BASF announces sixth 'Newtrition Asia Research Grant'

BASF's human nutrition brand Newtrition(r) launched the sixth grant call for its science-based innovation research program 'Newtrition(r) Asia Research Grant' on Monday. This program is aimed at funding and supporting academics in Asia-Pacific to study nutritional topics that will advance research relevant to diet and health for consumers in this region.
For the first time, under the theme of "Beyond Basic Nutrition," the research will centre on three focussed areas: cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and physical function and mobility. Potential projects will study the relationship between functional ingredients and those focussed health areas. This is a change from the previous focus on ingredients only, to ensure that the grant continues to stay relevant to consumers' evolving nutrition needs and health demands.
"Rapid economic development and urbanization have brought about a nutritional transition in Asia as well as epidemiological changes," said Tina Low, Vice-President, Global Business Management at BASF Human Nutrition, adding that they have seen a shift from nutrient deficiencies to a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. She said that delivering the right nutrients to the right people at the right time can play a fundamental role in reducing risk factors associated with these chronic diseases. She said the Newtrition(r) Asia Research Grant is an excellent platform for them to team up with academics in the region, to delve deeper into how they can play a part in overcoming these health challenges.
Proposals will be evaluated and selected by an expert panel which includes eminent academics and key opinion leaders in human nutrition.
Five researchers will be awarded up to €40,000 each and given 18 months to work on their respective projects. Since its inception in 2012, the program has seen the funding of some 28 projects in China, India, Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, including results published in six peer-reviewed scientific papers.