Nomination Process

The W.O. Atwater Lectureship was established in 1968 to honor the memory of Wilbur Olin Atwater (1844-1907) and to recognize scientists who have made unique contributions toward improving the diet and nutrition of people around the world. Atwater, considered the father of modern nutrition research and education, was the U.S. Department of Agriculture's first chief of nutrition investigations.

The Lecture is on a scientific trend or policy issue of the Lecturer's choice. An honorarium of $2,000, a medallion, and expenses to attend the meeting to present the Lecture are part of the award.

The 2009 W.O. Atwater Memorial Lecture will be given on April 21, 2009 in New Orleans, LA.

2009 W.O. Atwater Memorial Lecturer

  Steven H. Zeisel, Director, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Individualized Nutrition: How Genes, Epigenetics and Sex Interact to Create a Dietary Requirement for the Nutrient Choline.

Nutrition science is beginning to recognize significant inter-individual variations in metabolism, and soon will be able to make individualized recommendations for nutrient intake. The choline story provides an excellent example. Choline can be derived from the diet in a wide variety of foods and from endogenous synthesis (catalyzed by the enzyme PEMT). It is only in young women that endogenous synthesis is a significant source of choline, as PEMT is induced by estrogen. Men and older women must eat choline or they develop liver and muscle damage; approximately half of young women have common genetic variants that make them unable to endogenously make enough choline to meet their requirements, and they too become sick when deprived of choline. This is especially important because choline influences epigenetic modulation of fetal development

Nomination Process

Nominations for the Agricultural Research Service W.O. Atwater Memorial Lectureship are accepted in October. Please send:

1. A letter explaining the nominee's contributions to nutrition
2. Nominee's current curriculum vitae

To: Kim Kaplan, Lecture Coordinator
ARS Information Staff, Room 1-2253
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705.

(Nominations may not be faxed or emailed)

Nominees may be outstanding senior contributors in industry, universities, or government positions. Current ARS employees are not eligible.

Previous Lecturers