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 their research careers, including students. The symposium showcases groundbreaking 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 insights for dietetic practice, led by registered dietitians 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.
We also enjoyed a great lunchtime session: How Whitworths are trying to close the UK’s Diet Quality Gap Through Evidence, Habit Change and Policy Action with Phil Gowland, Director of Health from Whitworths.
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 abstracts from each stream and explore the innovative research shaping dietetic practice.
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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
“I’m truly delighted (and a little amazed) to have won best abstract in the clinical nutrition stream. The quality of the other presentations was exceptional and I want to congratulate everyone in the stream for showcasing such exciting and meaningful work. It was incredibly inspiring, and a real honour to be part of it. Thank you to the BDA for the opportunity to share my project on such a fantastic day and a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues, my supervisor Simone Roberts and to Roz Fallaize for their unwavering support throughout my research and my degree. I’d love the opportunity to return and present again in the future.”
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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
''It's a privilege to have our work recognised. This evaluation helped us look closely at how we deliver enteral feeding and provided valuable insight to help guide future improvements in patient care.”
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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.
''I feel incredibly grateful and honoured to have been awarded best abstract for the diabetes stream. As a graduate dietitian, I never even thought winning was a possibility. But doing so highlights just how the BDA Research Symposium is open to everybody, whether you are a student or an established post-doctoral researcher. It has motivated me to pursue further research and development opportunities in my dietetic career to come."
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Education including practice-based learning
Rosalind Fallaize-Bryant, University of Hertfordshire
Cognitive compassion in action: transforming critical appraisal through group work in undergraduate dietetics
''We were delighted to receive best abstract for our project, Cognitive Compassion in Action. This initiative reflects our dietetics team’s commitment to helping students engage with critical appraisal through compassionate, collaborative learning. Presenting at the Education Stream of the Research Symposium was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how team-based approaches can enhance student engagement and outcomes in dietetics education."
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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
''I am delighted to receive the best abstract award at the BDA Research Symposium. This recognition is a great motivation to continue contributing to the evidence base of dietetic practice. This small project reflects the collective commitment of all co-authors to evidence-informed practice and research and I hope it adds meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about how we can advance the profession through research."
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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.
''Winning the best abstract in the newly introduced Food Allergy stream was a real honour. It's motivating to see work being recognised and I'm grateful to the BDA for creating a platform that supports and celebrates emerging evidence.”
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Food Services – supported by BDA Food Services Specialist Group
Rachel Sipaul and Sophia Cornelius, 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.
''We were delighted to present our abstract at the BDA Research Symposium and thrilled to win the Food Services stream award. Thank you to the Food Services Specialist Group for hosting this session and showcasing the incredible work that dietitians involved with food service contribute to their profession and wider audience.”
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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
''It felt a fabulous achievement to win best abstract for the Gastro stream, underpinned by passion and perseverance. The recognition by the BDA of my work, presented in the presence of colleagues and my PhD supervisor, Dr Sorrel Burden, who had just shared her journey as a clinical academic, was a truly wonderful moment."
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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
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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
''Winning best abstract at the BDA Research Symposium is a truly rewarding recognition of the hard work behind this project. We are grateful to the BDA for this opportunity and hope our research helps inform future work and professional practice.”
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.
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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
''The BDA Research Symposium was an amazing day to explore different aspects of research and I’m thrilled to have won the new to research award! I have to thank the amazing team at the University of Surrey for all their support whilst writing my dissertation and BDA application process!”
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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
''I feel very honoured that my research has been acknowledged by winning best abstract for the Nutrition Support stream. This work was supported by a grant from the BDA General & Education Trust so it was great to be able to showcase how the fund can be used. The whole process of submitting the abstract, receiving invaluable reviewer feedback, presenting and the opportunity to network with other dietitians on the day, really demonstrates how the BDA is supporting both undergraduates and post-registration dietitians to be more research aware. The Symposium was a great day! Thanks again."
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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.
''I am delighted to win the award in the obesity stream. It was a pleasure to present and great to hear the thoughts of those listening to the presentation."
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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
''I am honoured to have won best abstract within the oncology stream, amongst so many other quality projects and presentations. Congratulations to everyone on their valuable work!”
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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
''I was delighted to win best abstract for the Optimising Nutrition Prescribing stream. The abstract was the result of a real team effort in gathering data to reflect current practice and it highlights the benefits of improved practice around ONS prescribing, for both patients and the NHS."
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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
''Winning the Paediatric stream award at the BDA Research Symposium is a huge honour. The BDA plays a vital role in amplifying research that can shape policy and practice and I’m grateful that our work on prescribing delays has been highlighted. I hope this recognition helps drive improvements in access to nutritional products for children and supports paediatric dietitians working to reduce these delays in clinical practice.”
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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
''I am honoured to have received the award for best abstract in the Public Health stream. This recognition highlights the importance of research in advancing public health and dietetics and I am grateful to the BDA for providing such a supportive platform."
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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.
''Winning best abstract for the Renal Nutrition stream was the icing on the cake to a truly great day! My goal was simply to share my research. Thank you to the BDA for creating such an inclusive environment that brings us together to celebrate and promote our work, whatever your research background.''
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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
''I’m honoured to receive this award. It was inspiring to see the breadth of innovative research presented in Birmingham and it highlighted the vital role that early-career dietitians and researchers play in shaping the future of our profession. I’m looking forward to seeing how all the projects showcased continue to develop."
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Supplementary Prescribing – supported by BDA Prescribers Sub-Group
Nicki Ruddock, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Survey to explore supplementary prescribing by dietitians
''Honoured to win the best abstract award for the supplementary prescribing stream. I focused on being clear and it paid off - proof that simplicity has strength."
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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
''I’m very honoured to have won best abstract in the Women’s Health stream, especially considering how relevant and widely discussed this topic is! Presenting this work and receiving such positive feedback made me realise that even at this early stage in my career, I can contribute to the nutrition and dietetic landscape. Highlighting where clearer information is needed, especially for women with PCOS, feels like an important first step. I’m grateful to the BDA for recognising this project and the experience has encouraged me to keep developing and exploring research further.”
GET funded projects
We also heard from six General & Education Trust funded research projects
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Obesity Diagnosis and Intervention in Primary care (ODIP): An Exploratory Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Healthcare Professionals - Dr Sally Abbott
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Establishing and evaluating a beverage intake measurement tool for the UK workplace: The Fluid at Work Study - Dr Rachel Gibson
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Investigating the prevalence, predictors and outcomes associated with enteral feeding intolerance in critically ill adults: a retrospective cohort study - Bethan Jenkins
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The pursuit of personalised care: The development of metabolic maturation in infants born premature and the relationship to growth - Dr Luise Marino
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Ketogenic Diet Registry - Natasha E Schoeler
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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.
BDA's 2025 Research Symposium was kindly sponsored by:
