The goal of the Nutrition Winter School is to gather early-career researchers and experienced scientists from various backgrounds to enjoy scientific lectures and fruitful discussions under the magical atmosphere of Lapland.
The program is designed to cover the topics from different perspectives: from basic science to the latest advances in the field of gut microbiota in health and disease. Additionally, we will delve into current discussions on food structure and explore new types of food sources and their effects on health.
Join us for an enriching experience that combines cutting-edge science with the magical charm of the Arctic!
Confirmed Speakers
The Programme is under construction! Changes are possible.
19:00 Get-together (unofficial)
Foundations of Health, Diet and the Microbiota
12:00–14:00
Seminar Registration
Location: Conference Hotel Lobby
14:00–14:15
Welcome to Nutrition Winter School 2026
Organizing Committee
Session 1: Foundations
14:15–15:15
Opening Lecture: Integrating Diet, Microbiota, and Physical Activity for Lifelong Health
Speaker: Prof. Karl-Heinz Herzig, University of Oulu
15:15–16:15
Nutrition Across Cultures: Nordic and Mediterranean Diets
Speaker: Prof. Philip Calder, University of Southampton
16:15–17:15
Networking Session: Meet the Participants of Nutrition Winter School 2026
Evening Program
17:30–18:30
Dinner at the Conference Hotel
18:30–19:30
Candlelight Lecture: Sámi Culture, Living and Nature
Speaker: TBA
19:30–20:30
Guided Walking Tour of Saariselkä
08:45–09:00
Recap of Day 1
Session 2: Microbiome, Nutrition and Lifestyle
09:00–10:00
Early Life Nutrition and Microbiota Development
Speaker: Adj. Prof. Anne Salonen, University of Helsinki
10:00–10:15
Coffee Break
10:15–11:00
The Aging Gut: Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Health in Later Life
Speaker: Prof. Philip Calder, University of Southampton
11:00–11:30
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications
Speaker: Prof. Perttu Arkkila, Helsinki University Hospital
11:30–12:00
Participant Presentations
Selected short talks
12:00–15:00
Lunch & Outdoor Activities
14:30–15:00
Coffee & Snack at the Conference Venue
Session 3: Innovations in the Gut-Brain Axis
15:00–16:00
Gut Microbiome’s Role in Brain Health and Neurological Diseases
Speaker: Adj. Prof. Filip Scheperjans, HUS Neurocenter
16:00–16:45
Mind and Mood in Health Through Microbiota
Speaker: Prof. Gerald Clarke, University College Cork
17:00–17:30
Participant Presentations
Selected short talks
Evening Program
18:00–19:00
Dinner at the Conference Hotel
19:15–20:00
Candlelight Lecture: Strategies for Successful Grant Applications
Speaker: Dr. Richard Forsgård, Grant Writer, HAMK
08:45–09:00
Recap of Day 2
Session 4: Personalized Nutrition
09:00–10:00
Personalised Nutrient Responses
Speaker: Prof. Stine Ulven, University of Oslo
10:00–10:15
Coffee Break
10:15–11:00
Predicting Metabolic Responses by Precision Nutrition
Speaker: TBA
Session 5: Lifestyle Factors and Microbiome
11:00–12:00
Effect of Exercise on the Microbiome
Speaker: TBA
12:00–15:00
Lunch & Outdoor Activities
14:30–15:00
Coffee & Snack at the Conference Venue
15:00–16:00
Participant Presentations
Selected short talks
16:00–17:00
Gut-Brain Axis
Speaker:TBA
17:00–18:00
Psychobiotics: Stress, Sleep, Mood and Mind
Speaker: Prof. Gerald Clarke, University College Cork
Evening Program
18:00–19:30
Dinner at the Conference Hotel
08:45–09:00
Recap of Day 3
Session 6: Microbes and the Future of Food
09:00–10:00
Alternative Proteins and New Nutrient Sources
Speaker: Dr. Emilia Nordlund, Research Manager, VTT
10:00–10:15
Coffee Break
10:15–11:15
Digestion and Absorption of Alternative Proteins and Fiber
Speaker: Professor Anna-Maria Pajari, University of Helsinki
11:15–12:00
Participant Presentations
Selected short talks
12:00–15:00
Lunch & Outdoor Activities
14:30–15:00
Coffee & Snack at the Conference Venue
15:00–15:30
Traditional Foods – Case: Milk
Speaker: Dr. Anu Turpeinen, Valio
15:30–16:00
Traditional Foods – Case: Grains
Speaker: TBA
16:00–16:30
New Study: Cow Milk vs. Plant-Based Infant Formulas and Microbiota Development
Speaker: Adj. Prof. Anne Salonen, University of Helsinki
16:30–17:00
Regulatory Aspects of New Food Systems
Speaker: Dr. Anne Kivimäki, Medfiles / University of Helsinki
Evening Program
18:00–21:00
Dinner at Kaunispään Huippu
08:45–09:00
Recap of Day 4
Session 7: Emerging Topics and Open Discussion
09:00–10:00
Panel Discussion: Fecal Transplants, Dietary Patterns, Cohort Microbiome Data and Future Research
Panelists: TBA
10:00–10:15
Coffee Break
10:15–12:00
TBA
12:00–13:00
Lunch + Closing Words
End of Official Program
The Programme is under construction! Changes are possible.