Professor Ian Macdonald from the university’s School of Life Sciences, won the annual BNF award which recognises individuals and groups for their achievement in an area of nutrition.
Macdonald is credited with pioneering research into nutrition, dietary habits and exercise as well as metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
He also sits on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), informing government policy on issues relating to the nation’s diet and its effect on public health.
“I was surprised and flattered to receive it, but at the same time very pleased, as one might expect,” said Macdonald.
“It is a reflection of the excellent research environment in human nutrition and physiology that has been built in Nottingham during my long time here and the outstanding research collaborations we have established both in Nottingham and around the world.
“Much of this research has been of an applied nature, using a rigorous scientific approach to answer clinically relevant questions in patients or to identify the role of dietary components and lifestyle to optimising health.”
Professor Judy Buttriss, BNF’s director general, added: “The BNF Prize is awarded annually by BNF’s Council in recognition and celebration of a contribution of outstanding merit in the world of nutrition and health.”
“Professor Macdonald was nominated for his internationally respected work in the fields of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and exercise, and for his work on SACN, the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.”
Princess Anne, who is patron of the BNF presented Macdonald with his prize at a ceremony at the Royal College of Physicians in London on 14 November.