UNC Nutrition Research Institute

08/31/2026

Catch the momentum and carry NRI research forward!

From August 31 through September 30, make a gift of $40 or more or start a recurring gift of at least $5 per month, and you’ll receive a custom-printed NRI canvas tote.

This is the only time all year that we offer a special thank-you gift for supporting the UNC Nutrition Research Institute. Your gift can be directed to any NRI fund and helps strengthen the research, programs, and priorities ahead.

Ready to get your hands on one? Give by midnight on September 30: https://bit.ly/4c1Mgjb

08/31/2026

Help us start the year strong and carry NRI research forward!

A new fiscal year brings new opportunities to advance nutrition research, share scientific knowledge, and engage the communities we serve. Your early support gives the UNC Nutrition Research Institute a strong foundation for the research, programs, and priorities ahead.

From August 31 through September 30, donors who make a gift of $40 or more or begin a recurring gift of at least $5 per month will receive a custom-printed NRI canvas bag as a thank-you.

This is the only time of year the NRI offers a special gift with your donation. You may direct your contribution to any NRI fund.

Carry NRI research forward: https://bit.ly/4c1Mgjb

Gifts must be made by midnight on September 30 to qualify for the canvas bag.

08/29/2026

Hot topic alert: Perimenopause.

There’s no shortage of advice about what women should be doing during perimenopause. But what does the research actually tell us?

That’s exactly what we’re diving into at our next Appetite for Life!

Join Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan for Thriving Through Perimenopause: Science-Based Strategies for Health, a FREE virtual conversation about the science behind staying healthy, strong, and thriving during this stage of life.

• Wednesday, September 9
• Noon
• FREE + virtual

Perimenopause is a transition. Let’s make it an informed one.

Save your seat at https://bit.ly/4wDjcGN

08/28/2026

Calling all metabolomics researchers!

Join us in beautiful Tuscany for the 2027 Metabolomics and Human Health Gordon Research Seminar and Conference.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Susan Sumner, Professor of Nutrition and Pharmacology, will be one of the event’s speakers and discussion leaders.

The Seminar, taking place February 27-28, is organized by and for early-career researchers, including students and postdocs. It is a great opportunity to share your work, meet peers, and prepare for the Conference that follows.

From February 28 to March 5, the Gordon Research Conference will bring together leading researchers from medicine, nutrition, environmental health, and more to explore One Health, the exposome, and lifecourse health and disease.

Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, Lucca, Italy

Apply for the Seminar:
https://bit.ly/4goilUO

Apply for the Conference:
https://bit.ly/4zcD2dK

Planning to attend both? Be sure to submit a separate application for each event.

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

Something new is coming!

On August 31, we’re launching a special opportunity to help the UNC Nutrition Research Institute begin the new fiscal year with momentum.

From August 31 through September 30, donors who make a gift of $40 or more or begin a recurring gift of at least $5 per month will receive a custom-printed NRI canvas bag.

Stay tuned for a new way to carry NRI research forward.

08/27/2026

From a 13-year-old girl’s first recording to a voice loved around the world, Dolly Parton showed us how far talent, determination and a generous heart can carry a dream.

Her first original record, “Puppy Love,” is preserved at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Wilson Library, where it now offers a meaningful glimpse into the beginning of an extraordinary career. Dolly even supported UNC’s effort to acquire the historic recording.

While her music brought joy to generations, her legacy reaches far beyond the stage. Through her commitment to literacy, health research and communities in need, Dolly used her success to create opportunities for others.

Today, we remember an American icon whose humility, humor and compassion were every bit as memorable as her music. Her voice will be deeply missed, but the love she shared will continue to inspire generations.

Read more about Dolly’s first recording and its home at UNC-Chapel Hill: https://bit.ly/4gVGxOB

08/26/2026

🐾 What’s there to see?

All the adorable pups of the NRI, of course! (and their friends!)

In honor of National Dog Day, share a photo of your pup in the comments and give us something to wag our tails about! We can’t wait to meet the pups who brighten the lives of our NRI community.

08/25/2026

Why have GLP-1s become such a major topic of conversation?

In case you missed our Appetite for Life on GLP-1s, watch this short video featuring Danae Gross, a UNC doctoral candidate, as she explores why these medications are receiving so much attention.

08/24/2026

Can’t sleep? Suddenly hot? Feeling more irritated than usual? It could be perimenopause.

Join Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD, for Thriving Through Perimenopause: Science-Based Strategies for Health, a free virtual Appetite for Life webinar exploring how exercise and nutrition can support muscle, metabolism, energy, mood, and overall well-being during this transition.

• Wednesday, September 9
• 12 p.m. ET
• Free and virtual

Register at https://bit.ly/3UbfyFX