Dr Catherine Tsang is a Lecturer in Nutrition in the School of Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences. She is also the Programme Lead for the BSc and Master of Nutrition courses.
- Overview
- Research Interests
- Research Publications
- Teaching & Learning
I am a Registered Nutritionist (Nutritional Sciences) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine. My career spans academia, research, consultancy, and public engagement, with a strong commitment to advancing the science and application of human nutrition in both academic and applied settings.
I have previously served as a Council Board Committee Member on the Food & Health Forum at The Royal Society of Medicine, contributing to strategic discussions at the intersection of nutrition, health, and policy. I have also been involved in transnational education through the V-Shape Programme in Hong Kong, supporting the BSc Food Science programme delivered in partnership with Northumbria University. These roles reflect my engagement in both policy-informed practice and international education.
Throughout my academic career, I have held senior positions across five higher education institutions in England and Scotland. My work has included programme leadership, curriculum development, and teaching across human nutrition, food science, and biological sciences. I am passionate about delivering interdisciplinary education that integrates scientific rigour with practical application, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address complex and evolving health challenges. I have also supervised student research and contributed to quality assurance processes, supporting excellence in higher education.
I am actively engaged in academic publishing and editorial work. I have served as a guest editor for scientific journals such as Antioxidants. In addition, I engage in consultancy, where I led projects across research and development, knowledge exchange, and advisory services within the UK and EU. I work collaboratively with stakeholders to translate scientific evidence into practical, evidence-based solutions in food, health, and nutrition.
I am also committed to science communication and public engagement. I have contributed to local and national media, including appearances on BBC Morning Live and features across BBC platforms such as BBC Lancashire Radio and BBC News, as well as regional press. Through this work, I aim to make nutrition science accessible, relevant, and impactful for diverse audiences.
My work is driven by a commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based nutrition, bridging research, education, and practice to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Affiliations (including memberships) to other organisations:
- Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutritionists (AfN)
- Fellow of The Higher Education Academy
- Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine
My research expertise is multidisciplinary, encompassing phytochemistry, cognitive psychology, cognitive science, nutritional biochemistry, and diabetology. Current interests in psychobiology & nutrition; the role of polyphenols and functional foods on cognitive function, mood and stress, the impact of GLP-1 agonists on the food environment, health and micronutrient status. I have experience working across several research centres in the UK on a range of funded knowledge exchange projects, KTP’s and consultancy with SME’s and larger businesses in the Food and Drink sector.
I am particularly interested in the relationship between diet, metabolism, and health, including the role of bioactive compounds and nutrition in chronic disease prevention and management. I have presented my research at national and international conferences, contributing to the wider scientific dialogue in nutritional science.
I am also a Full Member of the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR).
Active Research Interests:
- Psychobiology and Nutrition
- Polyphenols and bioactive compounds
- Cognitive function, mood and stress
- The impact of GLP-1 agonists on the food environment, health and micronutrient status
- Nutrition through the lifecycle
Research Methods:
- Cognitive function
- Cortisol/Cortisone ELISA analysis
- Antioxidant analysis
- PST
- PANAS
- MenQoL
- Dietary Analysis
My areas of teaching include:
- Nutrition Placement
- Evidence-based Practice
- Disease Aetiology and Management
- Food and Nutrition Policy
- Nutrition through the life course