BASF to Give Grants for Research Work in Asia on Diet and Health

BASF’s human nutrition brand, Newtrition, has launched the sixth grant call for its science-based innovation research programme, the Newtrition Asia Research Grant. This programme aims to fund and support 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 focus areas: cardio-vascular health, metabolic health, and physical function & mobility. Potential projects will study the relationship between functional ingredients and the three 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 urbanisation have brought about a nutritional transition in Asia as well as epidemiological changes. We have seen a shift from nutrient deficiencies to a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. 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,” explained Ms. Tina Low, Vice-President, Global Business Management, BASF Human Nutrition. “The Newtrition Asia Research Grant is an excellent platform for us to team up with academics in the region, to delve deeper into how we can play a part in overcoming these health challenges,” she added.

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 programme 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.