Professor Sue Lanham-New is Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Surrey. She joined the Scientific Advisory Committee for Nutrition (SACN) in June 2010.
Making a meaningful contribution
Sue’s research focuses on the relationship between nutrition and bone health, particularly looking at the role of vitamin D and diet. Sue was inspired to join the SACN because of its longstanding reputation for rigour and excellence. As a doctoral student, she often looked to the recommendations made by SACN’s predecessor, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA), as an “incredible source of information.” When the opportunity arose to apply for membership herself, Sue was motivated by a desire to contribute her critical thinking skills, enthusiasm and expertise to the committee’s work. She saw it as a chance not only to gain valuable experience but also to make a meaningful contribution by ensuring that the committee’s recommendations are robust, evidence-based, and in the public interest.
Lasting impact
Sue’s work has had lasting impacts through her SACN membership and involvement in the committee’s working groups. For example, as a member of the Vitamin D working group she made a significant contribution to public health by establishing a new recommendation for vitamin D intake. This has become widely adopted and cited. She feels proud to have put vitamin D “in the spotlight” as there was no UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) prior to publication of the group’s report.
Providing a critical voice and learning from others
Sue reflects on her time with SACN with pride, describing herself as “a critical voice and a critical friend in the room.” She values her longstanding membership and is committed to ensuring that “everything we produce from SACN is well considered and is well thought through.”
Sue is passionate about the impact of SACN’s research recommendations and would encourage other researchers to use them as a springboard for future grant applications. “We spend a lot of time on those recommendations as we want them to provide a useful indication of key knowledge gaps to be addressed.”
Collaboration and learning from others have been a highlight for Sue, particularly working alongside her fellow SACN members, Chief Scientific Advisers and with other advisory groups. She appreciates the exposure to topics outside her area of expertise and opportunities to contribute to multidisciplinary reports.
She feels well supported in her role and is extremely grateful to the SACN secretariat, describing them as “absolutely phenomenal.” She commends their attention to detail and ability to deliver at pace, ensuring that the committee runs seamlessly.
Advice to other academics
Sue’s advice is to ask to observe committee meetings to understand how they operate. She also recommends getting involved with different committees, including parliamentary and scientific ones. She encourages actively seeking out opportunities, noting that “the door won’t open if you don’t knock on it.”
Reflecting on her own experience, Sue would strongly encourage others to join a government science advisory body as “you will learn so much and you can make a difference. It’s been a huge privilege to be able to use my knowledge and expertise to influence policy.”
