At ILSI, we bring science and research to diverse audiences through a wide range of events. From independent symposia and workshops to hands-on training sessions, we host, sponsor, and co-organize events that foster learning and collaboration. Many of ILSI's events are also featured as part of larger scientific and professional conferences, further expanding opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and discovery. Join us!
Upcoming Events
Science Symposium on Sodium and Health
2026-05-26
Binondo, Manila, Philippines
ACRYRED Conference – Acrylamide in Cereal Products: Progress and Prospects
2026-06-03 – 2026-06-04
Palermo, Italy
Food Sure Summit 2026 – Presentation and Panel Discussion
2026-06-10
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Food Sure Summit brings together leading experts to explore innovations in food safety. ILSI Europe experts will contribute with a presentation on the use of NAMs in food safety assessment and a panel discussion on applying the TTC concept to complex mixtures.
ILSI Europe Symposium 2026
2026-06-15 – 2026-06-16
Brussels, Belgium
TITAN x Data4Food2030 Conference
2026-06-17 – 2026-06-18
Brussels, Belgium
The conference will showcase the results of two major European projects while bringing together researchers, industry leaders, startups, policymakers, and investors. It will highlight how innovative technologies can strengthen agrifood supply chains, advance the fair data economy, and support the transition to a more sustainable food system.
As dietary patterns continue to evolve, excessive sodium intake among Filipinos remains a growing public health concern and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This one-day symposium brings together distinguished global and local experts and key stakeholders to share diverse perspectives on sodium intake and its implications for health. Through sessions on sodium health and science, consumer insights, and industry perspectives, the symposium aims to bridge science and practice while fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to address one of today's key nutrition challenges.
The symposium will be held IN-PERSON at:
Address: 612 Ongpin, cor Quintin Paredes, Binondo, Manila
Website: https://www.ramadamanilacentral.com/
REGISTRATION
Registration Fee: ₱ 1,500.00
Notes:• Registration fee is inclusive of registration fee, lunch and snacks.
• No cancellation will be allowed once the registration is confirmed. However, a substitute participant will be accepted.
• Payment Information is available in the registration site (click below to register).
• Registration Deadline: May 21, 2026
Note: This symposium has been applied for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units for Nutritionist-Dietitians under the Philippines' Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Who Should Attend:
Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians, allied health professionals, researchers, academics, government and regulatory officers, industry representatives, science educators and communicators Click Here to Register
PROGRAM
08:00 - 09:00 AM (GMT+8) Registration09:00 - 09:20 AM Welcome Remarks
Session 1: Understanding Sodium in the Diet 09:20 - 10:05 AM
Why Should the Level of Sodium Intake be a Health Concern
Dr. Cecilia A. Jimeno, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila 10:05 - 10:50 AM
Methodological Issues in Sodium Intake Assessment (Virtual)
Prof Rachel McLean, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, New Zealand 10:50 - 11:35 AM
Local and Regional Dietary Guidelines in Sodium: Latest Evidence and Emerging Recommendations (Virtual)
Prof Andrew Mente, Population Health Research Institute and Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Canada
11:35 - 12:00 NN Q&A
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
Session 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Perspectives 1:00 - 1:45 PM
Sensory and Behavioral Drivers of Sodium Intake
Mr Nico V. Reyes, Rebel Marketing Philippines 1:45 - 2:30 PM
Communication Pathways in Encouraging Adoption of Lower- Sodium Foods
Ms Germaine A. Reyes, Synergy Market Research and Strategic Consultancy, Philippines
2:30 - 2:50 PM Q&A
Session 3: Industry Perspectives 2:50 - 3:35 PM
Guidance for Industry on Voluntary Sodium Reduction
Dr. Diane S. Mendoza-Sarmiento, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 3:35 - 4:20 PM
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Sodium Reformulation
Mr. Koichiro Watabe, R&D and Quality Assurance, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation 4:20 - 5:05 PM
Multisectoral Interventions Towards Advancing Sodium Reduction
Dr Mario V. Capanzana, Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI)
5:05 - 5:25 PM Q&A
5:25 - 5:30 PM Closing Remarks / End of Symposium
View Full ProgramFEATURED SPEAKERS
Dr. Cecilia A. Jimeno
College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
Dr. Cecilia A. Jimeno is a renowned Filipino endocrinologist, professor, and researcher, recognized for her expertise in diabetes, metabolism, and thyroid disorders. She currently serves as Associate Dean for Academic Development (ADAD), and as Professor and former Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila. She is also an admitting physician at the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital in Manila and currently chairs the UP-Manila Research Ethics Board.
A recognized leader in endocrinology, Dr. Jimeno held numerous leadership roles in professional organizations, including serving as Past President of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM). She has been actively engaged in national and regional scientific discussions and is regarded as a key contributor to advancing endocrine care in the Philippines. Her expertise spans internal medicine, with specialization in clinical endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.
Dr. Jimeno is also a pioneer in the development of clinical practice guidelines in the Philippines, having contributed to and led initiatives on diabetes and thyroid disease management that have helped shape national healthcare standards. Widely recognized for her contributions as an educator and researcher, she has received numerous accolades, including the PCEDM Diamond Award for Leadership, the UPMAS Outstanding Educator Award, and multiple UP Professorial Chair Awards for excellence in teaching, research, and public service.
Her longstanding commitment to advancing medical science, improving patient care, and mentoring future health professionals underscores her significant impact on endocrinology and medical education in the Philippines.
Prof Rachel McLean
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, New Zealand
Professor Rachael McLean is Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago, Dunedin New Zealand. She trained in medicine, has worked in both Primary Care and Public Health Settings, and is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine. She is an internationally recognized expert in nutritional public health and epidemiology, including research methods and analysis. She has broad expertise in investigating risk factors and interventions for prevention and better management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. For the past 17 years she has had a particular research focus in dietary sodium assessment and reduction strategies. In this capacity she has advised the World Health Organization, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the New Zealand Ministry of Health. She has led international collaborations producing systematic reviews comparing different methods of assessment of dietary sodium intake, and these have been referenced in the 2019 USA/Canada Dietary Reference Intakes. She has an established track record of obtaining competitive research grants, and publishing, including with international research collaborations. She has over 100 peer reviewed publications and has written commissioned reports for various government agencies including the New Zealand Ministry of Health, Ministry for Primary Industries, and New Zealand Food Safety Authority.
Prof Andrew Mente
Population Health Research Institute and Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Canada
Dr. Andrew Mente received his doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto. He completed postdoctoral training in cardiovascular epidemiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, and is currently a Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) and the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) at McMaster University.
Dr. Mente's research focuses on the role of dietary sodium in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD). His work has contributed to large international studies examining sodium intake in populations globally and its association with cardiovascular outcomes. His research has been published in several landmark journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, JAMA, and the British Medical Journal.
Dr. Mente has also studied dietary nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns in relation to cardiovascular disease and mortality, and has co-led analyses on the role of fats and carbohydrates in cardiovascular disease as part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) cohort. Recently, he developed a globally applicable healthy diet score using data from the PURE study, which was replicated in 5 independent studies involving participants across 80 countries.
Mr Nico V. Reyes
Rebel Marketing Philippines
Mr Nico Reyes is a strategic communications and public affairs adviser with over two decades of experience helping organizations translate complex public issues and technical information into clear messages that improve public understanding, support informed decisions and choices, and ultimately contribute to positive behavior change.
He is the Co-Founder and President of Rebel Marketing, a strategic advisory consultancy that works with multinational companies, government institutions, and industry organizations on communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and public policy positioning.
Over the course of his career, he has advised organizations such as GCash, GSK, Sanofi, Nestlé Philippines, Unilever, and USAID, among others, on how to communicate complex issues in ways that are accessible, credible, and relevant to everyday decision-making.
He also contributes to advancing science communication in the Philippines as a member of DOST-PCIEERD's Technical Panel on Science Communication since 2019 and has recently delivered lectures and workshops for institutions such as DOST-FNRI and the Philippine Navy on communicating scientific and technical information in ways that resonate with everyday audiences.
Ms Germaine A. Reyes
Synergy Market Research and Strategic Consultancy, Philippines
Ms Germaine Reyes is the President and CEO of Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy, a management consulting, research, and data analytics firm. Synergy is the exclusive Philippine partner of YouGov, a globally recognized research and data analytics company.
Ms Reyes is a distinguished leader and pioneer in market research known for driving strategic forward-thinking insights that empower business and marketing professionals, including academe globally.
In 2025, she was personally honored as an Insight250 Award winner - a prestigious global recognition celebrating innovators advancing enterprise intelligence. Notably, she was the only Filipino recipient of this highly acclaimed award. Under her leadership, her firm, Synergy, has been continuously earning international distinctions for its groundbreaking thought leadership.
Prior to setting up Synergy, Ms Reyes held key directorship positions at major global organizations, including The Coca-Cola Company's Philippines Division, AC Nielsen, and prominent advertising firms such as PAC/BBDO (a subsidiary of BBDO New York) and Avellana & Associates.
She holds both a BS and Master of Statistics degrees from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Dr Diane Mendoza-Sarmiento
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Dr Diane S. Mendoza-Sarmiento is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the College of Education, University of Santo Tomas, where she also serves as Nutrition Clinic Coordinator and researcher at the Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences. She earned her PhD in Health Research from the University of Santo Tomas as a DOST-SEI scholar and DA-PhilRice fellowship awardee, with doctoral research examining the role of pigmented rice in reducing cardiometabolic risks.
She is active in professional organizations, previously served as a Board Member of the Philippine Association of Nutrition in 2020-2021 and 2024-2025, and currently Secretary of the Philippine Stakeholders of Nutritionist-Dietitians. She is also an associate member of the National Research Council of the Philippines.
Mr. Koichiro Watabe
R&D and Quality Assurance, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation
Mr Koichiro Watabe is currently the Associate Director of R&D and Quality Assurance at Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation. Since joining Ajinomoto Co., Inc., he has played a key role in the development and industrialization of seasonings and processed foods, contributing to projects across Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and other Asian markets."
Dr Mario V Campanzana
Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI)
Dr. Mario V. Capanzana is the Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Food and Migration Innovations (PCFMI) and a Technical Consultant of Monde Nissin Corporation. From 2005 to 2020, he was the Director of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), where he led numerous initiatives in food technology and nutrition research.
Dr. Capanzana holds a PhD in Food Science and Technology from the University of New South Wales in Australia, an MSc in Food Technology from Mysore University/CFRI in India, a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Food Science from Hawkesbury Agricultural College, and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from National University in Manila.
His outstanding contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Civil Service Commission's Lingkod Bayan Award in 2016 and the Francisco O. Santos Memorial Award from the Philippine Association of Nutrition in 2022. He is also an active member and leader in several professional bodies, including PICHE, PAFT, PAN, and NDAP.
ORGANIZER
COLLABORATOR
CONTACT
If you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through:
Ellaine JavierILSI SEA Region Philippine Country Community
Email: ellainejavier@ilsisea.org.sg [post_title] => Science Symposium on Sodium and Health [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => sodium-philippines-2026 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-05-13 04:21:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-05-13 08:21:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://ilsi.org/?post_type=event&p=52336 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => event [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 52407 [post_author] => 351 [post_date] => 2026-05-13 13:02:40 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-05-13 13:02:40 [post_content] =>
About the Event
Acrylamide is a toxic contaminant formed during food processing and cooking, particularly in baked cereal products, fried and roasted potatoes, and coffee. Classified as a probable human carcinogen, it is already regulated in the EU through mandatory monitoring and mitigation measures. With the European Commission expected to introduce Maximum Levels this year, food businesses face increasing pressure to further reduce acrylamide in their products. Acrylamide forms during frying, baking, roasting, and toasting from naturally occurring compounds in foods. Over the years, the cereal supply chain has developed a wide range of solutions, from crop improvement to process optimisation and quality control, to help reduce its formation. This conference will explore the progress achieved so far and the challenges ahead. The second conference organised by the COST Action 21149 ACRYRED will bring together leading experts in the field. Abstract submissions for oral and poster presentations are warmly encouraged, especially from early career professionals and PhD students.Programme
Read the full programmeRegistration
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About the event
The Food Sure Summit is an international gathering of food safety professionals, scientists, and industry leaders dedicated to addressing current and emerging challenges in the safety of the food chain. The summit highlights innovative approaches, scientific advancements, and regulatory developments, fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and policy. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, from novel testing strategies and risk assessment methods to the management of complex chemical mixtures in food.
ILSI Europe's Contributions
ILSI Europe experts from Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) Task Force and Expert Group on Combined Toxicity will share their insights through a presentation and a panel discussion:- Presentation: Human Material: Challenges and Opportunities for the Food and Beverage Sector - Case Study
12:35 pm - 1:05 pm, Room
Presented by:- Mélina Galano, Senior Manager Group Regulatory Affairs Toxicology (DSM-Firmenich)
- Panel Discussion: Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) Concept to Complex Mixtures
3:50 pm - 4:35 pm, Room APanellists include:
- Angelo Moretto, Professor, (University of Padua)
- Heli Miriam Hollnagel, Human Health Science Leader Toxicology and Environmental Science (Dow Europe GmbH)
- James Firman, Lecturer, (Liverpool John Moores University)
Be sure to stop by the ILSI Europe booth during the event! It's a great opportunity to meet our speakers, explore our latest activities, and engage with our initiatives shaping collaborative research in food, nutrition, and health science
More info coming soon.
Registration
Register here [post_title] => Food Sure Summit 2026 - Presentation and Panel Discussion [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => presentation-and-panel-discussion-at-food-sure-summit-2026 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-03-17 07:50:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-03-17 11:50:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://ilsi.org/?post_type=event&p=52321 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => event [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 52180 [post_author] => 361 [post_date] => 2025-09-16 13:11:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-09-16 13:11:44 [post_content] =>
About the event
The ILSI Europe Symposium is a gathering of experts from around the world who meet to shed light on the current and future challenges in food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. It is a unique opportunity for scientists from academia, industry and public sector to take part in the debate around those topics and create connections.
This year's event will showcase the latest research from ILSI Europe's Task Forces, covering areas from healthy nutrition across the lifespan, to gut microbiome health, food allergens and food contaminants management, the next generation of risk assessment methods, and much more.
In celebration of ILSI Europe's 40th anniversary, we'll cap off the event with a gala dinner and party, making it a truly memorable occasion for networking and collaboration.
Participants Guide
Download the Participant Guide, containing practical information about:
- Venue and transportation
- Registration and access details
- Accommodation options
- Useful contacts and event logistics
- F.A.Q.
Social Media Toolkit
Download your LinkedIn banner and help promote the event.
Visit event website [post_title] => ILSI Europe Symposium 2026 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ilsi-europe-symposium-2026 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-05-13 09:42:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-05-13 13:42:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://ilsi.org/?post_type=event&p=52180 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => event [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 52293 [post_author] => 351 [post_date] => 2026-01-27 09:18:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-01-27 09:18:59 [post_content] =>
About the event
TITAN and Data4Food2030 projects are coming to an end and they have joined forces to co-organise a flagship conference. This event will take place on 17-18 June 2026 in Brussels, Belgium.
The conference will showcase the results of two major European projects while bringing together researchers, industry leaders, startups, policymakers, and investors. It will highlight how innovative technologies can strengthen agrifood supply chains, advance the fair data economy, and support the transition to a more sustainable food system.
Besides presenting project outcomes, the conference is designed to open space for dialogue and collaboration. By connecting science, industry, investment, and policy, it seeks to create new partnerships and accelerate real-world impact.
Call for abstracts
You are cordially invited to submit your abstracts for an oral presentation until 15 February 2026.
Learn more and submitRegistration
Make sure to reserve your spot and register now!
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As dietary patterns continue to evolve, excessive sodium intake among Filipinos remains a growing public health concern and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This one-day symposium brings together distinguished global and local experts and key stakeholders to share diverse perspectives on sodium intake and its implications for health. Through sessions on sodium health and science, consumer insights, and industry perspectives, the symposium aims to bridge science and practice while fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to address one of today's key nutrition challenges.
The symposium will be held IN-PERSON at:
Address: 612 Ongpin, cor Quintin Paredes, Binondo, Manila
Website: https://www.ramadamanilacentral.com/
REGISTRATION
Registration Fee: ₱ 1,500.00
Notes:• Registration fee is inclusive of registration fee, lunch and snacks.
• No cancellation will be allowed once the registration is confirmed. However, a substitute participant will be accepted.
• Payment Information is available in the registration site (click below to register).
• Registration Deadline: May 21, 2026
Note: This symposium has been applied for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units for Nutritionist-Dietitians under the Philippines' Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Who Should Attend:
Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians, allied health professionals, researchers, academics, government and regulatory officers, industry representatives, science educators and communicators Click Here to Register
PROGRAM
08:00 - 09:00 AM (GMT+8) Registration09:00 - 09:20 AM Welcome Remarks
Session 1: Understanding Sodium in the Diet 09:20 - 10:05 AM
Why Should the Level of Sodium Intake be a Health Concern
Dr. Cecilia A. Jimeno, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila 10:05 - 10:50 AM
Methodological Issues in Sodium Intake Assessment (Virtual)
Prof Rachel McLean, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, New Zealand 10:50 - 11:35 AM
Local and Regional Dietary Guidelines in Sodium: Latest Evidence and Emerging Recommendations (Virtual)
Prof Andrew Mente, Population Health Research Institute and Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Canada
11:35 - 12:00 NN Q&A
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
Session 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Perspectives 1:00 - 1:45 PM
Sensory and Behavioral Drivers of Sodium Intake
Mr Nico V. Reyes, Rebel Marketing Philippines 1:45 - 2:30 PM
Communication Pathways in Encouraging Adoption of Lower- Sodium Foods
Ms Germaine A. Reyes, Synergy Market Research and Strategic Consultancy, Philippines
2:30 - 2:50 PM Q&A
Session 3: Industry Perspectives 2:50 - 3:35 PM
Guidance for Industry on Voluntary Sodium Reduction
Dr. Diane S. Mendoza-Sarmiento, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 3:35 - 4:20 PM
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Sodium Reformulation
Mr. Koichiro Watabe, R&D and Quality Assurance, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation 4:20 - 5:05 PM
Multisectoral Interventions Towards Advancing Sodium Reduction
Dr Mario V. Capanzana, Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI)
5:05 - 5:25 PM Q&A
5:25 - 5:30 PM Closing Remarks / End of Symposium
View Full ProgramFEATURED SPEAKERS
Dr. Cecilia A. Jimeno
College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
Dr. Cecilia A. Jimeno is a renowned Filipino endocrinologist, professor, and researcher, recognized for her expertise in diabetes, metabolism, and thyroid disorders. She currently serves as Associate Dean for Academic Development (ADAD), and as Professor and former Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila. She is also an admitting physician at the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital in Manila and currently chairs the UP-Manila Research Ethics Board.
A recognized leader in endocrinology, Dr. Jimeno held numerous leadership roles in professional organizations, including serving as Past President of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM). She has been actively engaged in national and regional scientific discussions and is regarded as a key contributor to advancing endocrine care in the Philippines. Her expertise spans internal medicine, with specialization in clinical endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.
Dr. Jimeno is also a pioneer in the development of clinical practice guidelines in the Philippines, having contributed to and led initiatives on diabetes and thyroid disease management that have helped shape national healthcare standards. Widely recognized for her contributions as an educator and researcher, she has received numerous accolades, including the PCEDM Diamond Award for Leadership, the UPMAS Outstanding Educator Award, and multiple UP Professorial Chair Awards for excellence in teaching, research, and public service.
Her longstanding commitment to advancing medical science, improving patient care, and mentoring future health professionals underscores her significant impact on endocrinology and medical education in the Philippines.
Prof Rachel McLean
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, New Zealand
Professor Rachael McLean is Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago, Dunedin New Zealand. She trained in medicine, has worked in both Primary Care and Public Health Settings, and is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine. She is an internationally recognized expert in nutritional public health and epidemiology, including research methods and analysis. She has broad expertise in investigating risk factors and interventions for prevention and better management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. For the past 17 years she has had a particular research focus in dietary sodium assessment and reduction strategies. In this capacity she has advised the World Health Organization, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the New Zealand Ministry of Health. She has led international collaborations producing systematic reviews comparing different methods of assessment of dietary sodium intake, and these have been referenced in the 2019 USA/Canada Dietary Reference Intakes. She has an established track record of obtaining competitive research grants, and publishing, including with international research collaborations. She has over 100 peer reviewed publications and has written commissioned reports for various government agencies including the New Zealand Ministry of Health, Ministry for Primary Industries, and New Zealand Food Safety Authority.
Prof Andrew Mente
Population Health Research Institute and Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Canada
Dr. Andrew Mente received his doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto. He completed postdoctoral training in cardiovascular epidemiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, and is currently a Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) and the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) at McMaster University.
Dr. Mente's research focuses on the role of dietary sodium in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD). His work has contributed to large international studies examining sodium intake in populations globally and its association with cardiovascular outcomes. His research has been published in several landmark journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, JAMA, and the British Medical Journal.
Dr. Mente has also studied dietary nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns in relation to cardiovascular disease and mortality, and has co-led analyses on the role of fats and carbohydrates in cardiovascular disease as part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) cohort. Recently, he developed a globally applicable healthy diet score using data from the PURE study, which was replicated in 5 independent studies involving participants across 80 countries.
Mr Nico V. Reyes
Rebel Marketing Philippines
Mr Nico Reyes is a strategic communications and public affairs adviser with over two decades of experience helping organizations translate complex public issues and technical information into clear messages that improve public understanding, support informed decisions and choices, and ultimately contribute to positive behavior change.
He is the Co-Founder and President of Rebel Marketing, a strategic advisory consultancy that works with multinational companies, government institutions, and industry organizations on communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and public policy positioning.
Over the course of his career, he has advised organizations such as GCash, GSK, Sanofi, Nestlé Philippines, Unilever, and USAID, among others, on how to communicate complex issues in ways that are accessible, credible, and relevant to everyday decision-making.
He also contributes to advancing science communication in the Philippines as a member of DOST-PCIEERD's Technical Panel on Science Communication since 2019 and has recently delivered lectures and workshops for institutions such as DOST-FNRI and the Philippine Navy on communicating scientific and technical information in ways that resonate with everyday audiences.
Ms Germaine A. Reyes
Synergy Market Research and Strategic Consultancy, Philippines
Ms Germaine Reyes is the President and CEO of Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy, a management consulting, research, and data analytics firm. Synergy is the exclusive Philippine partner of YouGov, a globally recognized research and data analytics company.
Ms Reyes is a distinguished leader and pioneer in market research known for driving strategic forward-thinking insights that empower business and marketing professionals, including academe globally.
In 2025, she was personally honored as an Insight250 Award winner - a prestigious global recognition celebrating innovators advancing enterprise intelligence. Notably, she was the only Filipino recipient of this highly acclaimed award. Under her leadership, her firm, Synergy, has been continuously earning international distinctions for its groundbreaking thought leadership.
Prior to setting up Synergy, Ms Reyes held key directorship positions at major global organizations, including The Coca-Cola Company's Philippines Division, AC Nielsen, and prominent advertising firms such as PAC/BBDO (a subsidiary of BBDO New York) and Avellana & Associates.
She holds both a BS and Master of Statistics degrees from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Dr Diane Mendoza-Sarmiento
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Dr Diane S. Mendoza-Sarmiento is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the College of Education, University of Santo Tomas, where she also serves as Nutrition Clinic Coordinator and researcher at the Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences. She earned her PhD in Health Research from the University of Santo Tomas as a DOST-SEI scholar and DA-PhilRice fellowship awardee, with doctoral research examining the role of pigmented rice in reducing cardiometabolic risks.
She is active in professional organizations, previously served as a Board Member of the Philippine Association of Nutrition in 2020-2021 and 2024-2025, and currently Secretary of the Philippine Stakeholders of Nutritionist-Dietitians. She is also an associate member of the National Research Council of the Philippines.
Mr. Koichiro Watabe
R&D and Quality Assurance, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation
Mr Koichiro Watabe is currently the Associate Director of R&D and Quality Assurance at Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation. Since joining Ajinomoto Co., Inc., he has played a key role in the development and industrialization of seasonings and processed foods, contributing to projects across Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and other Asian markets."
Dr Mario V Campanzana
Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI)
Dr. Mario V. Capanzana is the Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Food and Migration Innovations (PCFMI) and a Technical Consultant of Monde Nissin Corporation. From 2005 to 2020, he was the Director of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), where he led numerous initiatives in food technology and nutrition research.
Dr. Capanzana holds a PhD in Food Science and Technology from the University of New South Wales in Australia, an MSc in Food Technology from Mysore University/CFRI in India, a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Food Science from Hawkesbury Agricultural College, and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from National University in Manila.
His outstanding contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Civil Service Commission's Lingkod Bayan Award in 2016 and the Francisco O. Santos Memorial Award from the Philippine Association of Nutrition in 2022. He is also an active member and leader in several professional bodies, including PICHE, PAFT, PAN, and NDAP.
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Ellaine JavierILSI SEA Region Philippine Country Community
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