Academic awarded for outstanding contribution to nutrition and dietetics

Jun 12, 2007

Professor Linda Tapsell, Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods at the University of Wollongong, has been awarded an Acknowledgment of Outstanding Contribution by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

DAA President, Julie Hulcombe, said Professor Tapsell has demonstrated devotion to a high standard of research in nutrition and dietetics in Australia through an outstanding record of service.

Professor Tapsell was Chairperson of the Scientific Program Sub-Committee which developed the program for the successful 2006 DAA National Conference held in Sydney.

“Through her commitment to the publication of high-quality research, Professor Tapsell worked with a team of associate editors and committee members to introduce formalised peer review of conference abstracts for publication,” Ms Hulcombe said.

As part of this effort she conducted a workshop on preparing abstracts for submission to Nutrition and Dietetics -- the official journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia, including the Journal of the New Zealand Dietetic Association.

Professor Tapsell also coordinated the introduction of on-line submissions of abstracts and assessment by committee members and associate editors. In her role as Editor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Professor Tapsell achieved publication of conference abstracts as a supplement to the journal for the first time in 2006.

Accepting her award, Professor Tapsell said it was always nice to “have your hard work recognised, but even better if you enjoyed the work”.

“I would like to thank everyone engaged in the enterprise, in particular the program committee, associate editors, authors, the DAA support and conference organisers,” she said.

Professor Tapsell is a DAA Fellow, a credential which recognises high profile and proactive leaders who use high-level nutrition and dietetic skills and influence to significantly enhance the health of the community.

Professor Tapsell has vast experience in clinical dietetics, community and public health and academic/research/food industry interface settings.