From Navigating Uncertainty to Building Sustainability: A Chat with Outgoing Chair Béatrice Morio
As Béatrice Morio concludes her six-year tenure as Chair of Healthy Diet, Healthy Life (HDHL), we reflect on a period marked by transition, key strategic choices, and lasting impact. In this article, Béatrice shares her reflections on her role that began on the brink of a global crisis and grew into a story of continuity and repositioning.
From pandemic-era leadership to securing HDHL’s future
When Béatrice Morio stepped into the role of Chair of HDHL in 2019, the world was on the brink of a global pandemic. Overnight, long-laid plans turned into virtual meetings, and informal exchanges were replaced by carefully scheduled videoconferences. It was in this strange and shifting landscape that Béatrice began to guide HDHL through what would become five of its most decisive years.
“We had just come out of a year of videoconferencing, during which I had met my colleagues digitally and built each of them in my imagination,” she recalls with a smile. “Reality turned some of my ideas upside down!”
But behind the light-hearted reflection lies a period of complex decisions and strategic repositioning. Béatrice's tenure coincided with a critical moment for HDHL: the initiative needed to redefine its place in a changing European research landscape, all while moving toward becoming a self-sustaining and forward-looking force in food, nutrition and health research.
“The greatest challenge was to ensure the sustainability and refocusing of HDHL in the context of the creation of the new EU partnerships,” Béatrice explains. “We had to reposition HDHL's commitments while preserving its relevance and usefulness to the European community, whether scientific, political or societal.”
Building While Leading
Despite the challenges — or perhaps because of them — HDHL made significant strides under Béatrice’s leadership. It was during this time that HDHL reframed its long-term strategy, launched new activities such as the NUTRIMMUNE call in response to COVID-19, started hosting webinars, and welcomed new member countries, including Brazil. These developments laid the groundwork for a more global and resilient initiative.
In 2024, HDHL reached another major milestone: it secured funding for the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) HDHL Food4Health. This project will play a central role in aligning and strengthening the European research and innovation agenda around food, nutrition, and health — and it’s also where Béatrice will continue to contribute in the years to come.
“The HDHL Food4Health CSA is undoubtedly the strongest link I will maintain with HDHL in the years to come. I am convinced that opportunities will arise to continue our collaboration — and I will not fail to seize them.”
HDHL’s strength lies in its community
Throughout these five years, Béatrice emphasised not just strategy and results, but people and relationships.
Hard work. Collegial and strategic construction. Committed and fantastic community.
“Hard work. Collegial and strategic construction. Committed and fantastic community.” — This is how she sums up her journey at HDHL in three lines.
She often highlighted the dedication of the HDHL coordination team and member countries, especially in moments when long-term goals had to be balanced with urgent decisions.
Passing the baton with trust and optimism
“Ensuring the sustainability of HDHL must undoubtedly be placed at the centre of our achievements,” Béatrice reflects. “It allows us to look forward with confidence to an even more effective and committed future.”
And thanks to her leadership, that future is one that HDHL is ready to shape.
Now, with the official handover during the recent Management Board meeting, HDHL looks ahead to a new chapter. The incoming Chair and Vice-Chair, Eileen Gibney and Edith Feskens, bring scientific excellence and energy to the role. Béatrice offers them warm words — not of advice, but of trust:
“They are great scientists already fully committed to leading HDHL. I sincerely hope that they will appreciate the trusting support and inspiring dynamism of the coordination team. I wish them every success in further expanding and consolidating HDHL.”
