The GLP-1 Effect: Science, Metabolic Health and the Business Opportunities

Professor Carel Le Roux - Chair of Metabolic Medicine, St. Vincent's Healthcare Group

Professor Carel le Roux graduated from medical school in Pretoria South Africa, completed his specialist training in metabolic medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospitals and the Hammersmith Hospitals. He obtained his PhD from Imperial College London where he later took up a faculty position. He moved to University College Dublin for the Chair in Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Medicine and he is now a Director of the Metabolic Medicine Group. He also holds the position of Professor of Metabolic Medicine at Ulster University. He currently coordinates an Innovative Medicine Initiative project on obesity. He previously received a President of Ireland Young Researcher Award, Irish Research Council Laureate Award, Clinician Scientist Award from the National Institute Health Research in the UK, and a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Fellowship for his work on how the gut talks to the brain.

Lauren Struszczak - Senior Nutrition Scientist, BNF

Dr Lauren Struszczak is a Senior Scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the scientific accuracy and quality of the Foundation’s outputs. Her work spans the development of evidence-based resources and training for health professionals, industry stakeholders, and the public. Lauren has extensive research experience from The University of Bath, Loughborough University and The University of Exeter. Her academic work has focused on the physiological mechanisms underpinning nutrition and health, and she has published several peer-reviewed papers reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. Passionate about bridging science and strategy, Lauren collaborates with academics, healthcare professionals, and industry partners to advance understanding and application of nutrition science. In the context of the weight loss medications era, she brings a unique perspective on how emerging research can inform holistic health solutions for consumers navigating this new landscape. 

Sharon Morey - Regulatory Affairs Manager, Campden BRI

Sharon is a Regulatory Affairs Manager within the Global Regulatory Affairs department at Campden BRI. She has a strong food industry background with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working within a number of different business function areas including technical, training, new product development as well as regulatory affairs. Sharon originally studied nutrition and prior to joining Campden BRI, worked primarily in the health food sector. She has extensive experience in food supplements, health foods, nutraceuticals and herbal medicines and specialises in nutrition and health claims compliance and communication, innovative ingredients, food information labelling, compliance and regulatory training.

Dr Emma Williams - Senior Consultant - Healthy & Sustainable Diets Lead, Lidl

Dr Emma Williams is the Communications Lead for the IFST Food and Nutrition Special Interest Group and the Senior Healthy & Sustainable Diets Lead at Lidl GB. An accomplished scientist, Emma excels at translating complex science into actionable, evidence-based strategy. She brings over 20 years of experience spanning food farming, manufacturing and retail, science communication, and independent consultancy. Her extensive career features roles such as Nutrition Director at GB Foods, Nutrition and Health Manager at Waitrose, and Nutrition Scientist and Editor at the British Nutrition Foundation. As a highly engaged industry leader, Emma recently concluded a 6.5-year tenure as Chair of Nutritionists in Industry (NII), where she also served as a long-standing committee member, representing the needs of over 180 members. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Food Technology and Management and a PhD in Human Nutrition from the University of Ulster, where her research explored the role of nutrients in mood enhancement.