The UNC Nutrition Research Institute is a community of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students working together to advance nutrition research that improves human health. Our researchers study how diet interacts with genetics, metabolism, and environment to address today’s most pressing health challenges. Research from the NRI informs evidence-based nutrition guidance and interventions that improve health across the lifespan, turning discovery into action when it matters most.
On GiveUNC, your support makes that progress possible. Gifts to the NRI Director’s Fund allow us to act quickly—supporting our people, advancing promising ideas, and accelerating research at critical moments. Your participation today helps move nutrition science forward and extend its impact across North Carolina and beyond.
Feautured Initiatives
Empowering Health with Nutrition
What if your doctor could prescribe key nutrients you should or shouldn’t eat? Our pioneering research is revolutionizing dietary guidelines, making nutrition recommendations tailored just for you. Donate to our Director’s Response Fund (724691) to support our mission and help us continue this groundbreaking work in precision nutrition, empowering everyone to eat uniquely.
Accelerate Faculty Success
The Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) seeks to recruit exceptional scientists to advance precision nutrition research. Through the Faculty Accelerator Fund (722113), NRI leadership supports diverse perspectives, research areas, and expertise, enhancing the ability to drive significant progress in nutrition science and improve health outcomes for all populations.
Shaping the Future of Nutrition
Support the Steven H. Zeisel Distinguished Lectureship Fund (722115) to honor the Nutrition Research Institute’s founding director. Once endowed, this fund will annually bring a top scientist to the NRI for public lectures and research collaboration. Your donation will help continue the NRI’s innovation in personalized nutrition.
Upcoming Events
STEM Night at the Cannon Ballers!
Date: 4/7/2026
Location: Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Stadium
STEM Night at the Cannon Ballers!
Science, Baseball, and Community – All in One Night
On Tuesday, April 7, the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) and the NC Science Festival are teaming up with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers for STEM Night at the Ballpark – a one-of-a-kind community event that brings science to the stadium.
Join NRI researchers as they share interactive exhibits, hands-on STEM activities, and real-world research happening right here in Kannapolis.
Tickets available on our website at uncnri.org/stemnight
NGx 2026: Precision Nutrition for Exercise Across the Lifespan
Date: May 17-20
Location: North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC
NGx 2026: Precision Nutrition for Exercise Across the Lifespan
Short course designed for graduate students, health professionals, fitness clinicians, and nutrition scientists from academia, agencies, and industry.
The 2026 NGx short course focuses on precision nutrition in the context of exercise and physical health, bringing together researchers and practitioners to explore how genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle influence health and performance across the lifespan. The program features expert-led lectures, keynote presentations, and guided tours and demonstrations of the UNC Nutrition Research Institute’s Clinical Research Core.
Learn more and register today at uncnri.org/NGx
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