WIT centre to research importance of nutrition

A budget of €15m over the next four years has been projected for a research centre at Waterford Institute of Technology which will examine the importance of nutrition to a number of human health issues.

The School of Health Sciences at the institute will today announce the establishment of a 26-member Nutrition Research Centre Ireland which will conduct research expected to have an international impact.

Over 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers have already been published by the centre’s researchers covering areas such as the effect of nutrition on eyesight, cancer treatment, brain function and substance misuse. Designation of the centre at the institute has been led by John Nolan, internationally recognised in nutrition and macular (eye) health; John Wells who is head of the School of Health Sciences and Marie Claire Van Hout, an expert in the field of substance use and human enhancement.

“The role of nutrition for human health and wellbeing has never been more important given our ageing population, where the prevalence of diseases such as age- related macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease continue to grow,” says Professor Nolan.

“Lifestyle and nutrition are the key if we are to combat these diseases and enjoy healthy and happy ageing.”

Development of the new research centre is a “very timely and important development” for the research community and will allow them to compete for major international funds to support continued nutrition-related research at the institute, he says.

Professor Stephen Beatty, director of the centre, says its importance cannot be overstated.

“The research done at this centre will make a positive and lasting contribution to society in Ireland and beyond,” he said.