Wessex Nutrition Research Network

Seed funded by Wessex Health Partners, the network aims to build research capability and capacity across the nutrition and dietetics workforce, supporting collaboration, engagement and professional development. It is the first initiative of its kind in Wessex to unite dietitians and registered nutritionists around a shared research agenda.

The network supports clinicians and practitioners at all stages of their research journey, providing opportunities to connect with peers, develop skills, share learning and contribute to research that addresses regional health priorities. Through collaboration, the network seeks to advance evidence-based practice, strengthen workforce retention and improve health and wellbeing across Wessex communities.

Key areas of interest include:

• Nutrition across the life course
• Rural and coastal health inequalities
• Prevention and management of undernutrition and overnutrition
• Obesity and long-term conditions
• Health improvement and population health
• Research capacity building within the nutrition and dietetics workforce
• Evidence-based practice and innovation in nutrition and dietetics

Network objectives

The network aims to:

• Bring together professionals with an interest in nutrition and dietetic research across Wessex.
• Support collaboration between healthcare organisations, universities and professional bodies.
• Increase opportunities for research training, mentorship and career development.
• Develop and support research that addresses local and regional nutrition priorities.
• Promote the sharing of knowledge, best practice and innovation.
• Build a sustainable and research-active nutrition and dietetics workforce.

Get involved

The network welcomes dietitians, registered nutritionists, researchers, students and other professionals with an interest in nutrition research and evidence-based practice.

To join the network, visit the LinkedIn group

For further information or to discuss opportunities, please contact the network co-chairs:

Dr Caroline Anderson
Clinical Academic Paediatric Dietitian, University Hospital Southampton
caroline.anderson@uhs.nhs.uk

Dr Sarah McHillier
Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) and Senior Lecturer in Nutrition, Bournemouth University
hilliers@bournemouth.ac.uk