About the Biennial Congress: The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) was established in March 1991 with the objective of increasing the understanding of the role of dietary fatty acids and lipids in health and disease through research and education. ISSFAL’s 500+ members come from more than 40 countries and include scientists, health professionals, administrators and educators with an interest in the health effects of dietary fats.
ISSFAL’s mission is to serve as an agent for communication among interested scientists – working in nutrition, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology and clinical medicine – who are studying the biological effects of fatty acids and lipid metabolism in health and disease.
Improved communication across these different branches of medical and biological sciences has already stimulated new research and increased knowledge of nutrition. ISSFAL has also taken a role in interpreting the new facts into sound nutritional advice for the public.
ISSFAL makes three principal types of awards. These awards are aimed at encouraging investigators working in scientific fields of relevance to ISSFAL core interests.
The first award established was the Alexander Leaf Distinguished Scientist Award for Lifetime Achievement. It is awarded every two years to an individual who in the opinion of the judges, has made a significant and sustained contribution to the science of lipids and health. Further details of this award can be seen by clicking hereAlexander Leaf Award.
The second type of awards are those given in conjunction with ISSFAL biennial Congresses, and are designed to recognise and encourage investigators who are at the start of their post-graduate careers. Further details of these awards can be seen by clicking here.
The third award that ISSFAL makes, and the most recently initiated, is the Early Career Award. It is intended to encourage and reward investigators working in relevant fields within 10 years of their post-graduate degree award. The first award of this type will be made at the 8th International Congress of the Society, to be held in Kansas City, USA May 17th-22nd 2008. Details of this award can be seen by clicking here.