our programs
The Institute leads a range of programs designed to improve brain health, support maternal and infant wellbeing, strengthen nutritional security, and advance sustainable food systems. Our initiatives translate scientific research into practical solutions that benefit hospitals, communities, and global health systems. Each program builds on decades of research into essential fatty acids, maternal nutrition, and neurodevelopment.
01
Maternal Nutrition Program
Overview:
The Maternal Nutrition Program focuses on improving nutritional status before, during, and after pregnancy. Based on extensive research into DHA, AA, and long-chain fatty acids, this program aims to reduce risks associated with preterm birth, low birthweight, developmental delays, and long-term neurological vulnerability.
Our Objectives:
Support mothers with evidence-based nutritional guidance
Identify risk factors for nutrient deficiencies
Improve fetal brain development outcomes
Reduce complications associated with poor maternal nutrition
Strengthen maternity services and neonatal units with updated research
Program Components:
1. Maternal Screening & Assessment
Work with hospital units to assess essential fatty acid profiles and micronutrient levels during early pregnancy.
2. Education & Clinical Guidance
Provide clear, accessible recommendations for DHA, AA, iodine, and related nutrients essential to fetal brain development.
3. Research & Monitoring
Conduct ongoing studies linking maternal nutrition to MRI brain-volume outcomes, cognitive development, and child health.
4. Support for At-Risk Mothers
Develop strategies for communities facing higher nutritional challenges, ensuring vulnerable groups receive adequate support.
02
Marine Agriculture Initiative
As global populations grow and land-based agriculture becomes increasingly unsustainable, the Institute advocates for the development of marine agriculture systems to ensure long-term access to brain-specific nutrients—particularly DHA, which is scarce in traditional land crops.
Purpose of the Initiative:
- Address global nutrient shortages
-Promote sustainable, ocean-based food systems
- Ensure population-wide access to essential fatty acids
- Prevent long-term nutritional decline affecting brain development
Key Areas of Work:
1. Research on Aquatic Food Chains
Study how marine ecosystems produce unique nutrients required for human neurodevelopment and how these can be integrated into future food supplies.
2. Development of Sea-Based Food Models
Explore scalable models of aquatic farming (e.g., algae, kelp, microalgae) capable of providing stable sources of DHA.
3. Policy Advocacy & Global Nutrition Strategy
Support governments and international bodies in recognizing the importance of marine-based nutrition for long-term health security.
4. Partnerships with Coastal & Island Regions
Collaborate with communities affected by land scarcity to develop sustainable marine agriculture practices.
03
Community Outreach
Community Outreach ensures that the Institute’s research benefits real people—particularly families, mothers, infants, and communities facing nutritional challenges. These programs bring scientific knowledge beyond laboratories and into everyday lives.
What We Do:
1. Support for Local Families & Maternity Units
Work with hospitals and clinics to promote evidence-based nutrition for better pregnancy and infant outcomes.
2. Public Health Education
Provide accessible information on maternal nutrition, infant feeding, essential fatty acids, and early childhood development.
3. Workshops, Seminars & Awareness Campaigns
Engage families, healthcare providers, educators, and local organizations in understanding the importance of brain-focused nutrition.
4. Global Outreach Projects
Participate in programs across regions experiencing high rates of malnutrition—helping improve maternal health and early development in vulnerable communities.
5. Training & Capacity Building
Support midwives, nurses, and community health workers with training rooted in the latest research.
Impact:
These outreach efforts have improved awareness, increased access to accurate nutritional information, and enhanced the capacity of health systems to support mothers and infants.