Towards 2050! Leading nutrition and dietetics for the future

Background: Existing research has explored important future issues and directions for dietetics in the USA and UK and for higher education and nutrition science in Australia [1-5]. Research has recently been undertaken in the Australasia region exploring the future of nutrition and dietetics (ND). Consideration needs to be given to potential changes in systems; health, food, education, social. All of these will impact on the practice of nutrition. As leaders, dietitian-nutritionists need to ensure they are prepared to be proactive in meeting the challenges and opportunities that may emerge. Overview: This symposium will share insights from futures-focused research in ND and other fields. Sharing important questions and directions for how the ND profession today can be positioned to lead health and wellness for the future. Evidence: Internationally, research has been undertaken by peak Dietetic organisations in the UK and USA exploring the future of their Dietetic workforces towards and beyond 2021, which is relevant but not specific to the future of Australasian ND [3, 5]. Recent publication of the Australian Academy of Science’s ‘Nourishing Australia: A Decadal Plan for the Science of Nutrition’ and the ‘EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health’ also provide important context, future forecasting, and directions which should be applied to determining the education needs of the future Australasian ND profession [4, 6]. Dietitian-nutritionists need to plan for their own future to be the leaders in nutrition. Strategies: A panel discussion, and electronic polling involving audience sharing their experience and vision for our profession, its future, and how we plan for change