Foundation of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN Foundation) is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the Sylvia Rowe Award for Excellence in Food Science Communication. The new award recognizes individuals whose work has enhanced the quality, credibility and impact of food science communication.
The recipients are 2026 Carol Haggans, MS, RDICF Incorporated, LLC, and Kevin Klatt, PhD, RDUniversity of Toronto.
The Sylvia Rowe Award, established in 2026, recognizes mid-career professionals who excel in translating complex nutrition science clearly and responsibly for diverse audiences. The award also recognizes individuals who promote constructive, evidence-based dialogue across disciplines, sectors, and perspectives.
The award is named in honor of Sylvia Rowe, a respected leader whose career helped shape the field of food science communication. He is widely recognized for his clarity and integrity in addressing complex scientific issues and for building partnerships across sectors and disciplines. He has also played a leading role in shaping the way food science is communicated and how it fosters constructive dialogue in the field.
“Effective communication is critical to ensuring that nutrition science informs decision-making, policy, practice and public understanding,” said Paul, MD. Coates, PhD, DFASN, Chair of the ASN Foundation Board of Trustees. “The Sylvia Rowe Award recognizes individuals who communicate science with accuracy, transparency and balance. It also recognizes individuals who help people navigate complex and sometimes controversial topics. We are honored to recognize Carol Haggans and Kevin Klatt as the inaugural recipients of this award.”
Carol Haggans, MS, RD, is recognized for her work in nutrition science communication and dietary supplement research. During her tenure at the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements, she developed trusted educational resources that translated complex scientific evidence into clear, actionable information for health professionals and consumers. Through her writing, public engagement and coaching, Haggans has helped improve the public’s understanding of nutrition science and support evidence-based decision-making.
Kevin Klatt, PhD, RD, is recognized for his work in communicating food science and policy to a wide range of audiences. Through scholarly publications, media involvement, social media coverage, and professional leadership, he has helped explain complex and sometimes controversial nutrition topics. His work emphasizes evidence-based discussion, transparency, and scientific rigor.
Each recipient receives a $1,500 honorarium, a plaque, registration to the ASN Annual Meeting, Nutrition 2026and official recognition during the meeting.
The Sylvia Rowe Award is established through the generosity of colleagues, friends, corporate donors, financial boards, and other supporters who share Rowe’s commitment to advancing scholarly communication and constructive dialogue. The ASN Foundation is establishing a permanent endowment to maintain the award and support future generations of food science communicators. To date, nearly $60,000 has been raised toward the $100,000 goal, helping to lay a solid foundation for the award’s long-term future. The ASN Foundation would like to thank the individuals and organizations whose support helped launch this important initiative. Those who wish to contribute can apply Sylvia Rowe Award Endowment Fund page or contact Griff Courtney gcourtney@nutrition.org.
About the ASN Foundation
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN Foundation) 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. The ASN Foundation’s broad portfolio of activities includes education, awards and scholarships, as well as recognition of lifetime achievement through our renowned Fellows program. The ASN Foundation also raises funds to transform the industry’s current challenges into opportunities that support the future. To usnutrition.org/foundation.
