Westmead researcher named fellow of Australia’s peak nutrition organisation

Professor Vicki Flood’s thirty year career in nutrition science and dietetics has been recognised this week by the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) who awarded her a fellowship for her contribution to the scientific study of nutrition.

A conjoint professor at the University of Sydney and professor of allied health at Western Sydney Health District (WSLHD), Vicki joins only three other researchers from across Australia to receive a fellowship this year.

Commenting on the award Vicki said: “I feel really honoured to be acknowledged by my peers and join an esteemed list of researchers who are fellows of the NSA.”

Well known in the nutrition research field for her contribution to the body of knowledge around nutrition and eye disease, Vicki played a key role in an important longitudinal study that provided information on the protective effects of diet and eye health.

Having published over 180 peer reviewed papers Vicki draws on this experience to support emerging researchers at WSLHD.

“I provide mentoring across the breadth of allied health staff, to build capacity in research and apply translation of research into practice,” she said.

When COVID-19 began Vicki established a journal club to help allied health clinicians stay on top of the new research that was coming out. The monthly sessions helped clinicians to translate new research quickly into their day-to-day practice.

“Helping our clinicians navigate the research space is really important. We run regular research and education forums, and are proactive in seeking opportunities for multi-disciplinary collaboration.”

Vicki’s next multidisciplinary research project is focused on preventing cellulitis (a common and usually painful bacterial skin infection). Watch this space for exciting future findings from Vicki and her multidisciplinary team!