Celebrating a brilliant day of research and collaboration

Over 225 attendees witnessed an incredible showcase of innovation and expertise at this year's Research Symposium. The fast-paced day provides a dynamic platform for students and practising dietitians to share their research and gain recognition from their peers. 

Susan Price, Chair of the BDA said, “The Research Symposium is a cornerstone of our profession. It brings together established researchers as well as those who are at the start of the research career, including students. The symposium showcases ground breaking evidence and ensures that dietitians remain at the forefront of improving health through science.” 

There were 127 abstracts presented across 21 streams but it's not just about the research shared, the day was enriched by inspiring sessions and thought-provoking discussions.

Holland & Barrett kicked off the day with our breakfast session, Omega-3 fatty acids through the lifespan: Evidence-based isights for dietetic practice, led by registered dietitian's Claire James and Fionna Page. Later, we were treated to an outstanding talk, Crafting a career as a clinical academic, delivered by Dr Sorrel Burden, which offered invaluable guidance for those aspiring to combine clinical practice with academic research. 

Liz Stockley, Chief Executive Officer of the BDA said, "It's been so fantastic to see the quality and breadth of research on display at the BDA Research Symposium. Engaging in research empowers members of the dietetic workforce to become leaders in their fields, ensure evidence-based practice, drive innovation and ultimately improve services for patients within the NHS and increasingly the population as a whole." 

Discover the best abstract from each stream and explore the innovative research shaping dietetic practice. 

1. Clinical Nutrition – sponsored by Stanningley Pharma  

Hannah Lousada-Stanbridge, University of Hertfordshire 

The impact of macronutrient composition on milk volume requirements for achieving enteral feeding appropriate viscosity, and its effect on the nutritional profile of blended meals  

2. Critical care supported by BDA Critical Care Specialist Group 

Nancy Edmead, Royal Free Hospital, London  

Service evaluation of enteral nutrition delivery in the Intensive Care Unit  

3. Diabetes – supported by BDA Diabetes Specialist Group  

Bevan Mullineux, University of Chester 

Cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between deprivation, risk perception and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) knowledge within Merseyside.  

4. Education including practice-based learning  

Rosalind Fallaize-Bryant, University of Hertfordshire 

Cognitive compassion in action: transforming critical appraisal through group work in undergraduate dietetics  

5.  First Contact Dietitians – supported by BDA First Contact Dietitians Specialist Group  

Long Li, Sheffield Hallam University  

Evaluating Occupational Therapy and Dietetics in Primary Care: Perspectives from Health-Service Users  

6. Food Allergy – supported by BDA Food Allergy Specialist Group  

Jaya Venayak, Manchester Metropolitan University 

Hospital meal provision and adverse reactions to food: a mixed method approach exploring patient experience. 

7. Food Services – supported by BDA Food Services Specialist Group 

Rachel Sipaul, apetito and Wiltshire Farm Foods   

A pilot study to evaluate the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to collate nutritional data from supermarket food labels.  

8. Gastroenterology – supported by BDA Gastroenterology Specialist Group 

Yvonne McKenzie, University of Manchester  

Feasibility randomised controlled trial of a novel dietary pattern (The 8x5 Diet) for adults living with Bile Acid Diarrhoea  

9. Healthy ageing, frailty and older adults – supported by BDA Older People Specialist Group 

Kato Lambrechts,  University of Hertfordshire 

An exploratory study of the association between age, nutrition and the skin barrier  

10. Mental Health, Eating Disorders and Learning Disabilities – supported by BDA Mental Health Specialist Group 

1st place - Evangelia Boni & Angeliki Chrysomilou, University College London   

Preliminary results from a pilot survey exploring food insecurity and mental wellbeing in university students  

 2nd place – Annabel van Griethuysen, University of York 

What factors contribute to weight gain and obesity for adults in the community and clinical settings with serious mental health illnesses: A scoping review of current evidence.  

11. New to Research – sponsored by Nutricia  

Daria Danielewicz, University of Surrey  

Reliability and repeatability of Continuous Glucose Monitors for assessing postprandial responses in healthy individuals 

12. Nutrition Support – supported by BDA Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition Specialist Group 

Melanie Toon, University of Manchester 

A Mixed Method Exploration of Healthcare Professionals’ Home Parenteral Nutrition Admixture Selection in Adults with Chronic Intestinal Failure  

13. Obesity – supported by BDA Obesity Specialist Group 

Ian Walshe, Northumbria University  

Reduced subjective sleep quality is associated with greater fast-food consumption, snacking, and reduced intuitive eating in the general population.  

14. Oncology – supported by BDA Oncology Specialist Group  

Eleanor Ware, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 

Nutritional management and consideration of parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients admitted with malignant bowel obstruction (MBO): A service evaluation

15. Optimising Nutrition Prescribing – supported by BDA Optimising Nutrition Prescribing Specialist Group  

Ruth Chalke, South East London Prescribing Support Dietetic Team and St Thomas' Hospital 

Audit to assess whether dietitians set measurable outcomes for the use of oral nutritional supplements as an intervention among malnourished patients living in the community or care home settings 

16. Paediatric – supported by BDA Paediatric Specialist Group  

Jodie Owen, Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust   

Prescribing Delays and Supply Challenges in Paediatric Dietetics: A National Survey of Dietitian Perspectives  

17. Public Health Dietetics – supported by BDA Public Health Specialist Group  

Kyle Kennedy, Glasgow Caledonian University 

Training Needs of United Kingdom Dietitians supporting people with Food Insecurity  

18. Renal Nutrition – supported by BDA Kidney Dietitian Specialist Group  

Claire Gardiner, Leeds Beckett University  

Exploring the reliability of the kidney dietetic outcomes tool platform when determining the nutritional problem and desired outcome.  

19. Service Evaluation  

Jamie Slattery, King’s College London  

Exploring the Acceptability and Effectiveness of Weight Management Services for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Provider Perspectives 

20. Supplementary Prescribing – supported by BDA Prescribers Sub-Group 

Nicki Ruddock, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust  

Survey to explore supplementary prescribing by dietitians 

21. Women's Health and Fertility Nutrition, supported by BDA Women’s Health and Fertility Specialist Group  

Eve Lawson-Statham, Oxford Brookes University 

Nutritional Adequacy of Daily Diets for PCOS as Recommended on YouTube  

GET funded projects

We also heard from six General & Education Trust funded research projects  

1. Obesity Diagnosis and Intervention in Primary care (ODIP): An Exploratory Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Healthcare Professionals Dr Sally Abbott  

2. Establishing and evaluating a beverage intake measurement tool for the UK workplace: The Fluid at Work Study Establishing and evaluating a beverage intake measurement tool for the UK workplace: The Fluid at Work Study Dr Rachel Gibson   

3. Investigating the prevalence, predictors and outcomes associated with enteral feeding intolerance in critically ill adults: a retrospective cohort study Bethan Jenkins  

4. The pursuit of personalized care| The development of metabolic maturation in infants born premature and the relationship to growth Dr Luise Marino  

5. Ketogenic Diet Registry Natasha E Schoeler 

6. Systematic review of factors associated with energy expenditure in adults with cystic fibrosis Darren Sills  

And finally...

Dr Yvonne Jeanes, Head of Research and Impact at the BDA said, "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the presentations today and it’s clear there is real enthusiasm and commitment to demonstrating the impact of dietetic interventions through the collection of outcomes data. It was great to see research presented to enhance the evidence base underpinning our practice. The abstracts presented today highlight the rich diversity of research activity across our dietetic workforce." 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event. Whether you attended, presented your research, submitted an abstract, supported the review process, or volunteered as part of our specialist group hosting a supported stream – your dedication made this possible. 

We also thank our sponsors, Holland Barrett, Whitworths, Nutricia, Stanningley Pharma, Alliance Pharma, Dr Schär, Nestle Health Science and Precision Biotics. 

2026 abstract submission opens in April 2026.