Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming nutrition research through advanced data analysis, predictive modeling, and personalized strategies, yet challenges persist, including resource gaps and limited cross-sector collaboration. This interactive workshop will introduce trainees and early career researchers to AI applications in nutrition science, covering theoretical concepts and hands-on exercises. Participants will explore how AI and more particularly machine learning (ML) can enhance research in -omics sciences, nutritional epidemiology, public health, and behavioral nutrition.
Dr. Shirin Panahi is the Scientific Director at the Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS), providing scientific leadership for its programs and educational initiatives. An adjunct professor at Université Laval, her research focuses on diet, appetite control, and metabolic health in obesity prevention. Dr. Panahi received her BSc (Hon) in life sciences and MSc and PhD in nutritional sciences from the University of Toronto. Since then, she has received numerous awards and honours including the CNS Gordon F. Mutch Young Investigator Award in Diabetes Research (2013) and CIHR-INMD/CNS Postdoctoral Partnership Prize (2017). With over 45 peer-reviewed publications she also develops nutrition resources including infographics and is also the host of the CNS podcast, Nutrition Conversations.