Novo Nordisk and ASN Foundation award obesity and metabolic research advances

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have announced the winners of this year’s ASN Foundation-Novo Nordisk Foundation Henrik Dam and Flemming Quaade Awards, recognizing two scientists driving new insights and solutions for obesity and nutrition. 

The awards support innovative work for nutrition science and public health. They are a part of a multiyear partnership between the ASN Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation to accelerate breakthroughs in global health and recognize up-and-coming leaders in nutrition research.

Metabolic health research

The Henrik Dam Award for Scientific Discovery in Nutrition was awarded to Anna Thalacker-Mercer, Ph.D., a leading nutrition scientist and associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, US. 

Thalacker-Mercer has been awarded a research grant of DKK1.7 million (~US$260,000) and a personal award of DKK300,000 (~US$46,000) to host a lecture at the ASN Foundations’ Nutrition 2026 lecture and a symposium at her institution.

Her research transforms scientists’ understanding of micronutrients’ role in skeletal muscle health, metabolism, and aging. Her prior work has demonstrated that amino acids are crucial for muscle regeneration and remodeling, which has transformed the scientific perspective on tissue repair. 

Additionally, she studies the role of vitamin B12 in muscle mitochondrial biology and proteostasis, which may have consequences for chronic disease and age-related conditions. Her work combines molecular biology, clinical research, and metabolism, investigating how micronutrients actively support muscle resilience, recovery, and health. 

Pediatric obesity advancements

Dr. Rachel Whooten, assistant professor of Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in Boston, US, and a member of the Divisions of Pediatric Endocrinology and General Academic Pediatrics, has received the Flemming Quaade Award for Innovative Approaches to Childhood Obesity.

The award recognizes Whooten’s contribution to obesity prevention and management, as her research has contributed to more coordinated and accessible care.The award recognizes her contribution to obesity prevention and management, as her research has contributed to more coordinated and accessible care.

Her work is supported by competitive federal funding. It is pediatric-focused and aims to connect primary care with specialized services. She investigates how clinical care can be improved by integrating lifestyle support for families, using implementation science. 

Whooten combines expertise in pediatric endocrinology and public health, spanning prevention and treatment across life spans to improve real-world strategies. She has been awarded a research grant of DKK500,000 (~US$78,000) and a travel stipend to also present at Nutrition 2026.

“Thalacker-Mercer’s work is reshaping our understanding of micronutrients and muscle health, while Whooten’s research is advancing practical approaches to improving pediatric obesity care. Together, their work highlights the important role of nutrition science in addressing major public health challenges,” says Marie-Louise Hartoft-Nielsen, VP of Clinical Medicine and Diabetes at the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Paul Coates, Ph.D., chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASN Foundation, comments: “The work of Thalacker-Mercer and Whooten reflects the impact we aim to recognize with these awards. Their research is helping to close important knowledge gaps and advance more effective, real-world approaches to nutrition and obesity.”

“We appreciate the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s continued partnership and commitment to supporting outstanding researchers whose work is improving health outcomes worldwide.”