The Ageing Special Interest Group (SIG) of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) invites nominations for two Publication Awards recognizing impactful research that advances solutions to improve physical activity and/or nutrition for healthy ageing.

These awards aim to highlight research that contributes to interventions, programs, strategies, or actionable approaches, rather than research that solely documents problems.

Awards are given to the author team of the publication.

Two awards will be presented:

• Outstanding Publication (2025): For papers published in 2025
• Outstanding Publication (Past 5 Years): For papers published between 2020–2024

Recipients will be featured in the SIG newsletter and one member of the team will also be awarded an annual membership with ISBNPA.

Nominations due: April 27, 2026

Submit applications to: ageing_sig@isbnpa.org

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The publication must be a peer-reviewed publication with a focus on solutions to improve physical activity and/or nutrition among middle-aged or older adults, or strategies that support healthy ageing.
2. Any study design is eligible, provided the focus is on interventions, programs, strategies, or actionable approaches.
3. At least one author must be a member of the Ageing SIG.
4. The nominating author must hold active membership in the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
5. Publications may be self-nominated or nominated by colleagues.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on two criteria:

1. Quality of the Research

Reviewers will consider:

• Scientific rigor and methodological quality
• Innovation or contribution to advancing solutions for healthy ageing
• Strength and clarity of the evidence presented

2. Impact of the Publication

Reviewers will consider evidence that the publication has contributed to advancing research, policy, or practice related to healthy ageing.

Applicants should provide evidence demonstrating the impact of the work where possible. Impact may include, but is not limited to:

• Influence on policy or guidelines
• Implementation or uptake in programs or services
• Scaling or adaptation of the intervention
• Influence on subsequent research
• Citations or scholarly influence
• Media engagement or public dissemination
• Partnerships with communities, practitioners, or organizations

Application Requirements

Applications should include:

1. Completed application form
2. Full citation of the publication
3. PDF of the publication
4. Short statement (maximum 400 words) including:
5. Description of the solution
   Briefly describe the intervention, program, strategy, or actionable approach addressed in the publication.
6. Quality of the research
   Describe the scientific strengths and contribution of the research.
7. Impact of the publication
   Describe the impact of the work and provide evidence demonstrating this impact where possible.

Rethinking Malnutrition in Oncology: Considerations for Patients Living with Overweight or Obesity

When

March 25, 2026, 1600 UTC

Who:

Speakers:

Shelly Coe

Tracy Crane

Moderators:

Emily Hill

SIG Leaders

Cindy Forbes and Jordan Curry

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a pervasive yet under‑recognized challenge in oncology, particularly among individuals living with overweight or obesity. Although clinical guidelines endorse universal malnutrition screening, most existing tools were designed to identify undernutrition and frequently fail to detect risk in higher‑BMI patients whose body weight may mask nutritional decline. This webinar will explore opportunities to address malnutrition screening and intervention in an effort to improve outcomes for those living with cancer and overweight or obesity and will provide valuable insights, practical takeaways, and real-world applications you can take into your own work. Our first speaker, Dr. Shelly Coe, will highlight major gaps in commonly used screening methods, underscoring inconsistent study designs, heterogeneous reference standards, and limited evidence supporting tools that rely heavily on weight‑based indicators and demonstrating the need for combined approaches that integrate subjective and objective measures beyond BMI alone.

Our second speaker, Dr. Tracy Crane, will share evidence from her ongoing clinical trials to highlight emerging approaches exploring the role diet may have in helping to identify those at risk of malnutrition and to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce side effects, with the ultimate goal to improve health and quality of life for this population.

The design, development, and implementation of community-based physical activity programs for mental health

When

April 13, 2026, 14:00 UTC (NOTE: UPDATED TIME)

Who:

Speakers: (NOTE: UPDATED SPEAKERS, 2026-04-07)

Joseph Firth, University of Manchester

Gareth Jones, Sheffield Hallam University

Matt Waugh, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Moderators:

Victoria Whiteford, University of British Columbia

SIG Leaders:

Jacinta Brinsley, Masha Remskar

Abstract

Research examining the relationship between physical activity and mental health has grown substantially in recent years, demonstrating the beneficial role that physical activity can have in the prevention, management, and treatment of mental health concerns. As this evidence base expands, there is increasing recognition of the need to shift focus toward translating evidence into practice. To do so requires the design, development, and effective implementation of programs within community settings. This emphasises the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. This timely webinar will explore a variety of community-based physical activity interventions for mental health with a focus on the design, development, and effective implementation of such programs.

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We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming webinar hosted by UTHealth Houston, celebrating the launch of the 2026 Nature Portfolio Physical Activity Series, a milestone made possible by each of you and your outstanding contributions.

The webinar, titled “Physical Activity in a Changing World: Advancing Whole Health, Climate Action, and Political Priority,” will take place on:

March 9, 2026

12:00 p.m., Houston, USA
5:00 p.m. London, UK
6:00 p.m. Central Europe

This special event will feature brief presentations, reflections from the journal editors, and a dynamic moderated discussion exploring the series’ implications for research, policy, and the future direction of the field. It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this collective achievement and engage in meaningful dialogue about what comes next.

We would truly love for you to join us and be part of this exciting conversation.

Registration:
Please register using the link below or QR code included in the flyer (the QR code is clickable in the digital version).
Registration link: https://uthealth.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_hO5T6GcbTR-qatx3QIFWiA#/registration

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in advancing physical activity and nutrition research

When:

March 17, 2026, 21:00 UTC

Who:

Speakers:

Abi Pickard, University of Edinburgh, School of Health in Social Sciences,

Cindy Forbes, University of Hull, Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research,

Chelsea Kracht, University of Kansas, Department of Internal Medicine,

Moderators:

Taniya Nagpal, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta,

SIG Chair

Alissa Burnett

Abstract

Join us for an engaging 1-hour webinar exploring the power of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in advancing physical activity and nutrition research among children and families. EMA offers an innovative way to capture real-time behaviors, contexts, and experiences as they unfold in everyday life—providing deeper, more accurate insights than ever before. The session will begin with an introduction to EMA methodology by Dr. Abi Pickard, who will outline the foundations, strengths, and practical considerations of using EMA in behavioral research. Building on this overview, Dr. Cindy Forbes and Dr. Chelsea Kracht will showcase how EMA is being applied in cutting-edge studies, highlighting practical examples, lessons learned, and implications for future research. Whether you’re new to EMA or looking to expand your methodological toolkit, this webinar will provide valuable insights and real-world applications you can take into your own work.

Communicating systems approaches to a diverse range of audiences

When

February 13, 2026, 09:00-10:30 GMT

Who:

Speakers:

• Adefunke Ogunleye (Program Manager, Gender and Education Department), VARCE Nigeria)
• Professor Mai Chin A Paw (Amsterdam University Medical Center)
• Therese Lockenwitz Petersen, Clara Heinze (Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen)

Abstract

Effectively communicating systems approaches is essential for helping diverse audiences understand complexity, interconnections, and the implications of change. This webinar explores practical strategies for translating systems thinking into clear, accessible narratives tailored to stakeholders with varying levels of familiarity – from policymakers and practitioners to community groups and technical experts. Through real-world examples and insights from a range of experts working with these approaches, we will examine how systems approaches are shared translated, and applied across research, policy and practice.

Registration:

Systems Science SIG: Communicating systems approaches to a diverse range of audiences – Fill out form

Please register so that we can have information about who is attending.

The meeting details are below.

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 377 267 692 518 33

Passcode: pV7KB2VV

Ageing, Technology, and Readiness: Human Factors and Smart Home Innovations

When

Pre-recorded available now; Live Q&A May, 27, 2025, 20:00 UTC

Register here for the Q&A:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1acT7wNGS2ehKvVVvmZAig

Video recording – watch now, Q&A on May 27 as described above

Who:

Speakers:

Claire Gough, Flinders University,

Gordana Dermody, University of the Sunshine Coast,

Moderators:

Trynke Hoekstra, Amsterdam Public Health Group

Abstract

This webinar brings together the e-&mHealth and Ageing Interest Groups to explore the challenges and opportunities of using technology to support healthy ageing. We will examine the human factors influencing technology adoption among older adults and discuss how these insights apply to innovative models such as Health Smart Homes and the Ecology of Readiness.

Building on the recorded presentations available through the ISBNPA website, this live session offers Early Career Researchers (ECRs), Mid-Career Researchers (MCRs), and all ISBNPA members the chance to ask questions, share ideas, and deepen their understanding of how technology can enhance research and care practices for an ageing population.

We look forward to sharing our work with you and encouraging lively discussion. Please review the supporting presentations ahead of the session:

Bridging Care and Innovation: Human Factors Shaping Technology Use for an Ageing Population – Dr Claire Gough

Health Smart Homes and the Ecology of Readiness: Older Adults, Caregivers, and Connected Care – Dr Gordana Dermody

The influence of physical activity and nutrition on mental health in children, families, and young adults

A joint webinar from the Children and Families, Young Adults, and Mental Health and Wellbeing SIGs

When:

May 1, 2025, 1500 UTC

Who:

Speakers:

Andy Smith, Edge Hill

Felipe Barreto Schuch, Federal University of Santa Maria

Lu Yang, PhD candidate at the University Medical Center Groningen

Moderators:

Gareth Jones

Eleanor Winpenny

Olivia Finnegan

Abstract

This webinar will explore the significant impact of physical activity and nutrition on the mental health of children, families, and young adults. Hosted by leading experts in the field; Prof Andy Smith (Edge Hill), Associate Prof Felipe Barreto Schuch (Federal University of Santa Maria), and Dr. Lu Yang (PhD candidate at the University Medical Center Groningen), the session will address how lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet can play a crucial role in mental well-being across different age groups.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Digital Behavior Change Interventions for Health: A NESI Webinar

When:

April 3, 2025, 2000 UTC

Who:

Speakers:

Amy Bucher, Chief Behavioral Officer & Co-Director of the Behavioral Reinforcement Learning Lab (BReLL) Lirio, Inc.

Moderators:

Jennifer Gale, Department of Paediatric & Child Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Stephen Barrett, Bendigo Health, Victoria Australia,

Chairs

Emma Ostermeier and Stephen Barrett – NESI Workshop and Webinar Committee Co-chairs

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs), yet many researchers struggle to differentiate real AI from buzzwords. How are these technologies truly being applied in behavioural medicine? And what does this mean for your research? Join us for an engaging webinar where we break down findings from a published scoping review of 23 AI-powered DBCIs. We will explore how AI is used in cardiometabolic health, lifestyle interventions, and personalised coaching—highlighting key methodologies, challenges, and opportunities for future research. This session is designed for researchers looking to navigate the AI landscape, understand its research implications, and uncover opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Whether you are curious about AI’s role in behaviour change or looking to integrate it into your own work, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways. Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity, ask questions, and connect with an expert in the field!

Promoting Health Behaviours and Rehabilitation for Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

When:

May 7, 2025, 1400 UTC

Who:

Speakers:

Scott Capozza, Yale School of Medicine

(will not present, updated 2025-04-23) Carina Nigg, University of Bern

Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Irish Cancer Society and Technological University of the Shannon,

Moderators:

Hannah Doughty, Liverpool John Moores University,

Rebecca Beeken, University of Leeds,

Abstract

Teenage and young adult (TYA) cancer survivors face significant challenges due to the acute and long-term effects of cancer and its treatments, including a heightened risk of developing secondary health conditions later in life, such as secondary neoplasms and cardiovascular conditions. Engaging in health-related behaviours, such as healthy nutrition and regular physical activity has been shown to alleviate treatment-related side effects, lower the risk of developing chronic conditions, and enhance both physical and psychological well-being. However, survivors of TYA cancer do not always engage in these health-related behaviours. This webinar brings together leading experts – Mr. Capozza and Ms. Fitzpatrick – to share their experiences working with TYA cancer survivors. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and actionable strategies to address barriers, support sustainable health-related behaviour and improve the overall well-being of TYA survivors. Whether you work with TYA survivors or in the broader field of adulthood cancer and health behaviour, this webinar offers critical knowledge to inform research and practice.