UK health leaders to discuss key topics at University of Chester research group launch

Dr David Unwin, who has been ranked in the UK’s top-10 most influential GPs and named NHS Innovator of the Year, and Professor Andrew Dickenson, Chief Dental Officer for Wales, will speak at the launch of the University’s Food, Nutrition and Health Special Interest Group (SIG). 

David will discuss ‘Drug-free weight loss and Type 2 diabetes in primary care’ and Andrew will explore ‘No health without oral health’, during the event on Friday, August 15 which is open to all. 

In addition to hearing from experts, the event offers the chance to learn about the SIG goals and how to get involved, network with researchers and explore collaboration opportunities. 

The SIG brings together researchers across disciplines such as functional foods, micronutrient metabolism, public health, sustainable food systems, hydrocolloids (gums added to food), and clinical practice to:  

• Foster interdisciplinary research with internal and external partnerships.  

• Support early-career researchers and student researchers.  
• Drive impact through advocacy and knowledge exchange.  

David is also a multi-award-winning GP, low-carb approach pioneer, earned the title of NHS Innovator of the Year in 2016 after saving £57,000 through dietary interventions, a Royal College of General Practitioners advisor on diabetes care, was ranked the UK's 9th most influential GP in 2018, and is a published researcher, and media commentator. 

As Chief Dental Officer for Wales, Andrew is leading service reform. He is an expert on the impact of the Sugar Levy on oral health, has more than 35 years' experience in clinical practice and health policy, is a published author and healthcare leadership mentor. 

The launch will take place from 9.45am to 1.15pm in Churchill House at the University’s Queen’s Park site.  

The event will also feature a welcome by Professor Paul Kingston, Director of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Chester, and an introduction to the SIG by Dr Sohail Mushtaq, Group Lead for the SIG, and SIG members.  

Sohail, who is also an Associate Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry and Deputy Head of Allied Health at the University, said: “We’re excited to launch the Food, Nutrition and Health Special Interest Group (SIG) as a dynamic new platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange at the University of Chester.  

“This event offers something for everyone - students, researchers, and members of the public alike. Whether you’re looking to learn from leading experts, explore cutting-edge topics in food, nutrition and public health, or connect with others who share a passion for making a real-world impact, we hope the event will be an inspiring starting point for future research, partnerships, and positive change.” 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. To book a free place, please visit: www.tickettailor.com/events/universityofchester3/1785735 

For further information on the Food, Nutrition and Health SIG, and other research groups at the University, go to: https://www.chester.ac.uk/research/research-and-knowledge-exchange-institutes-rkeis/institute-of-health-and-wellbeing/projects/