Belury Receives Inaugural 2024 Nutrition Society of Taiwan Award

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Martha A. Belury, chair and professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, has been named recipient of the 2024 inaugural Nutrition Society of Taiwan Award for the American Society for Nutrition (ASN).

She is in Taiwan this week to receive the new award, which honors ASN members who have made noticeable contributions to advance nutrition research, clinical practice, or education in Taiwan, or individuals who have worked in partnership with Taiwanese scientists, researchers, and educators.

“Life is full of delightful surprises and I am truly grateful to be the first recipient of the Nutrition Society of Taiwan Award,” Belury said. “Receiving this award will hopefully enhance more in-depth collaborations and shared experiences for scientists in the US and Taiwan. These collaborations build meaningful relationships for scientists, students and practitioners to build a healthier planet with better access to nutritious foods.”

Since 2009, Belury has been a visiting professor in the College of Nutrition at Taipei Medical University (TMU). Through this professorship, graduate and undergraduate students have visited Ohio State from TMU for periods of several weeks to several months. TMU has requested to also host Ohio State students.

“Dr. Martha Belury has been collaborating with Taiwanese scientists for years, both in Taiwan and in the USA,” said Jane Chao, president of the Nutrition Society of Taiwan (NST). “We are pleased to recognize her with this award for her commitment to help improve nutrition, focusing on identifying the role of dietary fatty acids in inflammation and metabolism in human health and disease.”

Belury’s research interests include investigating the mechanisms of bioactive lipids in regulating insulin sensitivity in liver, adipose, and muscle; and the role of energy balance in cancer prevention.

Kevin Schalinske, president of ASN, said, “We are pleased to see Dr. Belury receive this recognition from our colleagues at the Nutrition Society of Taiwan.” She will also be recognized during NUTRITION 2024, ASN’s annual scientific meeting to be held in Chicago, June 29-July 2, 2024.

With 8,000 members in 110 countries, ASN is the preeminent professional organization for nutrition research scientists and clinicians around the world. The society brings together the top nutrition researchers, medical practitioners, policymakers and industry leaders to advance our knowledge and application of nutrition. Learn more at nutrition.org.

—Ohio State University CFAES