The Kids researcher in nation's top ten
The head of nutrition research at Perth's The Kids for Child Health Research has been named in the nation's top 10 health and medical researchers for 2010.
Associate Professor Wendy Oddy's research investigating the links between child nutrition and physical and mental health was recognised at the National Health and Medical Research Council's Excellence Awards in Canberra last night.
The awards are presented to the top 10 of almost 5,000 researchers nationally who applied for NHMRC funding this year.
Institute Director Professor Fiona Stanley said Dr Oddy is leading the way in a very important area of child development.
"Wendy's research is looking at that very important relationship between nutritional intake and how a child develops, both mentally and physically," Professor Stanley said.
"This is at the core of some very big issues facing our community at the moment, such as the rising rates of obesity, depression and behavioural issues in our young people."
"What's so important about this research is that it potentially leads us to public health strategies that can dramatically improve the long term health of this generation."
Dr Oddy's research over the next four years will investigate the relationships between nutrition and the development of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and mental health functioning from birth to 21 years, using data from WA's ground breaking Raine Study cohort. This study will provide evidence for population interventions to improve child and adolescent mental health through the promotion of nutrition.
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