Research project NuHCas: Open research and innovation center at the interface between food and health

General introduction

The NuHCaS (Nutrition Health Care Systems) initiative is an interesting, active B2B community with the shared goal of getting the nutrition, health and care sectors to collaborate more intensively around the theme of 'better food for (longer) healthy care needs'. NuHCaS was born in September 2019, as an open research and innovation center initiated and led by Flanders' FOOD, VIVES Hogeschool, ILVO, POM West Flanders and TUA West. For the benefit of a "healthier consumer," the food and health sectors intensified their collaboration, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers and policy makers from both sectors.

Research approach

NuHCaS is (still) working to identify needs within the food, care and health sectors. Based on this, collaborations are set up and research projects are started that aim at knowledge building and innovation. Through this multidisciplinary approach, bridges are built between different fields of expertise, with the aim of developing science-based solutions that promote health through nutrition.

Relevance/Valorization

The NuHCaS partnership has already organized several inspiring seminars, engaging tours and focused brainstorming sessions. It has gathered data about existing needs and initiated new projects. The systemic approach works efficiently to develop scientific knowledge about the impact of nutrition on our health and, in doing so, immediately improve the quality of life on the ground.