April 2024 Nutrition Notes
April 2024 Nutrition Notes
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A Message from our Executive Director
The International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) has a clear and concise mission: “to stimulate and promote innovative and impactful research in behavioral nutrition and physical activity to improve human and planetary health and well-being worldwide.” ISBNPA has spent the past 23 years convening and promoting innovative research in behavioral nutrition and physical activity that informs global programs and policies. With an international presence representing 53 countries, ISBNPA has established itself as the premier international nutrition and physical activity research society.
I have previously served on the ISBNPA Executive Committee and have served on various committees for the society. I have attended most of the ISBNPA conferences over the years and consider ISBNPA to be my “home” society. Therefore, I am extra delighted that Omaha, Nebraska, was selected as the site of the 2024 ISBNPA Annual Conference. It is an honor to co-chair the local scientific organizing committee for ISBNPA 2024 with Dr. Ester Cerin, ISBNPA president and psychologist, statistician and professor at the Australian Catholic University, and Dr. Paul Estabrooks, professor and associate dean of Community Engagement, Health and Kinesiology in the College of Health at the University of Utah.
Our conference theme for ISBNPA 2024 is “Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approaches to Address Health Equity.” The planning for the meeting is going smoothly and I am so excited about the various talks, symposia and posters that will be presented at the upcoming conference. The topics span across important areas in both nutrition and physical activity.
Pictured above: Heartland of America Park in Omaha, Nebraska.
Of all the places I have lived, my connection to Omaha runs deep. I lived in Omaha for 13 years and my kids grew up there. It is a great U.S. destination (especially in the late spring) with amazing farm-to-table restaurants that honor the city’s rich agricultural history and feature fresh ingredients from local farmers and producers. And with more than 85 miles of interconnected trails and accessible green spaces like RiverFront Park, one of only 40 sustainability projects worldwide to achieve Platinum Verification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, ISBNPA attendees can enjoy walking and biking around the conference venue.
I am incredibly committed to ISBNPA as an organization, and to host the 2024 Annual Meeting in Omaha is a privilege of a lifetime. I am excited for attendees to learn, grow and build strong relationships with colleagues—all while exploring everything Omaha’s diverse culture has to offer. Look forward to seeing you in Omaha next month!