With Dietitians Week 2025 focusing on the future, we quickly realised that to look forward, we also need to acknowledge our past and the important people who have made the profession what it is today.
Dr Elsie Widdowson is undoubtedly considered a pioneer in nutrition and dietetics and she has inspired many dietetic professionals.
In a formidable research partnership that spanned decades, Elsie worked alongside Dr Robert McCance to make ground-breaking advancements in nutrition science. Some of their achievements include creating the first UK food composition tables and developing bread fortified with calcium, shaping the modern loaf consumed today.
In addition to making huge strides of progress in her field, Elsie was known for her bold and innovative approach to research. Through her sometimes unconventional self-experimentation, Elsie and her colleagues discovered that they could live on a diet of bread, vegetables and potatoes, findings that informed rationing policy during the Second World War.
Research continues to be an essential component within nutrition and dietetics, and the wider health and social care environment. This critical work has led to improvements in patient care, outcomes, safety and experiences, and reducing uncertainties. It has the power to impact policy and without innovators like Elsie Widdowson, important evidence-based change wouldn’t come about.
A new plaque in her honour
A new blue plaque has been unveiled to honour Elsie, this week.
The blue plaque, financed by The Physiological Society, was unveiled on a wall of King’s College Hospital, where Elsie’s collaboration with Dr Robert McCance began in 1934. The BDA was delighted to be represented at the event by board member Lucy Diamond.
Liz Stockley, Chief Executive Officer of the BDA says, “It’s wonderful to see Elsie Widdowson’s contributions to nutrition science being recognised with another blue plaque.
“It’s particularly special that this plaque unveiling has fallen within Dietitians Week, a time when we are emphasising the importance and impact of the profession. Whilst this year we’re looking to the future of dietetics, it’s also necessary to look back and celebrate those who have paved the way.
“To this day, Elsie’s fearless approach continues to inform and inspire the dietetic workforce and research as a whole.”
Recognising pioneers of the present
Our annual Elsie Widdowson Memorial Lecture honours her legacy by highlighting the work of current pioneers in dietetics. The speaker for this year’s Elsie Widdowson Memorial Lecture will be announced this week. Watch this space!
In the meantime, take a look at our brilliant speakers from recent years here.