Update from the Irish Section

Dr Anne Nugent, Secretary

We were pleased to host our annual Irish Section and the Postgraduate Conferences in a virtual event organised by the University of Limerick. Feedback highlighted the high quality science, particularly the postgraduate competition. I would like to thank Dr Eibhlis O’Connor and team for all their work in ensuring the event was successful.

In September, Professor Jayne Woodside and Professor Lorraine Brennan convened a successful virtual Memberled conference to discuss plant rich diets and health, with 388 registrants. Members interested in hosting future short meetings can complete a proforma on the Society’s website.

At the Annual Society Meeting, Members agreed to revert to the usual sequence and flow of the Irish Section and Postgraduate conferences. Ulster University has volunteered to host the 2022 Postgraduate Conference from 9-11 February at the Magherabuoy House Hotel. This will include a traditional informal networking event followed by student presentations and career talks with a gala dinner. Local organisers are Lauren Devine, Eamon Kearney, Erika Rosbotham and Shane Gordon. The 2022 Irish Section Conference will take place from 15-17 June 2022. Hosted by University College Cork and organised by Dr. Alice Lucey and team, with a focus on the ‘Impact of Nutrition Science on Human Health: Past Perspectives and Future Directions’.

I would like to congratulate Professor Barbara Livingstone and Professor Albert Flynn on their appointments as Honorary Fellows of the Society, Professor Alison Gallagher who has been appointed as Editor in Chief at the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, and Dr. Kate Younger on her receipt of a special 80th Anniversary Award, in recognition of her significant contribution to the Society. The Irish Section also successfully nominated Dr. Gail Goldberg for one such special award (posthumously).

Finally, I would like to welcome new members to the Irish Section Committee, Dr. Caomhan Logue and Dr. Trish Heavey as Ordinary Members and Lisa Kelliher as student representative. Other changes to the committee structure with Dr. Kirsty Pourshahidi now acting as Treasurer and Dr. Marianne Walsh as Membership Secretary. I look forward to working with them over the coming years. Sincere thanks to all the members of the Irish Section committee, past and present, for their continued hard work and to Irish Section Members for their continued support and engagement.