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The University has been at the forefront of Vitamin D research over the past decade, with the findings of the work used to change the dietary intake guidelines on the international stage, most notably in the U.S by the Institute of Medicine, the international body responsible for agenda setting of dietary recommendations worldwide. The extensive research has also been crucial in informing UK and Irish Health Service reports on vitamin D assessment and use during pregnancy and in infants and has provided robust scientific evidence to the food industry for fortification strategies. In addition to establishing the vitamin D requirements of population sub-groups, the research at Ulster has also focused on investigating the relationship between vitamin D status and skeletal & cardiovascular health and immune function.
The Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre (BPNRC) has an international reputation for research conducted in collaboration with industry to assess the impact of nutrition and dietary interventions on brain function. Our research benefits our industrial partners financially, in terms of increased product sales, and by providing evidence supporting the introduction of new products that improve consumer wellbeing. This case study focuses on research that supported Bayer to develop successful brands with public health benefits.
Research on the environmental safety and toxicity of nanomaterials in fishes has had a global impact across both government and industry contributing to:
(i) Consensus building on biological effects allowing regulatory agencies/governments to make proper decisions on the hazard of nanomaterials to farmed fish and wildlife.
(ii) Critical evaluation of the internationally agreed process of toxicity testing to determine whether the current legislative test methods are fit for purpose and acceptable to the aquaculture industry.
(iii) Identification of national/international research priorities and policies via work with the OECD and the US Government.
(iv) Influencing government policy to support training and information for industry.
This case study illustrates the development of novel research materials designed to improve quality of life and performance in different populations. Impact has been achieved through the use of research findings in professional practice, formulation of health-related policies and in the development of new indicators of health and well-being. RCSEP research has been used by international and national health-service organisations (e.g., European League Against Rheumatism, Evidence NHS), industrial establishments (e.g., ArtEZ Conservatoire, Netherlands; Royal Ballet), national governing bodies (British Heart Foundation), and professional bodies (e.g., Dance UK, International Association of Dance Medicine & Science).
The main impact of this work has been to provide an evidence base to inform practice and policy in relation to nutrition and diet. Through our contribution to the international EURRECA Network of Excellence, we have developed resources accessible to international expert panels as they review micronutrient recommendations. In addition, this work has had a significant impact on the formation of two major new initiatives; BOND and Zinc-Net, both of which address global issues relating to zinc deficiency and human health. Our pioneering research activities in Pakistan are helping to transform nutrition support and quality of life in marginalised communities.
Over the past 15 years, research within the Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease Theme has provided evidence to inform policy and practice in the nutritional care of older and nutritionally-vulnerable adults. This information has been referred to by other bodies when improving guidelines for nutritional management and care in residential or community settings. Theme members have identified key changes in nutritional status and dietary needs which occur with advancing age; these observations have contributed to the development of standards associated with nutritional, food and fluid provision for the care of vulnerable groups in hospitals and care homes in Scotland and beyond.
Changing global patterns of agricultural production, food availability and processing are having profound impacts on individual food consumption and population health. Thus accurate data on individual food consumption are fundamental for effective planning of agricultural investments and for the implementation of sound public health nutrition policy. Research undertaken at the University of Ulster has demonstrated that mis-reporting in dietary surveys is pervasive and consequently is obscuring diet-health associations. This research has prompted a major paradigm shift in the way public health policy makers interpret dietary intake data.
This case study concerns the impact of Plymouth University research relating to farmed fish diets, which led to changes to EU legislation with respect to two types of ingredients: animal proteins and probiotics. The impact of the reintroduction of certain animal proteins in farmed fish feeds (previously banned to protect human health) and to the authorization of a probiotic as a feed additive, involved industry investment in research, have reduced the environmental impact of farmed fishing, improved competitiveness, enhanced yield and quality and improved fish health and survival.
Work by University of Stirling staff has contributed directly to improved wildlife resource management in the Central African region. Innovative research into the status and trends of key wildlife populations, ecological impacts, resource harvests and trade, drivers of resource use and assessing management success have contributed directly to new thinking on the issue, revisions of laws and policy and to success in attracting foreign aid for management issues. Stirling staff members now advise the Government of Gabon on resource management policies, National Park management and biodiversity issues.
In 2008-2009 the UK was subject to legal infraction proceedings at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for allegedly failing to implement the European Union's Urban Waste-water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). Research by the Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, Hull (IECS) for the Environment Agency (EA)/Defra provided evidence to the UK Government for its defence against these allegations. The research consisted of:
- literature/data reviews and collection and analysis of critical evidence from the Humber.
- co-ordinating workshops and convening an expert panel of sufficient authoritative academic opinion to counteract the European Court of Justice allegations.
In December 2009 the European Court of Justice ruled in favour of the UK. Our research therefore helped to save very significant, unnecessary capital investment in nutrient removal technology for sewage treatment nationally and in the Yorkshire and Humber region especially. The UK government thus avoided the possibility of major European Commission fines of up to €703,000 per day, or €256m per annum, for infraction of the Urban Water-water Treatment Directive [1].