May 10, 2016

Barry M. Popkin received the 2016 Population Science and Public Health Award from the World Obesity Federation. Popkin is a Carolina Population Center Faculty Fellow.

UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health announced the honor:

Barry Popkin, PhD, W.R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, was selected to receive the World Obesity Federation’s 2016 Population Science and Public Health Award. Popkin accepted the accolade – and presented a plenary talk – at the Federation’s 13th International Congress on Obesity, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 4.

Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, PhD, Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor and chair of the Department of Nutrition, praised Popkin for his many accomplishments.

“Barry’s work around the globe is just stunning in its reach and impact, ranging from development of the frame of the nutrition transition to his current food policy work, particularly on the issue of taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages in the U.S. and around the world,” Mayer-Davis said. “The Department of Nutrition is truly fortunate to have him as one of our own – not only for his tremendous work nationally and internationally but for his deep dedication to our students, faculty and staff here at the UNC Gillings School.”

The award was established in 2006 to recognize outstanding contributions to obesity research and service.