HDHL Food4Health Drives Innovation for Food Sustainability
The HDHL Food4Health project brings together leading European organisations to address the intertwined challenges of food- and diet-related Non-Communicable Diseases and Climate Change, by fostering collaboration and aligning research efforts across food, health, and environment areas.
Building on the foundation of the Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life (HDHL) initiative, HDHL Food4Health expands the network and promotes collaboration across sectors to identify and address shared Research & Innovation (R&I) priorities. The initiative seeks to break down silos between government, academia, industry, and citizens to enhance societal impact, support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and drive the transition toward healthier, more sustainable food systems.
Main activities
HDHL Food4Health is excited to begin with these key activities:
- Expanding the HDHL network and stakeholder engagement.
- Organising co-creation workshops to define common R&I priorities.
- Coordinating actions across government, academia, industry, and citizens.
- Supporting alignment of food and health systems with the SDGs.
- Facilitating joint funding calls and transdisciplinary research initiatives.
- Promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
- Catalysing progress toward healthier diets, improved public health, and environmental sustainability.
Consortium
The consortium is coordinated by ZonMw and includes 11 partners from a diverse background of academic institutions, public health and research organisations, professional associations, public authorities and organisations and non-profit associations from 8 countries across Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Serbia, Italy, France, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia).
ZonMw - a Dutch public organisation that coordinates and funds research and promotes quality and innovation in the field of health research, initiating and fostering new developments, while also actively promoting knowledge transfer and implementation. ZonMw is the HDHL initiative and HDHL Food4Health coordinator.
EV-ILVO - is the independent scientific research institute of the Flanders’ Government. With a strong track record in leading and implementing advice for research, innovation and policy gaps, priorities and agendas in many national and European networks and initiatives. Its focus is to generate knowledge for increased sustainability in the agriculture, fisheries and agri-food sectors.
INRAE – A public health institute, applying mission-oriented research for better food and nutrition, preservation of the environment and competitive, sustainable agricultural practices. INRAE covers the whole field of agricultural research including environmental research, rural areas and rural development, food and nutrition.
IBA - A public research body coordinated by the Ministry of Research and Innovation, focusing on the areas of food safety, nutrition, consumer behaviour and food (bio)technologies. Its mission is to address societal challenges by elaborating, implementing and disseminating agri-food research results.
KTU – An academic institution, works to expand knowledge and innovative and technological solutions for the well- being of humans within preventative and sustainable food systems. It has been involved in the SCAR FS WG for several years and brings the perspective as one of the Baltic States into the consortium.
IZM – The Latvian Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for education, science, sports, youth and state language policies in Latvia. MES fosters a highly innovative, wealthy and integrated society in which everyone has equal opportunities for development. Funding fundamental and applied research and a specific program for creation of knowledge on national development goals.
MASAF - Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, responsible for the definition of national research programs in all areas of agricultural, agro-food and forestry research.
EPHA - An international non-profit association established in Belgium. Its mission is to advocate for the protection and improvement of public health in Europe, both via health policies and across all other relevant policy areas that have an impact on health. EPHA brings experience in evidence-based policy development and stakeholder inclusiveness.
ILSI Europe – A non-profit organisation, ILSI Europe fosters a safe, nutritious and sustainable food supply for all with trusted and impactful science. It communicates and disseminates science-based guidance to tackle food, public health and sustainability challenges by facilitating collaboration and consensus building between academic, industry and public service experts.
EFAD - The European Federation of the Associations of EFAD’s mission is to improve nutritional health and promote sustainable diets in Europe by advocating the leadership role for dietitians in collaboration with its members and stakeholders. It is the pan-European organisation for National Dietetic Associations and for Higher Education Institutions that train dietitians, representing over 35,000 dietitians (over 50% of the profession) and 9,000+ student dietitians in Europe.
IRI - A think tank established in Serbia, with a vision to establish an economically and democratically developed society based on equal opportunities. IRI has implemented over 30 projects and expert analyses in cooperation with numerous local and European donors. IRI ensures meaningful integration of Social Science and Humanities disciplines.
Upcoming events
Follow our upcoming activities updates and have a look at what we’ve been up to by browsing our past events.