The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has announced that Dr Christine Bösch, Associate Professor in Nutrition at the University of Leeds, has been conferred the 2024 LIST International Award in Bioinnovation (LIAB Award) for her groundbreaking research on the positive effects of red beetroot juice on gut microbiota health. The LIAB Award, sponsored by PM-International, is an initiative that connects Luxembourg to global innovation leaders in biology, ecology, circular economy, health, and food sciences.

Dr Bösch's work explores the health benefits of betalains – red and yellow pigments found in beetroot and similar foods. Her research highlights betalains' potential to impact blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and gut microbiota. By investigating betalains' bioavailability, radical scavenging capabilities, and transformation during digestion, Dr Bösch is paving the way for functional food and feed applications with significant implications for human and animal health.

The award ceremony, held on Tuesday 26 November at the Halle des Poches à Fontes in Esch-Belval, brought together 70 guests to celebrate excellence in bioinnovation. Dr Bösch was presented with the award and a €10,000 prize.

Dr Bösch said: "It is an honour to receive the LIAB Award. It serves as an external recognition of our research achievements on this topic and highlights not only its potential impact on the scientific community but also its relevance to industry.”

The LIAB Award is sponsored by PM-International, a Luxembourg-based leader in dietary supplements and health products. This collaboration reflects a long-standing partnership between LIST and PM-International, which focuses on pioneering bioactive molecules for innovative applications.

Shared laboratory facilities in LIST’s Belvaux headquarters have further strengthened this collaboration. By working closely with industry partners, LIST continues to address concrete market needs while advancing significant developments in bioinnovation.

Dr Lucien Hoffmann, Science Director at LIST said, “Through the LIAB Award, LIST and its partner PM-International have succeeded in forging strong connections between Luxembourg and world-leading researchers in bioinnovation.

A key criterion for the award is its focus on practical application, which has been exemplified by the groundbreaking work of this year's winner, Dr Christine Bösch, as well as previous laureates, Professor Paul Spagnuolo in 2017 and Dr Ozan N. Ciftci in 2020. Their research holds significant promise, particularly in advancing the field of health in the coming years.”