European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023: EUFIC to host symposium on food education and science communication training series

Last Updated : 13 November 2023

This week, the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) will host a symposium on food education and engagement and a training series on science communication at the 14th European Nutrition Conference, organised by the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) in Belgrade, Serbia. 

Education and engagement crucial to build food and health science literacy  

As part of our commitment to build food and health science literacy and promote evidence-based decision-making of European citizens, we have invited expert speakers to present their experiences and success stories in a symposium that will take place on Friday 17 November. The session will bring together speakers with expertise of food education and engagement in a range of different environments including the classroom, city- and community-based programmes, science museums and the media.  

Following an introduction from EUFIC’s Content Lead Nina McGrath, Dr Keren Dalyot will present the work of the EIT FoodEducators, which supports educators across Europe to teach, engage and inspire young people to make healthier and more sustainable food choices. Helin Haga from Science Centre AHHAA Foundation will give an overview of food waste related education examples from Estonia, followed by Kirstie McAdoo who will share experiences of Airfield Estate’s food education programme. The session will conclude with a presentation by Ali Atıf Bir of the Sabri-Ülker Foundation on addressing misrepresentation of nutrition science in the media and a panel-discussion moderated by EUFIC.  

Science communication trainings  

During the conference, EUFIC’s Outreach Lead Carlos Abundancia will also deliver two training sessions, that will provide a broad overview of the essential elements of science communication, including its definition, significance, and evolution to conference delegates. Participants will gain insights into best practices of effective science communication, including key components of a well-structured communication plan. This informative session intends to raise awareness of the elements that go into good science communication and equip attendees with the essential knowledge to engage with their audiences more effectively. 

The theme of this year’s European Nutrition Conference is ‘Food, Nutrition and Health: Translating science into practice’. Hundreds of leading researchers, organisations and institutions from across the world will present and discuss their research across 10 thematic tracks including Nutrition across the life course; Nutrition, metabolism and chronic diseases; Personalised nutrition; Nutrition and the environment, sustainability and diversity and Cultural, societal and behavioural aspects of diet and nutrition.

The dissemination of this research is co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the agency can be held responsible for them.