The Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics celebrated 130 years with an inspiring anniversary.

On November 19, a jubilee was held at BMC in Uppsala to celebrate the Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics 130-year history. The event featured a rich program with presentations reflecting both the department’s long-standing tradition and its current research.

The afternoon began with an introduction by the head of department, followed by a historical overview of the departments development and significance. Next, the department’s research areas and educational programs were presented. Finally, current doctoral students showcased their projects, covering a wide range of topics. Among these were communication of food safety in individual households, focusing on older adults and home care staff; physical activity and appetite among the elderly; and the global INIS study on dietitians’ use of nutrition informatics. Other topics included meal patterns and cardiovascular disease risk, weight stigma in early childhood environments, and the SensAlg project exploring the potential of increased seaweed consumption from sensory, nutritional, and safety perspectives. The Nordic dietary pattern and its link to cardiovascular diseases were also discussed, as well as fathers’ role in children’s eating habits.

After the symposium, the day concluded with a mingle and poster walk in the departments premises, where visitors had the opportunity to discover new research projects and network. The facilities were adorned with the department’s published articles, providing a visual and inspiring insight into the extensive research conducted over the years.

The jubilee turned out to be an appreciated afternoon that not only celebrated history but also showcased how food and nutrition science continues to contribute to health and sustainability in society. Among the highlights was a look back at the department’s very first dissertation, defended by Lisbeth Johansson as early as 1992, a milestone that marked the beginning of our academic tradition.