Presidential priorities include growth and sustainability of ASN’s publishing portfolio, cultivating a more diverse and inclusive global membership, and leading ASN through the second phase of its 10-year strategic plan.
Rockville, MD (July 1, 2021) – The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) named Paul Coates, PhD, as President for the 2021-2022 year, succeeding Lindsay Allen, PhD, who remains on the Board of Directors as Past President. His term begins on July 1, 2021.
“Dr. Allen led ASN through exceptionally challenging times, helping ASN to thrive. I am honored and excited to continue her legacy advancing the science, translation, education, and practice of nutrition,” said Dr. Coates.
Dr. Coates retired from his position as Director of the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) in 2018, after spending 19 years working in ODS, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Prior to that, he spent 20 years working in academics as a human geneticist and 6 years at NIH, where he was introduced to the field of nutrition and the application of research into public policy. He received his PhD in human genetics from Queen’s University in Canada and completed his postdoctoral training at University College London. His research has been focused on inborn errors of human lipid metabolism. His research studies have contributed to defining many genetic defects of human mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and led to a new understanding of the role of environmental factors, such as diet, in the manifestation of genetic disease.
Dr. Coates has been a member of ASN since 1996. He received ASN’s Conrad A. Elvehjen Award in 2011 for public service in nutrition and in 2013 he was inducted as a Fellow of ASN, the highest honor the society bestows. He has also served as associate editor of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and as Treasurer on the Board of Directors. Dr. Coates has published 140 peer-reviewed original research papers and 4 books.
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Coates lead ASN through a time of unprecedented change in the world, building on the successes Dr. Allen achieved during her presidency and continuing the growth in all areas of the Society,” said ASN’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. John Courtney.
In a meeting of ASN’s Board of Directors, Dr. Coates presented his presidential priorities. He plans to further the work of ASN’s 10-year strategic plan, facilitate the development of new nutrition research priorities, and expand the relationship between ASN and other federal funding agencies. In addition, Dr. Coates aims to continue to elevate ASN around the world, executing priorities from diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and ensure future growth and sustainability of ASN’s publishing portfolio. He supports the expanded mission of the ASN Foundation (ASNF) and will partner with ASNF’s Board of Trustees to foster continued growth.
The American Society for Nutrition elects a new president every year, with terms beginning in July. Candidates include the most highly respected professors, researchers, and clinicians, with rich backgrounds in generating new nutrition knowledge, community engagement, public policy advocacy, and academic leadership across a broad spectrum of nutritional science areas.
ASN also welcomes the following new board members and changes in leadership:
Vice President: Martha Belury, PhD, of Ohio State University
Vice President-Elect: Kevin Schalinske, PhD, of Iowa State University
Secretary: Barbara Lyle, PhD, of B Lyle, Inc
Treasurer-Elect: April Stull, PhD, RD, FAND, of Baylor University
Director At-Large for Nutrition Population Science: Regan Bailey, PhD, MPH, RD, of Purdue University
Nominating Committee: Catherine Field, PhD, RD, of University of Alberta
New Ex-Officio Members:
Early Career Nutrition Representative: Sahar Ajabshir, MSc, PhD, of Florida International University
NBPNS Representative: Doron Kahana, MD, CPNS, of Los Angeles County Ambulatory Care Network
Sustaining Partner Roundtable, Chair: Andrew Shao, MS, PhD, of ChromaDex Corp
ASN is the preeminent professional organization for nutrition research scientists and clinicians around the world. Founded in 1928, the society brings together the top nutrition researchers, medical practitioners, policy makers and industry leaders to advance our knowledge and application of nutrition. ASN publishes four peer-reviewed journals, provides education and professional development opportunities, and hosts an annual meeting, NUTRITION. Learn more at www.nutrition.org
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