On April 22, our doctoral researcher Alice Seffen attended the international LEAP Conference (Livestock, Environment And People) at the University of Oxford. The conference brings together researchers from a range of disciplines, including nutrition science, epidemiology, and psychology, to address key questions surrounding the consumption of meat and dairy products. A central focus lies on the motivations behind consumption and on potential interventions to change the consumption of animal-based products and plant-based alternatives, as well as investigating their health, environmental, and economic impacts. The overarching goal is to develop evidence-based approaches for healthier and more sustainable food systems.
At the conference, Alice Seffen presented findings from our current field study conducted at the University Hospital Bonn. The study shows that increasing the availability of meat-free dishes in hospital catering leads patients to choose these options more frequently—without reducing their menu satisfaction. The presentation highlighted how findings from online studies (see references) can be successfully translated into real-world settings such as hospitals and evaluated in practice.
The conference offered a wide range of engaging presentations and insights into current research projects, as well as opportunities for exchange with international researchers. The visit was rounded off by the unique atmosphere of Oxford’s historic campus in beautiful weather.
