The newly established (2025) Wessex Nutrition Research Network brought together dietitians, nutritionists and researchers from across the region for its inaugural Summer Showcase, held at Health Sciences University (HSU) in Bournemouth.
Focused on the theme “Rural and Coastal Across the Life Course: Health and Wealth at Every Stage”, the gathering marked the second annual event of a pioneering network designed to strengthen research capability and collaboration among the nutrition and dietetic workforce in Wessex.
Wessex Nutrition Research Network logo
Building a first-of-its-kind network
Seed funded by Wessex Health Partners, the Wessex Nutrition Research Network is the first initiative of its kind in the region to unite dietitians and registered nutritionists (RNutr/ANutr) around a shared research agenda.
The network aims to build sustainable research infrastructure by supporting collaboration, engagement and career development. Through events, training opportunities and mentorship, it seeks to empower clinicians to take part in and lead research that responds to regional health priorities.
By sharing best practice, the network also aims to strengthen workforce retention and advance evidence based practice across health and social care.
Showcasing collaboration and shared priorities
The Summer Showcase was co-chaired by Dr Caroline Anderson, Clinical Academic Paediatric Dietitian at University Hospital Southampton, and Dr Sarah McHillier, Registered Nutritionist ( RNutr) and Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at Bournemouth University.
Opening the event, they set out the network’s ambition to connect professionals across disciplines and sectors, and to build a more research-active workforce capable of addressing key nutrition challenges.
The morning programme featured a series of guest speakers; Christine McGrath, Managing Director, WHP, Dr Yvonne Jeans, Head of Research and Impact, British Dietetic Association, Dr Glenys Jones, Deputy Chief Executive, Association for Nutrition, who explored the unique challenges, inequalities and opportunities facing rural and coastal communities. Topics ranged from access to services and health outcomes to the wider determinants of nutrition and wellbeing. The session concluded with a panel discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and explore the issues in more depth.
A series of inspiring regional case study presentations followed, highlighting individual career journeys in research and offering practical insights into how dietitians and registered nutritionists can develop their own research pathways.
Developing ideas for future research
In the afternoon, attendees took part in interactive group sessions focused on identifying nutrition priorities across the life course in Wessex communities. These sessions encouraged collaborative thinking around both undernutrition and overnutrition, with participants working together to develop early-stage research ideas, including aims and objectives for potential future projects.
The sessions underlined the importance of locally relevant research in tackling issues such as obesity and poor nutrition, which contribute to long-term conditions and increased demand on NHS services.
Strengthening the workforce through research
Reflecting on the event, Dr Caroline Anderson said: “This was such a fantastic day, bringing together nutritionist and dietetic colleagues from across the Wessex region. It was inspiring to hear how we can work collaboratively to address the main challenges and inequalities in our region. As a network, we’re focusing on key NHS priorities to strengthen the dietetics and nutrition workforce.”
Dr Sarah McHillier added: “Today was about collaboration and how research and evidence-based practice can help address nutritional challenges. We are a highly skilled workforce and, as a network, we can co-develop new research and opportunities for dietitians, registered nutritionists and students.”
Looking ahead
The Summer Showcase marks the beginning of a growing programme of activity for the Wessex Nutrition Research Network. By supporting research capability, fostering collaboration and creating new opportunities for professional development, the network is well placed to drive forward innovation in nutrition and dietetics.
Bringing together expertise from across the region, the network will play a key role in addressing nutrition-related challenges across the life course—helping to improve health and wellbeing in Wessex and beyond.
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