Professor Charlotte Hardman delivered her inaugural lecture on Thursday 20 June at the Paul Brett Lecture Theatre, Yoko Ono Lennon Centre.
Entitled 'Eating for public and planetary health: Navigating complexity and tackling inequalities', Professor Hardman's lecture discussed her research exploring the psychological determinants of eating behaviours and how she has applied this knowledge to the development of approaches to facilitate healthy and sustainable diets for all.
Poor diet is a major contributor to obesity and non-communicable diseases. Consuming a diet rich in plant-based foods with fewer animal sources substantially reduces disease risk for multiple health outcomes whilst also having co-benefits for the health of the planet.
However, the modern food system is highly complex and there are also marked socio-economic inequalities, whereby individuals experiencing socio-economic disadvantage are more likely to experience food insecurity and difficulties with accessing affordable healthier foods. Holistic approaches are therefore needed to transform the food system for health, sustainability and equity.
Attending the lecture were Professor Hardman's family and friends, alongside colleagues from the Department of Psychology and Institute of Population Health (IPH), including Psychology Department Head Professor Jo Harrold and IPH Executive Dean Professor Sally Sheard.
Reflecting on her inaugural lecture, Professor Hardman said: "It was a privilege to deliver my inaugural lecture in which I provided a whistle-stop tour of key themes and findings from my research on obesity, mental health, dietary inequalities and food systems.
"It was great my family could attend too (including my 10-year-old son and 80-year-old mum)."
She concluded: "Thanks to everyone who attended, to Sally [Sheard] and Jo [Harrold] for their kind words, and to Heather Maguire and Alan McManus for the wonderful organisation and tech expertise."
Professor Hardman also spoke about her career as a researcher, including her work as a Professor of Psychology of Eating Behaviour at the University of Liverpool.
She leads a programme of research on appetite and obesity, and the psychological determinants of healthy and sustainable food choices. She is also Impact Lead and Director of Postgraduate Research for the Department of Psychology.
Speaking about Professor Hardman's lecture, Professor Sheard said: "Inaugural lectures are important events in academic life, for the new professor, and also for their colleagues, family and friends.
"Charlotte gave an excellent lecture that was appreciated by all the audience, which also included many members of the public."