Congratulations to members of our Bartiatic Care Centre, Olivia Zanette, Registered Dietitian and Julie Riendeau, Psychologist, who are recipients of the 2026 Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research Grant. Their work explores how diet culture and nutrition misinformation influence engagement with dietitian-led nutrition counselling among adults receiving bariatric, cardiac rehabilitation, and diabetes care in Northwestern Ontario. By listening to patient experiences through surveys and interviews, the research will help identify practical ways dietitians can support confidence, trust, and sustainable healthy eating habits.

The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research, invests in research as the future of dietetic practice and the health of Canadians. Each year, their research grant competition supports innovative, practice-informed projects that advance nutrition knowledge and strengthen evidence-based care across the country.

The grant competition is a rigorous, two-stage process. Researchers first submit a research proposal registration, after which invited applicants develop a full research proposal. Each proposal undergoes an independent scientific review, where projects are evaluated for scientific merit, relevance to dietetic practice, innovation, and potential impact. Successful projects receive funding of up to $20,000 and have up to two years to complete their research.

Congratulations, Olivia and Julie. Thank you for the remarkable difference you make each and every day. We celebrate your achievement and are grateful to have you as valued members of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre team.