During British Science Week, which starts on Friday, we urge government leaders and policymakers to sustain investment in research on nutrition and food systems. Malnutrition remains the leading cause of death among children under five worldwide. It leaves survivors with impairments that limit learning and earning potential, impacting generations and economies. These pressures contribute to instability, migration and conflict. Addressing hunger is both a humanitarian obligation and a strategic investment that promotes growth and stability.
However, in the UK, there is a funding grey area. Food policy falls between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department of Health and Social Care. But food is a driver of health and wellbeing. Sustained investment is essential to enable science that will unlock innovations and develop integrated programmes to improve nutrition. This aligns with the government’s Global Compact on Nutrition Integration, launched at the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris a year ago.
As leaders of research institutions pioneering nutrition solutions, we know scientific expertise can protect against the impacts of hunger. International partnerships of nutritionists, economists, trade experts, agronomists and scientists are transforming agri-food systems to provide nutritious and affordable diets.
We are developing climate- and disease-resilient crops, biofortified foods and more effective planting and harvesting. This is dependent on long-term funding. Nutrition underpins human development and helps communities thrive; the alternative has far-reaching consequences for us all.
Prof Martin R Broadley Science director, Rothamsted Research; Stuart Brocklehurst Deputy vice-chancellor, business engagement and innovation, Exeter University; Prof Suneetha Kadiyala Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH) Academy Science-Policy Platform, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Prof Bhavani Shankar Co-director, Institute for Sustainable Food, University of Sheffield; Prof Cristóbal Uauy Director, John Innes Centre; Prof Parveen Yaqoob Deputy vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor for research and innovation, University of Reading
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