MRC Human Nutrition Research

MRC Human Nutrition Research was the largest research institute in the UK for human nutrition, and was based in Cambridge. In 1998 MRC Human Nutrition Research (HNR) was formed as a result of the restructuring of the Dunn Human Nutrition Unit following the resignation of Professor Roger Whitehead. The Medical Research Council (MRC), founded in 1913, had previously had a Human Nutrition Research Unit at the end of the Second World War; this was founded and directed by BS Platt, and was interested in serious nutritional deficiencies in children, that would cause significantly premature death. HNR was formed in order to continue to advance the MRC's portfolio of strategic and applied nutrition research. In 2016, following restructuring and refocusing of its research interests HNR was renamed MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory (MRC EWL). In December 2018 MRC EWL closed. The mission of HNR was to conduct nutrition research and surveillance to improve the health of the population with a focus on obesity and metabolic risk, musculoskeletal health, intestinal health and nutritional inequalities. HNR's four objectives were to: Advance knowledge through discovery science, the development of innovative methodologies and the application of specialist expertise in priority areas Improve health and economic advantage through the exchange of knowledge and technology to inform nutrition policy and practice Provide opportunities for training and to build capacity for nutrition research Foster a dialogue with the public on nutrition science and its implications for health HNR was based at Peterhouse Technology Park, in south-east Cambridge, on the South Cambridgeshire-Cambridge boundary, round the corner from Fulbourn Hospital. ARM Holdings have their headquarters on the same site.