Part of the CRN-I 2026 Symposium Series
20 October
15:00 – 16:30 EDT / 21:00 – 22:30 CEST
REGISTER HERE.
The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are among the most extensively researched nutrients in human health, yet their full relevance to developing nutrition policy remains an active area of scientific inquiry. This session brings together two leading international experts to examine current evidence on DHA and EPA across the lifespan — from maternal and pediatric nutrition to cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and healthy aging. Attendees will explore where the science is settled, where key questions remain, and what the evidence means for nutrition recommendations and regulatory frameworks globally. This virtual, 90-minute session is available at no cost to government regulators, researchers, clinicians, policy professionals, and dietary supplement industry stakeholders worldwide.
Hear from:
- Danielle Christifano, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center - Philip C. Calder, Ph.D.
Professor of Nutritional Immunology, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
Moderated by:
- Sonia Hartunian-Sowa, Ph.D.
Director, Nutrition Science & Advocacy, dsm-firmenich
REGISTER HERE.
Complimentary. Virtual. 90 minutes.
Open to government regulators, researchers, clinicians, policy professionals, and nutrition industry stakeholders worldwide.
Presenters
Danielle Christifano, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center
Danielle Christifano, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her research focuses on maternal and infant nutrition, with an emphasis on omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and other nutrients that support healthy pregnancy outcomes and early-life neurodevelopment. She leads clinical and community-based research aimed at translating nutrition science into practical strategies to improve maternal and child health.
Dr. Christifano is a Past President of the U.S. Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Society and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL). She is also actively engaged in graduate education and mentorship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in master’s- and doctoral-level programs.
Philip C. Calder, Ph.D.
Professor of Nutritional Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
Philip Calder is Professor of Nutritional Immunology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. He is an internationally recognized researcher in nutritional immunology and in the metabolism and functionality of fatty acids, with particular emphasis on the roles of omega-3 fatty acids. His research has both life-course and translational perspectives.
Professor Calder has received numerous awards, including the Danone International Prize for Nutrition, the DSM Lifetime Achievement Prize in Human Nutrition, the European Lipid Science Award, the GOED Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Alexander Leaf Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids. His leadership roles have included President of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, President of the Nutrition Society, and President of the Federation of European Nutrition Societies.
He was Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Nutrition and is currently Editor-in-Chief of Lipids and an Associate Editor of Clinical Science, Journal of Nutrition, Frontiers in Immunology, and Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. Professor Calder has more than 800 peer-reviewed publications and is recognized as a highly cited author.
Moderator
Sonia Hartunian-Sowa, Ph.D.
Director, Nutrition Science & Advocacy, dsm-firmenich
Sonia Hartunian-Sowa, Ph.D., is a nutrition science, translation, and advocacy leader at dsm-firmenich. Her work focuses on translating nutrition research into evidence-based solutions and clear scientific communication, including the role of omega-3 fatty acids in supporting health across the lifespan. She brings experience spanning food science, nutrition, product development, education, and industry advocacy.