On June 21st, 2024, INFORM Hub hosted a productive in-person member meeting in Leeds. The event started with Dr Gemma Walton’s update, highlighting the Hub’s recent achievements and current funding opportunities.
Following this, three Principal Investigators shared insights into their ongoing feasibility projects, funded by INFORM. Sarah Coe from the British Nutrition Foundation then provided an overview of the OIRC scheme and the role of the six Innovation Hubs.
Lorraine Bailey, INFORM’s Knowledge Exchange Fellow, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the challenges of substantiating functional food health claims and how INFORM can contribute to addressing these issues.
Engaging panel discussions with industry and academic experts followed, generating stimulating conversations that extended beyond the allotted time. The afternoon session offered valuable networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect and build relationships. Themed breakout sessions, led by ECR’s, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on specific topics of interest.
The event concluded with a summary of the breakout discussions and positive feedback from attendees. While the event was a success, valuable insights were gained from attendee feedback to inform future events. The meeting facilitated the development of numerous potential collaborations between attendees, paving the way for future research and innovation.