This May, NGx: Precision Nutrition for Exercise Across the Lifespan will convene an exceptional group of scientists examining how nutrition and physical activity interact with human biology to influence health across the lifespan. With sixteen speakers representing diverse areas of expertise, the conference will highlight emerging discoveries that are shaping the future of precision nutrition and exercise science.

Here is a closer look at three of the researchers who will be part of this year’s program.

Brian Bennett, PhD, studies the genetic and molecular mechanisms that influence metabolic disease. As a Research Leader at the USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Bennett investigates how diet interacts with genetic variation to affect conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. His research uses systems genetics approaches that integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data to better understand how biological pathways respond to diet. His work helps explain why individuals can respond differently to the same foods and nutritional environments.

Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD, examines how exercise and nutrition influence metabolism and body composition in human populations. A Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Smith-Ryan leads clinical trials studying the effects of training and dietary interventions on metabolic health, cardiovascular function, and physical performance. Her research often focuses on physiological changes across the lifespan and includes an emphasis on women’s health, an area historically underrepresented in exercise research.

John Jakicic, PhD, NGx’s keynote speaker, approaches these questions from a behavioral and public health perspective. His work focuses on the role of physical activity in weight management and the prevention of chronic disease. By studying how exercise patterns influence long-term body weight and metabolic health, Jakicic helped shape evidence-based recommendations for physical activity and obesity prevention.

Each speaker brings a different scientific lens to the study of nutrition and metabolic health. They represent just a glimpse of the expertise that will be shared at NGx. Register today to hear from all sixteen distinguished speakers and engage with the latest research advancing precision nutrition and exercise science.

To learn more about the short course and view registration fees, visit uncnri.org/NGx.