Dr Robert Akparibo, Senior Lecturer in Global Health and Nutrition at the University of Sheffield, is collaborating with international organisations and researchers to elevate the importance of school meals, healthy eating education, and adolescent health support in global policy discussions.
Recognised for his contributions, Dr Akparibo has been appointed Co-Chair of the Global School Meals Coalition Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition. In this role, he leads an international network of researchers focused on translating evidence into actionable policies to enhance school health and nutrition programmes globally.
His work directly supports international initiatives in education, children's and adolescent health, and the development of school meal standards. A key aspect involves encouraging education systems to foster lifelong healthy eating habits. The Research Consortium has contributed to UNESCO's 2025–2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, 'Learn to Eat Well', which advocates for integrating food literacy across all stages of education.
“"Education can play a critical role in building healthier eating habits and more sustainable food systems."
Beyond education policy, Dr Akparibo's expertise is informing responses to disruptions, such as contributing as a technical expert to a WHO working group on restoring Ukraine's national school meals programme following the Russian-Ukraine conflict. He also participates in joint UNICEF–World Food Programme technical working groups developing global indicators for adolescent health and nutrition.
More recently, Dr Akparibo represented the University of Sheffield and the Global School Meals Coalition Research Consortium at an expert consultation convened by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. The meeting focused on developing a global methodology for evidence-based nutrition guidelines and standards for school meals, adaptable to diverse national contexts.
Dr Akparibo stated, “It is both humbling and rewarding to have my work recognised through these international appointments. More importantly, they provide an opportunity to contribute evidence and expertise that can help improve the health, nutrition, and learning outcomes of children and adolescents globally.” These partnerships underscore the University of Sheffield's commitment to improving global school health and nutrition.
