Turkish foundation launches global child health platform

The Sabri Ülker Foundation announced on Tuesday the launch of a new global child health platform through a strategic partnership between Newcastle University and Hacettepe University. This four-year initiative marks a major step in advancing research on children’s healthy development, focusing on areas such as childhood nutrition, physical activity, metabolic health and mental well-being. The collaboration brings together key academic institutions, including Newcastle University’s Institute of Population Health Sciences and School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, with Hacettepe University’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics under its Faculty of Health Sciences. The partnership aims to create a sustainable scientific network by integrating collaborative research, researcher mobility, doctoral education and international scientific governance. Doctoral researchers will benefit from an international co-supervision model, allowing them to engage in cross-border mentorship and contribute to cutting-edge research. The program will explore how nutrition interventions affect children’s metabolic health, cognitive performance and emotional well-being. Additionally, scientists will investigate dietary habits and physical activity levels during the critical transition from primary to secondary schooling. Yahya Ülker, chair of the Sabri Ülker Foundation, emphasized the importance of investing in future scientific leaders. He stated that supporting initiatives which convert reliable scientific knowledge into societal benefits is essential for humanity’s progress. “Through this partnership, we aim to build a lasting scientific bridge between Türkiye and the global research community,” he said, highlighting the foundation’s long-standing commitment to transforming scientific insights into practical applications. Professor Bernard Corfe, director of Newcastle University’s Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Center, underscored the necessity of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health challenges. “The program seeks not only to generate scientific publications but also to embed young researchers within international networks and foster sustainable scientific capacity between the two nations,” he explained. Zehra Büyüktuncer Demirel, professor at Hacettepe University’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, noted that the partnership will enhance Türkiye’s presence in nutrition and public health research globally. She added that the initiative will help young scientists gain greater integration into the international scientific community. The program includes several components designed to promote long-term collaboration and knowledge sharing. These include researcher exchange programs, joint doctoral education, comparative studies conducted in both countries, and oversight by an International Scientific Advisory Board and a Joint Steering Committee. Such structures are intended to ensure the program’s sustainability and effectiveness over time. The initiative reflects a broader trend of increasing emphasis on global partnerships in scientific research, particularly in fields related to child health and wellness. By combining resources and expertise from leading universities in the United Kingdom and Turkey, the project aims to set a precedent for future collaborations in the field. As the program unfolds, it is expected to yield valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on how best to support children’s holistic development through evidence-based research and policy.