Best Researcher Award

Hülya Yılmaz Önal
Istanbul Medeniyet University, Türkiye

Hülya Yılmaz Önal is a Turkish academic and Associate Professor specializing in nutrition and dietetics. Her scholarly work focuses on obesity, sustainable nutrition, public health nutrition, Mediterranean dietary patterns, childhood nutrition, and nutritional epidemiology. Through research, postgraduate supervision, scientific publications, and administrative leadership, she has contributed to advancing evidence-based nutritional sciences and community health initiatives.[1]

Abstract

This article summarizes the academic achievements and research contributions of Hülya Yılmaz Önal. Her investigations encompass obesity management, vitamin D deficiency, sustainable nutrition, Mediterranean dietary adherence, emotional eating behavior, pediatric nutrition, and public health interventions. Her work integrates clinical nutrition, dietary assessment, and community health promotion, supporting evidence-based nutrition strategies across different population groups.[2]

Keywords

Nutrition, Dietetics, Obesity, Vitamin D, Mediterranean Diet, Sustainable Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Childhood Nutrition, Food Behavior, Nutritional Epidemiology.

Introduction

Nutrition science plays a critical role in disease prevention and health promotion. Associate Professor Hülya Yılmaz Önal has contributed significantly to this field through research on obesity, dietary behavior, nutritional sustainability, and population health. Her interdisciplinary perspective combines clinical, educational, and public health approaches to address contemporary nutritional challenges.[3]

Research Profile

Önal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Hacettepe University, completed her master’s degree in Catering Systems, and obtained a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics from Okan University. She currently serves as Associate Professor at Istanbul Medeniyet University while holding several academic leadership positions, including Vice Dean and Head of Department responsibilities.[1]

Research Contributions

• Research on obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and metabolic health.
• Studies addressing sustainable nutrition and dietary behavior.
• Investigations involving childhood nutrition and food literacy.
• Supervision of postgraduate research in nutrition and dietetics.
• Leadership of community-focused nutrition education projects.

Publications

• Immunonutritional Indices, Inflammatory Markers, and Thyroid-Related Parameters in Adults with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (2026).
• Artificial Intelligence Diet Plans Underestimate Nutrient Intake Compared to Dietitians in Adolescents (2026).
• Dialogic Reading-Based Nutrition Education and Dietary Diversity in Preschool Children (2026).
• Factors Associated with Weight Change During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021).
• The Effect of Weight Loss on Serum Vitamin D Levels in Obese Women (2017).

Research Impact

Her research has contributed to understanding dietary behaviors, obesity-related conditions, nutritional sustainability, and preventive health strategies. The findings support healthcare professionals, dietitians, educators, and policymakers in designing evidence-based interventions that improve nutritional awareness and long-term public health outcomes.[4]

Award Suitability

Based on her publication record, project leadership, postgraduate mentorship, and contributions to public health nutrition, Hülya Yılmaz Önal demonstrates strong qualifications for international recognition in nutrition and dietetics research. Her sustained academic productivity and institutional leadership further strengthen her suitability for research excellence awards.

Conclusion

Hülya Yılmaz Önal has established a notable academic profile within nutrition and dietetics through research, education, project leadership, and scientific dissemination. Her work addresses important public health challenges while promoting sustainable and evidence-based nutritional practices. Continued contributions from her research program are expected to further strengthen the scientific understanding of nutrition-related health outcomes.

External Links

• Scopus Profile
• Google Scholar
• ORCID

References

1. Istanbul Medeniyet University. Academic Profile of Hülya Yılmaz Önal. Faculty of Health Sciences.
2. Önal, H.Y. et al. (2026). The impact of dialogic reading-based nutrition education on preschool children’s nutrition knowledge and dietary diversity. BMC Public Health. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-025-25792-5
3. Önal, H.Y. & Alphan, M.E. (2017). The Effect of Weight Loss on Serum Vitamin D Levels in Obese Women with Vitamin D Deficiency.
4. Önal, H.Y. et al. (2021–2026). Selected publications on obesity, sustainable nutrition, public health nutrition, and dietary behavior research.