NSA 2025 You must pre register to attend this workshop.
Location: Griffith University, Ian O'Connor Building (Griffith Health Centre) G40, Level 4, Room 4.114
Workshop facilitators: Dr Priscila Machado, Deakin University & Dr Emily Denniss, Deakin University
Description: Effective nutrition communication can enhance food literacy, support informed choices and be used for policy advocacy - key priorities in the ‘Nourishing Australia Decadal Plan for Nutrition’. This workshop will explore how communication can promote healthy eating behaviours and public health, current issues and evidence-based solutions. Drawing on our teams’ recent research, we will present a novel framework for ultra-processed food (UPF) communication. Dr Denniss will outline the importance of nutrition communication and findings from a review of best-practice recommendations for educative and persuasive health messaging. Practical strategies will be discussed, including audience segmentation, message design and tailoring, and evaluation. Dr Machado will demonstrate how these recommendations informed the UPF communication framework, drawing on national survey data, and engagement with consumers, public health organisations, and experts. In small groups, participants will apply the framework to develop a communication strategy and tailor messages aimed at different nutrition communication goals and audiences, with key reflections shared to conclude.
Expected outcomes: Participants will learn how to apply nutrition communication principles in research, practice and advocacy, including ways to tailor UPF communication. Interactive activities will strengthen participants’ ability to design, adapt, and evaluate effective communications for diverse audiences and settings, and promote networking. Innovative research methodology will be showcased throughout the workshop to strengthen attendees’ capacity to conduct novel and high-quality nutrition communication research. Participants will reflect on how to apply their new communication skills to advance the 'Nourishing Australia Decadal Plan for Nutrition' goals, aligning their work with national priorities.