Jun 33 min read

Barbara Bray's Mission to Enhance Healthy Ageing Through Nutrition: Empowering Longevity

Updated: Jun 4

Barbara Bray's remarkable journey epitomizes the convergence of scientific rigor, visionary thinking, and an unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of older adults through nutrition. As a PhD researcher at Queen's University Belfast, Barbara is at the forefront of groundbreaking work focused on healthy ageing diets, aiming to protect the health of those over 65 years old. Her research delves into designing and evaluating nutritionally adequate diets tailored for healthy ageing, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Her efforts are instrumental in paving the way for more effective nutritional strategies that can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults, ensuring they maintain their health and vitality as they age.

Barbara's dedication to her craft is evident in her diverse experiences and accomplishments. Prior to 10 years in food consultancy, she worked in the Ugandan agri-business sector and spent fourteen years in technical roles within the European chilled foods sector, accumulating invaluable expertise in food systems and sustainability. Her academic credentials include an MSc in Human Nutrition, and she is a Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition, underscoring her deep knowledge and commitment to the field. This extensive background has equipped Barbara with a unique perspective on the interplay between nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability, allowing her to approach the issue of healthy ageing from a holistic and informed standpoint.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Barbara's leadership and advocacy efforts have left an indelible mark on the industry. She has served as the director of the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference and represented the Private Sector Mechanism with speeches at the UN Committee for Food Security in Rome. Her contributions have been recognized with esteemed honours, including a Nuffield Farming Scholarship in 2017 and an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2019, a testament to her exceptional impact. These accolades not only highlight her individual achievements but also bring attention to the critical importance of her work in nutrition and food security, further establishing her as a leading figure in the field. She is currently part of the BBSRC funded Doctoral Research Programme, which trains PhD researchers in food systems.

Barbara's commitment to empowering others is exemplified through her efforts to elevate the food system and promote safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all. She also undertook a professional internship with Defra, where she studied the food practices of older people in the UK. The goal was to understand the healthiness and sustainability of their food practices and summarize evidence for policy makers.

Barbara shared, "EMEEN's dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive network for ethnic minorities in technology is truly commendable. By championing diversity and equal opportunities, we can unlock the full potential of our industry and drive meaningful change. I'm excited to witness the positive impact this network will have on the technology sector and beyond."

Her words reflect a broader vision of inclusivity and empowerment, not just within the realm of nutrition and food systems, but across various sectors, emphasizing the interconnectedness of diverse fields in driving societal progress.

Ms Bray & Steve Lazars, EMEEN Founder & Director

Barbara Bray's multifaceted journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of combining scientific excellence, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of older adults through nutrition. Her work underscores the critical role that nutrition plays in healthy ageing and highlights the need for continued research and advocacy in this area.

We at EMEEN are thrilled to support Barbara's endeavours and eagerly anticipate the profound impact she will continue to make in the realms of healthy ageing, food systems, and beyond.

JOIN EMEEN, The fastest growing Ethnic Minority Professional Network in NI.

In June 2024, she is seeking participants over 65 years old in Northern Ireland to discuss their experiences with ageing and food, further enriching her research and understanding of this critical issue.

Contact BBray01@qub.ac.uk or 07720 700297 to take part