New initiative focuses on importance of research for all dietetics practitioners.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has launched Research Month to take place every May.
The initiative and its annual theme, Research Matters!, will highlight the relevance and importance of scientific research in dietetics, while promoting valuable resources the Academy provides to encourage and support the research process by all registered dietitian nutritionists.
“Research has practical applications in every area of dietetics practice, making a solid research background a useful tool for every RDN,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Dr. Evelyn Crayton. “This new awareness campaign will help the Academy further promote the incredible work of RDNs in improving the lives of everyone through current, science-based nutrition guidance.”
As part of Research Month, the Academy will profile members in its Food & Nutrition Magazine who are active in dietetics research in a variety of practice areas. Additionally, the Academy has launched an improved research section of its professionally-focused website, eatrightPRO.org. This new content is designed to help both registered dietitian nutritionists and allied health professionals better engage in research, regardless of their day-to-day practice area.
The Academy develops research priorities that guide policy and standards for practice; strategies for advocating, facilitating, convening, funding and educating members; and collaboration with other scientists, health care providers and professional organizations.
“Research forms the backbone of dietetics practice and is the basis for the Academy’s work in consumer education and public policy,” Crayton said. “Practice-based research activity is critical to discovering not only how nutrition interventions affect different disease states, but also how they impact outcomes and the lives of patients. Research in community settings also fills a public health function and determines the role of nutrition in achieving a healthy population.”