On 10 September 2026, the Annual NNEdPro-IANE Awards Symposium took place at Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, with simultaneous online participation, bringing together an international community to celebrate excellence, innovation and contribution across nutrition education and practice.

Organised by NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health and International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE), in partnership with Bern University of Applied Sciences and BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health and supported by the Swiss Association for Cooperation on Food Education as well as The International Food and Nutrition Trust, the symposium brought together educators, healthcare professionals, students and thought leaders from across the globe.

The annual awards provide an opportunity to recognise individuals and organisations whose work is helping to advance nutrition education, strengthen professional practice and translate knowledge into meaningful impact.

A Warm Welcome and Opening Remarks

The ceremony opened with a welcome and remarks from Prof Suzanne Piscopo, Honorary President of NNEdPro and Honorary Senior Dean of the International Academy of Nutrition Educators.

Her opening remarks set the scene for an afternoon of recognition and celebration, highlighting the breadth of contributions being made across the NNEdPro and IANE communities.

Medical Nutrition Education Award

The Medical Nutrition Education Award recognises institutions making a meaningful contribution to how nutrition is taught to healthcare professionals and the wider public.

Winner: Sabri Ülker Foundation

The Sabri Ülker Foundation was recognised for its longstanding commitment to making evidence-based nutrition knowledge accessible to healthcare professionals, children and wider society.

"We are deeply honoured to receive the Medical Nutrition Education Award," the Foundation shared, reflecting on its commitment to ensuring that scientific knowledge creates its greatest value when it is shared, understood and translated into everyday life.

1st Runner Up: University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV)

University Hospital Lausanne was recognised for its strong commitment to clinical nutrition education and interdisciplinary training. Its programmes support physicians, nurses, dietitians and other healthcare professionals in applying evidence-based nutrition to clinical practice, including through continuing education.

2nd Runner Up: Taibah University

Taibah University was recognised for advancing evidence-based, dietitian-led medical nutrition education and strengthening collaboration across health professions.

Dr Ahlam El Shikieri accepted the award, noting that the recognition inspires the university "to continue striving for excellence in preparing a nutrition-competent healthcare workforce."

Outstanding Achievement Award

The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates individuals whose sustained contributions have made a significant impact on nutrition education, research and practice.

Prof Pedro Marques-Vidal, MD, PhD, FESC

Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Switzerland

An internationally recognised physician, epidemiologist and educator, Prof Marques-Vidal was honoured for his contributions to medical nutrition education, clinical research and cardiovascular prevention.

His work has included integrating nutrition into medical education and strengthening institutional training at CHUV. His career highlights include initiating menuCH, the first national nutrition survey in Switzerland, contributing to the development of the new Swiss dietary guidelines, and receiving the Gold Medal of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology for his research on the dietary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Ms Mitali Palodhi – Honorary Fellowship

Ms Mitali Palodhi was recognised with an Honorary Fellowship for her extensive contribution to public health nutrition, community education and advocacy.

With more than 30 years of experience, she has held senior leadership roles with the Indian Dietetic Association and FAITH. As a member of the NNEdPro India Team and Advisory Group, she has also contributed to community nutrition education, food safety and One Health initiatives, including UNICEF-supported programmes.

NNEdPro-IANE Fellowships

The NNEdPro-IANE Fellowships recognise individuals making sustained contributions to nutrition education, research and professional development.

Dr Fiona Lavelle

Senior Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences, King's College London

A leader in behavioural and culinary nutrition, Dr Lavelle leads the UK's first Culinary Nutrition module and supervises BSc, MSc and PhD research. She also contributes to research projects in partnership with NNEdPro.

Prof Dr Geeta Appannah

Professor in Human Nutrition, Qatar University

With more than 20 years of experience in nutrition and dietetics education, Prof Appannah has contributed to curriculum innovation and nutrition education initiatives across Southeast Asia and collaborates with NNEdPro in the region.

Faculty Member of the Year Award

Sarah Armes

Senior Academic Officer, NNEdPro

A long-standing lead of the NNEdPro-IANE Summer School, Sarah has overseen its successful delivery over several years and played a key role in developing the IANE examination.

Jaroslav Guzanič

Executive Chef and Culinary Educator, Co-Lead of the NNEdPro Swiss Regional Network and Founder of the Swiss Association for Food Education and Behaviour

Jaroslav has been actively involved in IANE events, NNEdPro International Summits and IANE webinars, bringing culinary practice and expertise into food and nutrition learning.

Student Member of the Year Award

Sophie Ognjenovic

PhD Researcher, King's College London and Virtual Core Member, NNEdPro

Reflecting on the recognition, Sophie said:

"I am honoured to receive this NNEdPro-IANE award, as both organisations have been great resources for my research and career development."

Associate Member of the Year Award

Priyanka Kotak

Associate Academic Officer, NNEdPro

Priyanka supports academic and programme activities across nutrition education initiatives. Reflecting on the previous year's Summit, her first major scientific event, she described the experience as "enjoyable and eye-opening to be part of something bigger than myself."

Professional Member of the Year Award

Asim Kumar Manna

Associate Operations & Academic Officer, NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health

Marking nearly six years with NNEdPro, Asim's work spans the Mobile Teaching Kitchen (MTK) Initiative in communities across Kolkata, alongside support for projects in several states.

Reflecting on his experience, he said that each opportunity "has taught me the value of empathy, teamwork and community-based action."

Administrative Member of the Year Award

Debashis Chakraborty

Senior Operations Officer, NNEdPro

With longstanding experience in operational leadership and team coordination, Debashis has been part of NNEdPro since 2015, describing his journey as "a journey of learning, growth, and meaningful contribution."

Sucheta Mitra

Associate Director for Development, NNEdPro

Having coordinated the IANE Awards over the past couple of years, Sucheta reflected that it was "particularly meaningful to be recognised as part of the same community I have had the privilege of supporting."

BMJ NPH Paper of the Year Award

The BMJ NPH Paper of the Year Award

Winner

Association of the adherence to EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet with mortality in Switzerland: results from the national nutrition survey menuCH

Authors: Flurina Suter, Linda Beck, Giulia Pestoni and Sabine Rohrmann

The paper contributes to the growing body of research examining dietary patterns, planetary health and health outcomes.

Celebrating the 2026 Awardees

The ceremony concluded with remarks from the Swiss Association for Cooperation on Food Education, followed by networking and informal conversations among attendees in Bern and those joining online.

The symposium provided an opportunity not only to recognise this year's awardees, but also to celebrate the wider community of educators, researchers, professionals and students contributing to the advancement of nutrition education and practice.

Congratulations to all the 2026 NNEdPro-IANE Award winners and fellows and thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating their achievements.

View the full photo album here.