dsm-firmenich, a global leader in nutrition, health, and beauty, has awarded the second round of its Nutrition Research Grant to five projects, each receiving EUR50,000, to support research on healthy longevity in the Asia Pacific region. The announcement was made on July 8, 2026, in Singapore, highlighting a record number of applications that underscore growing interest in healthy aging, as one in four people in Asia Pacific will be over 60 by 2050, according to the UNFPA.
Focus on 'Age Slower, Age Better'
Following the inaugural 2024 grant focused on 'Health from the Gut across the Human Lifespan,' this year's theme is 'Age Slower, Age Better - Nutrition Solutions for Healthy Longevity.' Tina Low, Senior Vice President APAC, Health, Nutrition & Care at dsm-firmenich, emphasized the urgency: 'The study of healthy longevity is particularly important in the Asia Pacific region, where populations are aging at an unprecedented pace due to longer life expectancy. More worryingly, we see a widening gap between lifespan and health span, with the average person spending the last 10 years of their lives in ill health.' She added that advancing healthy longevity requires strong public-private partnerships, a principle embedded in the Asia-for-Asia grant program.
Nutrition's Role in Slowing Aging
Anneleen Spooren, Senior Vice President, Innovation, R&D & Regulatory at dsm-firmenich, highlighted the potential of nutritional interventions, citing the DO-HEALTH study—Europe's largest clinical trial on healthy aging—which showed that a combination of algal omega-3, vitamin D, and a simple home exercise program can slow biological aging by up to 3.8 months over three years. 'We were excited to receive a record number of applications from 13 countries in Asia Pacific, and we look forward to partnering with our grant recipients to gain more clarity on how nutrition can shape how aging unfolds,' she said.
Five Grant Recipients and Their Projects
The five 2026 recipients are: Dr. David Barry from the National Ageing Research Institute, Australia, studying postbiotic supplementation for inflammation and physical function in pre-frail older adults; Prof. Hamid Sohrabi from Murdoch University, Australia, investigating synergistic effects of polyphenol- and omega-3-rich diets on mitochondrial health; Dr. Jiyun Ahn from the Korea Food Research Institute, Republic of Korea, exploring tissue-resolved aging clocks and vitamin D associations; Prof. Katherine Black from the University of Otago, New Zealand, examining omega-3 supplementation for lean mass in perimenopausal women; and Asst. Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino from the National University of Singapore, studying trigonelline and CoQ10 for cellular energy production.
Professional Recognition and Networking
Beyond funding, the grant offers professional recognition and networking opportunities. The grants were presented at the 'Age Slower, Age Better' scientific symposium in Singapore, organized with A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential. The symposium attracted over 180 academia and industry partners, including Prof. Johan Eriksson, Executive Director of A*STAR IHDP, and Prof. Kim Ji-Yeon of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, who served on the expert selection panel and delivered keynote presentations.
About dsm-firmenich and the Grant
dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company listed on Euronext Amsterdam and SIX Swiss Exchange, with operations in nearly 60 countries and revenues over EUR9 billion. The Nutrition Research Grant supports innovative research on nutrition's impact on human health in Asia Pacific, aiming to bridge scientific discovery and real-world application. The initiative emphasizes studies with practical relevance for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities.
