International innovation and impact recognised with prestigious award

A professor in plant nutrition from the University of Nottingham has won a presitgious Innovator of the Year award for international impact, in recognition of his world-leading research into solving hidden hunger. Profesor Martin Broadley, jointly with Dr Louise Ander of the British Geological Survey (BGS), were presented with the award by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for their pioneering work on GeoNutrition and the spatial aspects of hidden hunger. This project is supporting international efforts to reduce micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. These MNDs are often called 'hidden hunger' because they can arise even when a person's energy intake is adequate and can cause a profound disease burden at population levels. The BBSRC awards are designed to recognise the full breadth of impacts that BBSRC investments in research have, from creation of spinout companies or social enterprises, to working in collaboration with business and NGOs, to working with policy makers, both in the UK and abroad. Collaborative ethos Professor Broadley said: "Louise and I are delighted and honoured to share this award. The judging panel were interested to hear how a project with its roots in innovative approaches to spatial micronutrient mapping in UK food systems, supported by BBSRC funding, is now being applied on cross-national and regional scales.