This program is tailored to train early-career researchers and students in cutting-edge nutrition and dietetics research. It aims to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, preparing them for advanced academic career in food science or clinical medicine as dieticians. The target group includes undergraduate students, graduate students, and doctors passionate about human nutrition and translational medicine.

· Weekly mentorship meetings with Prof. ZHANG and a multidisciplinary research team

· Access to advanced dietary survey methodology

· Real-time involvement in clinical trials and translational research projects

· Critical thinking, analytical, and practical inquiry skills utilizing the latest approaches in nutrition and dietetics

· Skills in critical appraisal, research design, and understanding of the entire medical research process

· Understand the principles and applications of human nutrition

· Develop proficiency in cutting-edge dietary survey methodology

· Gain experience in clinical trial design and analysis

· Cultivate skills in nutritional evaluation and lecturing

6 weeks

Weight management with a focus on:

· Individualized diet for overweight/obese people

· A newly developed dietary survey methodology with AI recognition and wide-covering database

Projects:

1. Optimizing dietary survey with AI recognition to achieve precise nutrients intake

2. Relationship between intestinal bacterial translocation and activation of intestinal lamina propria dendritic cells after Trauma/hemorrhagic shock 

Undergraduate students:

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Prior coursework in nutrition or food science is preferred. Basic proficiency in English is required.

Graduate students:

Candidates must be enrolled in a Master's, M.D. or Ph.D. program in biomedicine, nutrition, or a related field. Familiarity with research methodologies and laboratory techniques is required. Fluency in English is mandatory.

Doctors:

Candidates must hold an M.D. degree with clinical experience, preferably in dietetics or internal medicine. Research experience is not mandatory but is a strong advantage. Applicants must be fluent in English.

Daily Training Schedule:

Monday:

9:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Learn on dietetic consults

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lecture of human nutrition

Tuesday:

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Learn on dietetic clinics

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Practical operation of body composition analyzer  

Friday:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Data analysis for clinical trial results

14:00 PM – 15:30 PM: One-on-one mentorship meetings

Program Training Schedule:

1. Introduction & Welcome

Time Duration: (1 day)

Activities:

· Workshop overview and objectives

· Introduction of dietetics and nutritionists

2. Foundational Session

Time Duration: (1 week)

Topics:

· The exigence of nutrition in the Plan of Health China 2030

· Literature review with panel discussion

Format: multimedia presentations

3. Practical/Hands-On Session

Time Duration: (2 weeks)

Activities:

· Demonstration of a newly developed database with various dishes and foods in addition to AI recognition upon nutritional values

· Practice exercises where participants replicate the process of nutritional lecturing towards obese people

· Guided small-group activities for the complete process of “clinic-to-table” guidance for patients

4. Focused Research Topics

Time Duration: (2 weeks)

Topics:

· The burden of overweight and obesity for individuals and nations

· Challenges to obtain precise data of patients' diet

Format: Interactive lectures

5. Collaborative Session

Time Duration: (1 week)

Activities:

· Group report on a typical weight-loss case

6. Wrap-Up & Reflection

Time Duration: (2 days)

Activities:

· Participant presentations of key takeaways

· Feedback session available online and live

Assessment Methods:

· Submission of a final research report summarizing thoughts and findings

· Practical assessments during the workshop

· Certificates provided upon successful completion of the program

Feedback for Participants:

Participants can submit anonymous feedback via an online form at the end of the program. One-on-one feedback sessions will also be scheduled midway through the program.

The program is free of charge.