EASO congratulates the 2024 EASO ECN Best Thesis finalists. Please join us for their presentations at the EASO Early Career Network Best Thesis Award Session
Monday 13 May, 2024 – 17.00-18.30 in Sala Grande
Please join us to learn about their research and congratulate them on their excellent work.
17.00 – 17.05
Welcome from the ECN Board
17.05 – 17.20
Best Thesis Candidate 1 – Rebecca Evans, United Kingdom
I am a Research Associate in the Appetite & Obesity Research Group within the Department of Psychology at the University of Liverpool. I am currently working on a project developing and testing nutrient warning labels for UK consumers on foods that contain an ‘excessive’ amount of energy or certain nutrients (e.g., salt, sugar).
I have a First Class BSc (Hons) in Psychology and a Distinction MSc in Research Methods in Psychology. I was recently awarded my PhD which explored the extent and nature of digital food marketing via videogame livestreaming platforms and its impact on eating behaviour and health in young people. Alongside my PhD I also worked as a Doctoral Academic Teacher.
Broadly, my principal research interests lie in understanding the impacts of the food environment on eating behaviour.
17.20 – 17:35
Best Thesis Candidate 2 – Simon Jensen, Denmark
I’m Simon Birk Kjær Jensen, 31 years old, from Copenhagen, Denmark.
I defended my PhD thesis in October 2024, and I am currently employed as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
I have a background within physical activity with a BSc in exercise and sports sciences and a MSc in human physiology.
I am interested in the health-enhancing effects of physical activity. My research focus is to develop better evidence-based strategies for obtaining and sustaining a healthy body weight.
In my PhD studies I explored the synergy between obesity medication and physical activity. Specifically, I investigated the role of supervised exercise during medical treatment of obesity to obtain a healthier and more sustainable weight reduction.
17.35 – 17.50
Best Thesis Candidate 3 – Kath Williamson, United Kingdom
As an experienced community nurse, I found myself caring for increasing numbers of housebound people living with severe obesity, but little evidence to inform their wider care. This led to my part-time PhD at the University of Glasgow, evidencing needs of this population – completed in 2023.
I am passionate about supporting the wider care needs of people living with obesity, through research and training. I continue to work in community and social care, leading a multidisciplinary Bariatric Care Forum.
17.50 – 18.15
Guest presentation
18.15 – 18.20
Engagement in the ECN Network
18.20 – 18.30
Announcement of the winner of the EASO ECN Best Thesis award 2024