

How to apply

To apply to represent the Nutrition Society at Mega Evento Nutrição 2018, please send an email to the membership team detailing your name(s), contact details, proposal for the workshop(s) and how you believe this will enhance your future career.  The closing date is midnight on the 2nd April 2018. The application will be sent to the judging panel after the closing date and it is hoped the results of this application will be notified by the end of April 2018.

Application checklist

To apply you must:

  • Be a current member of the Nutrition Society within 15 years of your last graduation
  • Be free to travel 21 – 26 August 2018
  • Have included details of your proposal and your contact details
  • Submit your application before midnight 2nd April 2018.