Academy Urges Federal Support for Nutrition Research and RDN Leadership

February 19, 2025 – Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, released the following statement on federal nutrition research funding and the vital role of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in federal food and nutrition policies.

"RDNs play a critical role in advancing nutrition care, improving public health and combating chronic disease—key priorities of this administration.

Science and evidence-based practice are the foundation of the dietetics profession, ensuring decisions and actions are informed by the best available research, practitioner expertise and documented outcomes. Education and training for the RDN starts at universities where researchers and educators receive vital federal funding to advance the foundation of knowledge in nutrition and food science. While improving efficiency within government systems is laudable, maintaining robust funding for research is essential to advancing the administration’s goal of improving public health.

Changes to federal food and nutrition funding, elimination of population-based databases and removal of key nutrition positions within federal agencies such as the National Institute of Health, United States Department of Agriculture and the Administration of Community Living have the potential to severely impact the health of the population. The Academy urges federal leadership to:

• Maintain or increase nutrition research funding across all agencies
• Set adequate indirect costs rates for research grants to ensure preservation of nutrition research and programs
• Maintain and support key nutrition researcher positions
• Preserve access to critical population-based data

The Academy and its members are committed to strengthening food and nutrition research and ensuring RDNs play a central role in federal initiatives. Together, we can shape a future where evidence-based nutrition guides public health policies."

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