Rockville, MD (May 13, 2026) – The American Society for Nutrition (ASN Foundation) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation today announced the latest recipients of the ASN Foundation-Novo Nordisk Foundation Henrik Dahm and Flemming Quade Awards, now in their second year. The awards recognize two scientists whose work on nutrition and obesity advances new understanding and solutions.
These prestigious awards are named in honor of leading Danish researchers Henrik Dam and Flemming Quaade, who support innovative work at the forefront of food science and public health.
Dr. Anna Elizabeth Thalaker-Mercer awarded the ASN─Novo Nordisk Henrik Dam Foundation Award for Scientific Discovery in Nutrition
Anna Thalaker-Mercer, PhD, a distinguished nutrition scientist, was selected as this year’s recipient. Henrik Dam Prize for scientific discoveries in food. The award honors mid-career professionals for outstanding research contributions to the understanding of micronutrients, nutritional status, and metabolism. He is an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Thalaker-Mercer’s research is changing how scientists understand the role of micronutrients in skeletal muscle health, metabolism and aging. His work has shown that amino acids previously considered “non-essential” are actually essential for muscle recovery and repair, changing the scientific perspective on nutritional needs for tissue repair. He also studies nutrients such as vitamin B12 and their role in muscle mitochondrial biology and proteostasis, with important implications for chronic diseases and age-related conditions such as sarcopenia. Combining molecular biology, metabolism, and clinical research, his work demonstrates how micronutrients actively support muscle endurance, recovery, and overall health.
Recognized as a leader in the field, Dr. Thalaker-Mercer has advanced research linking micronutrient biology to muscle function, aging, and disease. His work integrates discoveries in laboratory, clinical, and population settings, translating complex science into insights that can inform health strategies and interventions. In addition to a strong record of research funding and publications, he contributes to the field through scientific leadership, collaboration, and mentoring of junior investigators.
The award includes a research grant of 1.7 million Danish kroner (DKK) (~$260,000 USD); personal prize of 300,000 DKK (~$46,000 USD); a grant to hold a symposium at your institution; and the convened plenum in Nutrition 2026The American Society for Nutrition’s flagship meeting will be held July 25-28, 2026, in National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Dr. Rachel Wooten Receives ASN─Novo Nordisk Foundation Flemming Quade Award for Innovative Approaches to Childhood Obesity
Rachel Wooten, MD, MPH has been selected as this year’s recipient Flemming Quade Award for Innovative Approaches to Childhood Obesity. This award recognizes early career physicians who have made exceptional contributions to the prevention or management of obesity. Dr. Wooten is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he is a member of the Departments of Pediatric Endocrinology and Academic General Pediatrics.
Dr. Wooten is recognized for research into how pediatric obesity can improve prevention and treatment through coordinated and accessible care. Her work focuses on bridging primary care and specialty services, helping pediatricians deliver guided care, including the appropriate use of medications. She also studies how to better integrate clinical care with behavioral and lifestyle support for children and families. Through the application of applied science, his research advances practical and scalable approaches that improve access, quality of care, and health outcomes for diverse populations.
Dr. Wooten combines expertise in pediatric endocrinology, public health, and applied science. His research spans prevention and treatment across the lifespan and emphasizes collaboration with clinicians, patients, and communities. Her work is supported by competitive federal funding, reflecting a strong commitment to translating evidence into real-world strategies that improve care for children and families.
The benefits of the award include a research grant of 500,000 DKK (~$78,000 USD) and a travel stipend to present a lecture. Nutrition 2026.
Marie-Louise Hartoft-Nielsen, vice president of the No Diabetes & No Diabetine Medical Foundation: “We are delighted to congratulate the recipients of the ASN Foundation Awards – Novo Nordisk Foundation, which recognize early and mid-career professionals who are leading innovative research in the field of nutrition and obesity.” “Dr. Thalaker-Mercer’s work is transforming our understanding of micronutrients and muscle health, while Dr. Wooten’s research is advancing practical approaches to improving childhood obesity care. Together, their work highlights the important role of nutrition science in addressing major public health challenges. We look forward to celebrating their contributions at Neu26.”
Investing in the future of food science
The awards are part of a multi-year partnership between the ASN Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation to recognize emerging leaders in nutrition research and accelerate advances in global health. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has funded the awards until 2027 and has no role in selecting the recipients.
“The work of Drs. Thalaker-Mercer and Wooten reflects the impact that we recognize with these awards. Their research is helping to close critical knowledge gaps and promote more effective and realistic approaches to nutrition and obesity,” said Paul M. Coates, PhD, Chair of the ASN Foundation Board of Trustees. “We appreciate the ongoing partnership of the Novo Nordisk Foundation to support outstanding researchers whose work is improving health outcomes around the world.”
About the American Society for Nutrition Foundation
The American Society for Nutrition (ASNF) complements and enhances the priorities and activities of ASN by disseminating and applying nutrition science and education to improve public health and clinical practice worldwide and enhance the Society’s role as a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness. ASNF’s broad portfolio of activities includes education, awards and scholarships, as well as recognition of lifetime achievement through our renowned Fellows program. ASNF also raises funds to turn the industry’s current challenges into opportunities that support the future. To us nutrition.org/foundation.
About the Novo Nordisk Foundation
Founded in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is a charitable foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to advance research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious diseases, as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support the green transformation of society. To us novonordiskfonden.dk/en.
