“Why did you become a scientist?”
by Nolene Naicker
There were two main principles that guided me when I left school: I wanted to make a positive change in the world and wanted to work with people – something I am passionate about.
I have family members who suffer with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. I wanted to do something that could make living with these challenges much easier. `Dietetics` - the science of using the right food to treat illnesses - seemed like the way to go.
My late dad was my constant pillar and the driving force behind my academic achievements. He encouraged me to study to gain a BSc in dietetics and a Master’s degree in early childhood intervention. And I am currently completing my 3rd year of a PhD in dietetics. Thank you, Dad!
I started work doing community service and spent the next five years at a rural hospital in an impoverished community in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, where, confronted with constant malnutrition, I realised the true importance of Nutrition and Dietetics in the lives of everyone.
I now work at a national level and as part of a team striving to ensure that people receive products that meet the best nutrition quality and safety standards. I endeavour to apply the best available nutrition science. My role in Codex, and the recent finalization of the guideline on Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) will also impact on the lives of children worldwide!
Changes I’m involved in making today have a far-reaching and positive impact. It is fulfilling knowing that decisions made on a sound, scientific basis ensure the people of the world get what they need and deserve.
Let’s continue to do our little bit each day to bring about a positive impact on the lives around us!
Nolene is Assistant Director: Nutrition Directorate, National Department of Health, South Africa
Learn more
International Day of Women and Girls in Science website
At the heart of the Codex mandate are the core values of collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency. Governmental and non-governmental, public and private organizations alike play a vital role in ensuring Codex texts are of the highest quality and based on sound science.
Codex would have little authority in the field of international standard setting if it did not welcome and acknowledge the valuable contributions made by observers. Expert technical bodies, industry and consumer associations
contribute to the standard-setting process in a spirit of openness, collaboration and transparency.
Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can apply for observer status in Codex in order to attend and put forward their views at every stage of the standard-setting process.
Current Codex Alimentarius Commission
“Why did you become a scientist?”
by Nolene Naicker
There were two main principles that guided me when I left school: I wanted to make a positive change in the world and wanted to work with people – something I am passionate about.
I have family members who suffer with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. I wanted to do something that could make living with these challenges much easier. `Dietetics` - the science of using the right food to treat illnesses - seemed like the way to go.
My late dad was my constant pillar and the driving force behind my academic achievements. He encouraged me to study to gain a BSc in dietetics and a Master’s degree in early childhood intervention. And I am currently completing my 3rd year of a PhD in dietetics. Thank you, Dad!
I started work doing community service and spent the next five years at a rural hospital in an impoverished community in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, where, confronted with constant malnutrition, I realised the true importance of Nutrition and Dietetics in the lives of everyone.
I now work at a national level and as part of a team striving to ensure that people receive products that meet the best nutrition quality and safety standards. I endeavour to apply the best available nutrition science. My role in Codex, and the recent finalization of the guideline on Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) will also impact on the lives of children worldwide!
Changes I’m involved in making today have a far-reaching and positive impact. It is fulfilling knowing that decisions made on a sound, scientific basis ensure the people of the world get what they need and deserve.
Let’s continue to do our little bit each day to bring about a positive impact on the lives around us!
Nolene is Assistant Director: Nutrition Directorate, National Department of Health, South Africa
Learn more
International Day of Women and Girls in Science website
Codex and Observer
around the world since ancient times.
We might not always know where it comes from,
but we expect it to be available, safe and of good quality.
Leave a comment