Pascal Takes 2006 Ajinomoto Prize for Nutritional Research

During more than twenty years of research in the field of nutrition, Professor Pascal has completed important studies on n-3 and n-6 series fatty acids and provided expert advice in the safety assessment of food additives and ingredients.

16/02/07 The 2006 Ajinomoto Prize for Nutritional Research has been awarded to Professor Gérard Pascal, Chairman of the Scientific Steering Committee of the European Union.

The prize has been awarded in recognition of more than twenty years of research in the field of nutrition and food toxicology. During this time, Professor Pascal has completed important studies on n-3 and n-6 series fatty acids and provided expert advice in the safety assessment of food additives and ingredients.

The prize was presented to Professor Pascal by Bernard Guy-Grand, President of the Ajinomoto Association for Research in Nutrition and Mr Norifumi Okita, President of Ajinomoto Sweeteners Europe SAS, at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris.

In presenting the award, Mr Okita pointed out that 2006 marks the sixteenth anniversary of the Ajinomoto Prize for Nutritional Research. As the producer of Ajinomoto Aspartame, the company is committed to providing support to researchers in the field of nutrition and the Prize represents this long-standing investment in the future of nutrition across the world.

This year's winner, Professor Gérard Pascal, is currently involved on the steering committees of numerous international research projects, as well as on project assessment committees, including the Grant Panel of the World Cancer Research Foundation. In addition to his advisory roles, Professor Pascal is writing a specialist work about the scientific development of methodologies for assessing food safety, drawing on his experience in food toxicology.

Talking about his future plans, Professor Pascal said: "I shall continue to be involved in the public debate about topics concerning food that are in the news to try to re-establish public confidence in science and innovation. This confidence has been undermined significantly and many young researchers are suffering as a result."

It is more important than ever that original research receives the recognition and support of the private sector. The increase in metabolic illness and the surge in obesity across the world illustrate the need and value of cooperation between scientists and the food industry. Ajinomoto's investment in research through the Ajinomoto Prize for Nutritional Research demonstrates its commitment to improving nutrition for all.