Our Mission

A student talking to a professor.

Our Mission 

The Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) is dedicated to advancing human health through excellence in education, research, and training in the field of nutrition. 

What We Do 

IHN leads and coordinates nutrition research and education across Columbia University and its affiliated institutions. Our work spans: 

  • Basic and clinical nutrition research on the role of nutrition in health 

  • Public health and preventive medicine courses 

  • Education and training for students, physicians, and health professionals, including our flagship nutrition master’s program 

Our goal is to expand knowledge of nutrition’s impact on individuals and populations worldwide while preparing the next generation of leaders in the field. 

Explore our research initiatives and discover how IHN is shaping the future of nutrition science. 

Training the Next Generation 

A core mission of IHN is to train scholars, scientists, and health professionals who will: 

  • Conduct cutting-edge nutrition research 

  • Teach and mentor in universities and research centers 

  • Integrate nutrition into medical and health practice 

Through the nutrition master’s program and other educational pathways, we provide rigorous academic and professional preparation. We also offer enhanced opportunities for physicians and other health specialists who wish to emphasize nutrition in their professional practice. 

Learn more about our academic programs and training opportunities, including the nutrition master’s program. 

Collaboration Across Columbia 

IHN serves as the hub for nutrition-related research and education at Columbia. Faculty and researchers affiliated with IHN hold appointments in more than 18 academic departments across: 

  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center Department of Medicine

  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center Department of Pediatrics

  • Graduate School of Arts and Sciences 

  • Mailman School of Public Health 

  • Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons 

Through joint research projects, seminars, and courses, IHN connects faculty, students, and centers across Columbia to achieve two goals: 

  1. Advance scientific understanding of nutrition 
  2. Provide top-tier training for physicians, scientists, and health leaders 

Connect with our faculty and explore opportunities for collaboration.