Dr. David B. Allison, distinguished professor and director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been elected Chair-Elect of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) Obesity Research Interest Section (RIS). The ASN is “dedicated to bringing together the world’s top researchers, clinical nutritionists and industry to advance our knowledge and application of nutrition for the sake of humans and animals.” Their focus ranges from “the most critical details of research and application to the broadest applications in society, in the United States and around the world.”

[Photo: Dr. David B. Allison]

RISs were established as part of the ASN to “ensure representation of and support for the various areas of nutritional research within the publications and scientific programs of the institute, and provide a mechanism for effective involvement of the membership in the affairs of the institute, and enhance the participation of and contact with scientists in other disciplines who have interest in the scientific fields related to nutrition.”

According to the ASN, the purpose of the Obesity RIS (OBRIS) is specifically to facilitate and promote scientific exchange among ASN members who focus on research, teaching, and outreach activities in the area of obesity. OBRIS provides a mechanism for representing and integrating the disease of obesity within ASN’s governance and activities. Activities of this RIS “target a more effective programming of symposia, mini symposia, and controversy sessions at scientific meetings such as Experimental Biology that meet the needs of all ASN members.” One of its major goals is to promote participation and mentoring of young investigators interested in obesity, a passion for which Dr. Allison has demonstrated throughout his career, particularly among women and minorities.