The Nutrition Society seeked applicants from Early Career Researchers to represent the Society collaborating scientifically with European colleagues under the auspices of the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS). This is a unique opportunity to represent the Society at a European level. This position is voluntary, expenses will be covered by the Nutrition Society.
Aims:
FENS seeks to provide a basic document to its members and the nutrition community which will describe the most recent concepts and scientific approaches for Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG). This document will update previous documents and taking recent scientific evidence and discussions into account. It will show that national nutrition societies are active in important public health areas at an international level, aiming to harmonizing nutrition policies and consumer messaging. This document could be introduced into debates about national food guidelines and approaches, and in plans on how to improve the dietary patterns and population health.
The document, and the intellectual contribution of its members, could also help to support local groups in South Eastern Europe in their efforts to establish regional food guidelines. The current FENS board members have committed themselves to help the nutrition groups in their efforts of regional cooperation.
FENS FBDG working group:
A working group has been established to bring together representatives of FENS members and other experts to work collaboratively to develop a basis for harmonized European Food Based Dietary Guidelines that focuses on best practice.
Food Based Dietary Guidelines Working Group (FBDGWG):
- is coordinated by the President of FENS
- is made up of nominees from FENS Members and invited experts
- meets face to face ones or twice a year – 2 days per meeting
- all other communication will by via email or other meeting communication tools.
Outcomes:
This FENS working group will provide a standardisation of views regarding the emphasis of strategies and purpose of FBDGs across Europe. A guideline document will be produced and provided to each FENS member country to be used in consultation with their governments and agencies to prepare national and regional guidelines, and to provide a harmonized view on food use across the continent.
Timeline:
- two annual meetings per year – 1 to 2 days per year
- next meeting to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, 12-13 March 2018
- presentation and potential publication of recommendations at FENS2019, Dublin, Ireland.
Criteria:
- Applicants must have been members of the Nutrition Society for two consecutive years and be within six years of higher degree graduation at application.
- Candidates may request that any career breaks such as maternity leave or long-term illness be taken into account when determining eligibility period.
Applications will be judged by a panel of distinguished nutritionists from a variety of institutions and areas of expertise. Judging will focus on the following criteria:
- Quality of academic publications
- Evidence of a record of research funding
- External recognition: contributions to conferences and professional Societies
- External recognition: evidence of external collaborations
How to apply:
Applicants to take part in the FENS Food Based Dietary Working Group should submit:
- A full CV including evidence of publications and any scholarships or awards received.
- A statement of achievements within each category of the above judging criteria (up to 1000 words in total)
- The names, addresses and emails of two Proposers who are familiar with the applicants work and will support the application.
Funding:
This is a voluntary position. Out of pocket expenses will be covered by the Nutrition Society (UK and Ireland).
Deadline:
The deadline has now passed and no applications will be accepted.
Image with thanks to the Federation of European Nutrition Societies