Our Aim

  • With the booming market for functional foods and an increasing interest in the field, it’s essential that research continues to advance, bridging the gap between industry and academia in this vital area. The INFORM Hub is just the beginning; the connections formed here are expected to expand and enhance the relevance of functional foods for the wider population.

    The INFORM Hub aims to cultivate strong partnerships between academic researchers and industry professionals to foster new collaborations that deepen our understanding of functional foods and their role in translational research. Our primary focus will be on prebiotics, probiotics, and plant stanols—all of which have the potential to positively influence gut microbiota.

    Key Areas of Exploration

    • Functional Foods in Exercise:
      While exercise brings numerous health benefits, it can also impose stresses on the body, leading to gastrointestinal and inflammatory issues. By investigating how diet and microbiota interact to influence energy metabolism, inflammation, and muscle and bone strength, we aim to provide valuable insights for creating effective functional foods that enhance sports performance and aid recovery.
    • Recovery from Illness:
      Recovering from health challenges, including gastrointestinal disorders and upper-respiratory tract infections, is particularly crucial in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the strong connection between gut microbiota and immune function, we will establish a research framework to advance functional food design that supports recovery from viral infections.
    • Mental Health Challenges:
      Mental stress is a significant issue faced by many in society today. The gut microbiota is linked to the brain via the gut-brain axis, and microbial metabolites are believed to play a crucial role in anxiety and depression. We will explore these connections, aiming to bridge promising laboratory findings with real-world applications by identifying key metabolic players that bespoke functional foods can deliver through the gut microbiota.

    What the INFORM Hub Will Do

    • Support Research Development:
      We will work closely with industry to develop functional products aimed at enhancing recovery from exercise fatigue, inflammation, mental strain, and post-illness health.
    • Facilitate Collaborations:
      By promoting interactions between researchers and industry, we aim to secure substantial funding from both UK and international sources for translational research that can lead to significant advancements in the field.
    • Identify Research Needs:
      We will pinpoint the research requirements necessary for developing functional foods that improve health and recovery by modifying the gut microbiome, driving progress in these areas.
    • Provide Training Opportunities:
      The Hub will offer multidisciplinary training and development opportunities for early career researchers. Our meetings and workshops will serve as excellent platforms for networking, allowing early career professionals, academics, and industry experts to connect while engaging with relevant themes.
    • Advise Policymakers:
      Based on robust scientific evidence, we will provide expert guidance to policymakers, ensuring that informed decisions are made regarding functional foods and health.

    Together, through the INFORM Hub, we will explore the dynamic potential of functional foods and their ability to transform health outcomes for individuals and communities.  Sign up here to become a hub member.