The Howard Foundation has extended its support of Professor John Nolan at South East Technological University (SETU) as Howard Chair until 2031, allowing him to continue to expand into new frontiers of research for the benefit of society.
Over the last two decades, Professor John Nolan has led research on the study of nutrients for human health and function. This work, conducted at the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI) at SETU, has had significant impact for science and society.
Professor Nolan and the late Dr Alan Howard, founder of the Howard Foundation, an English charity, collaborated on many scientific projects leading to seminal research publications, patented scientific discoveries, and setting up an international conference for scientists in the field. Their main area of study identified how certain nutritional supplements improve quality of life for patients with age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.
Connected worldwide
Empowered by the support of the Howard Chair’s funding, Professor Nolan has been able to develop the Research Centre to a level that is renowned and connected worldwide. Researchers at the centre continue to identify new technologies and strategies using nutritional bioactives known as carotenoids (the coloured pigments found in fruits and vegetables) and co-nutrients (e.g. omega-3 fatty acids, form fish and algae) to support human health.
The original support for Professor Nolan as the Howard Chair in Human Nutrition commenced in 2014, was extended to 10 years in 2016, and the recent commitment by the Howard Foundation extends the Chair for a further five years.
Although we have achieved so much to date, it now feels like we are beginning a new chapter for our science, and I am excited to be able to lead this research for many years to come.
Professor John Nolan
Commenting on the news Professor Nolan said, “I am extremely grateful to the Howard Foundation for their continued support of our research, and my position as the Howard Chair in Human Nutrition. Dr Howard worked all his life as a scientist, conducting projects from one research grant to the next. He spoke to me always about the challenges of being a scientist and the instability due to funding requirements.
“This is why he wanted to support a Chair at SETU to allow me to continue my work and support other scientists at our research centre. I am now truly grateful that Julie Lambert, Chair of the Howard Foundation, and the trustees of the Foundation have agreed to continue the support of the Chair at SETU. Although we have achieved so much to date, it now feels like we are beginning a new chapter for our science, and I am excited to be able to lead this research for many years to come.”
Julie Lambert, Chair of the Howard Foundation said: “My father Alan Howard had the vision to create this Chair for Professor Nolan, and I am delighted the Foundation is able to extend this for a further five years. The trustees and I look forward to continuing our support to his research scientists and students in their work.”
Generous support
Professor John Wells, Head of the Faculty of Health Sciences (SETU, Waterford) said: “Our long association with the Howard Foundation and their ongoing generous support of Professor Nolan’s work has been instrumental in establishing SETU at the cutting edge of research in nutritional supplements to improve the quality of life for people with age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. This renewal of funding for Professor Nolan’s work will ensure that that work continues and expands into new frontiers of research to the benefit of older people and to society generally and will further enhance the reputation of SETU based research nationally and internationally.”
Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, SETU Vice President of Research, Innovation and Impact said: “Congratulations to Professor John Nolan on the renewal of his term as the Howard Chair in Human Nutrition. SETU is fortunate to have him as a valued member of our community. We are honoured that the Howard Foundation has once again recognised Professor Nolan and the high standards of research and scientific activity at NRCI by awarding him this Chair support. This achievement reflects his exceptional contributions and commitment to advancing understanding of nutrition's vital role in public health. We look forward to his continued leadership at the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, inspiring innovative research and knowledge transfer, and translational impact.”