Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Leanne Redman honored with the E. V. McCollum Award from the American Society for Nutrition

(Press-News.org) The American Society for Nutrition, or ASN, and the ASN Foundation announced the distinguished recipients of the 2025 National Scientific Achievement Awards today. Recognizing outstanding contributions and pioneering advancements in the field of nutrition, these awards serve as a testament to excellence and innovation. Among the honorees is Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Dr. Leanne Redman, who received the E. V. McCollum Award – given to a clinical investigator who is perceived as a major creative force, actively generating new concepts in nutrition and personally seeing to the execution of studies testing the validity of these concepts.

Dr. Redman is associate executive director for scientific education and director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Pennington Biomedical. In addition, she holds the LPFA Endowed Professorship and leads the Reproductive Endocrinology and Women's Health Laboratory.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Redman and this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “Her groundbreaking research in maternal nutrition and metabolic health has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and public health. Dr. Redman’s dedication and leadership continue to elevate Pennington Biomedical as a leading institution in nutrition research.”

Dr. Redman was nominated by Dr. Eric Ravussin, LSU Boyd Professor and Douglas L. Gordon Chair in Diabetes and Metabolism at Pennington Biomedical, along with seven co-signers on her nomination.

“It is with great enthusiasm that I and the seven experts from around the country nominate Leanne Redman, PhD, FTOS, as an outstanding scientist conducting groundbreaking translational research in the field of maternal nutrition and energy regulation for the 2025 E.V. McCollum Award,” Dr. Ravussin wrote. “Over the past 15 years, Dr. Redman has risen to become a star in nutrition research.”

Dr. Redman has built an independent research program around women’s health, primarily in research that focuses on female infertility, pregnancy and the development of childhood obesity from the womb. Her research has brought more than $50 million new dollars to Pennington Biomedical in the past 15 years.

Dr. Redman’s research has positively flowed through the community, and she has established important partnerships with Obstetricians and Gynecologists at Baton Rouge General and Ochsner Hospitals, as well as State offices of Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana Women’s Infants and Children’s program.

“I am truly honored to receive the E.V. McCollum Award and to be recognized alongside so many exceptional scientists in the field of nutrition,” said Dr. Redman. “This award is a testament to the dedication of my team and our collaborators, as well as the unwavering support from Pennington Biomedical. I am excited to continue advancing research that improves the health of women and families not only in Baton Rouge but across the country.”

Dr. Redman is a leading authority on body weight regulation and has published more than 250 research papers on the topic as well as on women’s health, obesity and nutrition. Dr. Redman is a strong supporter of training future scientists, and her laboratory presently includes six undergraduate students from LSU and four post-doctoral fellows.

“We are proud to celebrate these outstanding individuals whose impactful work continues to advance the field of nutrition science,” said Sarah Booth, PhD, President of ASN. “Their contributions deepen our understanding of nutrition and health and serve as an inspiration for future generations of researchers and professionals.”

The 2025 National Scientific Achievement Award recipients will be celebrated May 31 – June 3 in Orlando, Fla, during ASN’s annual flagship meeting, NUTRITION 2025.

Paul M. Coates, PhD, Chair of the ASN Foundation Board of Trustees, shared appreciation for the ongoing success of the Scientific Achievement Awards program, made possible by the generous and steadfast support of our donors and advocates. “We are honored to celebrate this esteemed group of leaders, representing all career stages, for their impactful contributions to the nutrition community and their dedication to advancing public health."  

For more information about ASN and the ASN Foundation, visit nutrition.org/foundation.

About the American Society for Nutrition

The American Society for Nutrition is the preeminent professional organization for scientists and clinicians around the world. Founded in 1928, the society brings together the top nutrition researchers, medical practitioners, policy makers and industry leaders to advance the science, education, and practice of nutrition, reaching more than 55 million people annually. ASN publishes four peer-reviewed journals and provides education and professional development opportunities year-round. Since 2018, the American Society of Nutrition has presented NUTRITION, the leading global annual meeting for nutrition professionals. Visit us at nutrition.org.

About the ASN Foundation

The American Society for Nutrition Foundation complements and enhances ASN priorities and activities through the dissemination and application of nutrition science and education to improve public health and clinical practice worldwide, and advancing the Society’s role as a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness. The ASNF's broad portfolio of activities includes education, awards and scholarships, as well as recognition of lifetime achievement through our renowned Fellows program. The ASNF also raises funds to turn current challenges facing the field into opportunities that support the future. Visit us at nutrition.org/foundation.

About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus in the LSU System. 

The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 600 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art research institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.  

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