We were happy to welcome Prof. Wafaie Fawzi from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for the 10th PHRI International Lectureship, held April 8 and 9 at our Hamilton office.
Prof. Fawzi shared insights from decades of work in nutrition and public health. His keynote focused on adolescent nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa and how addressing knowledge gaps can improve health outcomes and support sustainable development, an approach that aligns closely with PHRI’s mission.
“At PHRI, our mission is to turn ideas and hypotheses into evidence, and we do that very well. Most outcomes that are important to people are the ones being investigated and changed by the research done at PHRI,” said Hertzel Gerstein, PHRI’s Interim Executive Director.
Prof. Fawzi also emphasized the impact of PHRI’s work on translating evidence into real-world changes. “It’s an honor to be here at McMaster and PHRI, a place that’s famous for many things. In a lot of research happening here at PHRI around clinical trials and observational studies in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many other conditions, much of the evidence has been translated into policy and impact.”
The following morning, Prof. Fawzi led a lively and engaging session with PHRI researchers and staff on the role of micronutrients in pregnancy, sharing insights from recent randomized trials.
Later that day, Prof. Fawzi joined Senior Scientist Sonia Anand and local leaders from MEALsource, Tastebuds, and 541 Eatery & Exchange for a fireside chat on building healthier food programs for schools and hospitals, with a focus on community-led solutions.
Thanks to Prof. Fawzi and to everyone who took part in making this year’s lectureship special and fruitful.
