Plant-based diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, are increasingly linked to better health and reduced risk of chronic disease. More people are adopting these diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, driving demand for plant-based alternatives and robust nutrition evidence. In the UK, industry data show that around 16% of adults follow meat-free diets and over a third of households buy plant-based drinks.
While evidence supports benefits for skin health, musculoskeletal conditions, gut health, and weight management, questions remain on optimal diet composition, disease-specific applications, and the development of effective plant-based products.
We aim to bring together nutrition researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and early-career scientists to present the latest findings on plant-based diets in clinical nutrition, bowel and gut health, bone health, obesity, fibre intake, and protein digestion. The meeting will foster cross-disciplinary discussion, networking, and collaboration on emerging research priorities.
Programme
Registration
Welcome
Maggie Wu, University of Leeds, UK
SESSION ONE: THE DIETARY TRANSITION: POPULATION EVIDENCE AND CONSUMER DEMAND
Keynote: Dietary transition from animal to plant-derived foods
Professor Ian Givens, University of Reading, UK
Plant vs. animal sources of protein and fats and mortality risk in the UK Women’s Cohort Study
Dr Diane Threapleton, University of Leeds, UK
Heterogeneous preferences and consumer willingness to pay for plant-based milk
Dr Sarah Jing Guo, University of Leeds, UK
Refreshment Break
SESSION TWO: FROM FOOD MATRIX TO THE GUT: MECHANISMS OF PLANT FOOD BENEFIT
Keynote: Polyphenols, the gut microbiome and cardiometabolic health: from bioavailability to biomarkers of plant-food intake
Professor Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, King’s College London, UK
Plant and marine phytochemicals, the colonic microbiota and gut health: implications for colorectal cancer risk
Professor Chris Gill, Ulster University, UK
Role of biomacromolecule–phenol complexes in food: tuning taste and gut health
Professor Lijing Ke, University of Leeds, UK
Early Career Researcher Flash Talks I
Three presentations, 5 min pitch + 2 min discussion each
Chair: Maggie Wu, University of Leeds, UK
Lunch
SESSION THREE: FROM EVIDENCE TO PRACTICE: NUTRIENT ADEQUACY, CLINICAL TRANSLATION AND INDUSTRY
Keynote: Is it time to embrace plant-sourced omega-3s?
Professor Philip Calder, University of Southampton, UK
Early Career Researcher Flash Talks II
Two presentations, 5 min pitch + 2 min discussion each
Refreshment Break
Plant-Powered Health: From Evidence to Practice
Dr Shireen Kassam, King’s College London, UK (presenting virtually)
NAPIC Industry Panel
National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre - a BBSRC and Innovate UK Innovation and Knowledge Centre
Closing Remarks and Early Career Researcher Prize
Maggie Wu, University of Leeds, UK