Office of the Vice President for Research

Food is a critical component for Making America Healthy Again (MAHA). At the University of Utah and throughout the Mountain West, food security and sovereignty are key elements for health and wellbeing. Prioritizing the top priority areas is crucial for driving research activities in the domain of food. Along with defining these priority areas, developing the needed networks with academia, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations will be key for successfully obtaining funding and addressing areas where there are gaps in research and intervention development.

In November 2025, we will be conducting a horizon scan to determine the most current research questions that link to food, ultra-processed foods, and food sovereignty. This horizon scan will follow an established, systematic process to reach consensus on emerging knowledge frontiers and critical challenges in food and nutrition research. We are looking for facilitators for breakout sessions, panel discussants, and lightning talk presenters. We hope that you will attend this exciting in-person event at the Monson Center.