NUTRAHEALTH · Improving Research Capacity of TUBITAK MRC Food Institute on Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and Natural Health Products

Functional foods, nutraceuticals, and natural health products (NHP) represent one of the fastest growing areas of research and development leading to novel products intended for disease prevention and health promotion beyond basic nutrition. In brief, functional foods have health-enhancing properties in addition to normal nutritional benefits. Nutraceuticals are made from food but are sold in pill, powder or medicinal forms, and have medical qualities. NHP not only include nutraceuticals, but encompass herbal and other natural products. The objectives of this proposal are (1) to improve research potential of existing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and NHP research laboratory (herein referred to as the NutraHEALTH) within Food Institute, (2) to coordinate networking and co-operative activities in this fostering field through a number of scientific and technical events, and (3) to integrate FP7 projects. Specifically, the NutraHEALTH intends to improve its research potential in this field. The approach for accomplishing the project objective is multi-disciplinary, which includes the following work packages: project management, improving infrastructure, supporting research potential of human resources, organising scientific events and networking, participating scientific events, communication and dissemination, technical-site visit, and exchange of researchers. The NutraHEALTH is interested in ensuring the maximum benefit from these well-planned activities. Existing NutraHEALTHCentre’s infrastructure will be improved together with human research potential. The knowledge and capabilities of the NutraHEALTH’s research will be enhanced with conference, seminars, open-&info days, brokerage events, and exchange of researchers. Strategic networks and collaboration with experienced research centres and universities among Turkey and EU countries will be developed. More importantly, the centre will facilitate the participation in FP7 projects by the achievement of this proposal.