Rockville, MD (May 13, 2026) – The American Society for Nutrition Foundation (ASN Foundation) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation today announced the latest recipients of the annual ASN Foundation-Novo Nordisk Foundation Henrik Dam and Flemming Quaade Awards, now in their second year. The awards recognize two scientists whose work is driving new insights and solutions in nutrition and obesity.
Named in honor of trailblazing Danish researchers Henrik Dam and Flemming Quaade, these prestigious awards support innovative work at the forefront of nutrition science and public health.
Dr. Anna Elizabeth Thalacker-Mercer Awarded the ASN Foundation─Novo Nordisk Foundation Henrik Dam Award for Scientific Discovery in Nutrition
Anna Thalacker-Mercer, PhD, a leading nutrition scientist, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Henrik Dam Award for Scientific Discovery in Nutrition. The award honors mid-career professionals for outstanding research contributions to the understanding of micronutrients, nutritional status, and metabolism. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Thalacker-Mercer’s research is transforming how scientists understand the role of micronutrients in skeletal muscle health, metabolism, and aging. Her work has shown that amino acids once thought to be “non-essential” are actually critical for muscle regeneration and remodeling, reshaping scientific perspectives on nutrient requirements for tissue repair. She also studies nutrients such as vitamin B12 and their role in muscle mitochondrial biology and proteostasis, with important implications for chronic disease and age-related conditions such as sarcopenia. By combining molecular biology, metabolism, and clinical research, her work highlights how micronutrients actively support muscle resilience, recovery, and overall health.
Widely recognized as a leader in the field, Dr. Thalacker-Mercer has advanced research that connects micronutrient biology to muscle function, aging, and disease. Her work integrates discoveries across laboratory, clinical, and population settings, translating complex science into insights that can inform health strategies and interventions. In addition to a strong record of research funding and publications, she contributes to the field through scientific leadership, collaboration, and mentorship of emerging investigators.
The award includes a research grant of 1.7 million Danish kroner (DKK) (~$260,000 USD); a personal award of 300,000 DKK (~$46,000 USD); a grant to host a symposium at her home institution; and an invited plenary lecture at NUTRITION 2026, the flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, taking place July 25-28, 2026, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC.
Dr. Rachel Whooten Receives the ASN Foundation─Novo Nordisk Foundation Flemming Quaade Award for Innovative Approaches to Childhood Obesity
Rachel Whooten, MD, MPH has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Flemming Quaade Award for Innovative Approaches to Childhood Obesity. The award recognizes early-career physicians who have made exceptional contributions to obesity prevention or management. Dr. Whooten is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in Boston, where she is a member of the Divisions of Pediatric Endocrinology and General Academic Pediatrics.
Dr. Whooten is recognized for research that is improving how pediatric obesity is prevented and treated through more coordinated and accessible care. Her work focuses on connecting primary care and specialized services, helping pediatricians deliver guideline-based treatment, including appropriate use of medications. She also explores how clinical care can be better integrated with behavioral and lifestyle support for children and families. By applying implementation science, her research is advancing practical, scalable approaches that improve access, quality of care, and health outcomes for diverse populations.
An emerging leader in the field, Dr. Whooten combines expertise in pediatric endocrinology, public health, and implementation science. Her research spans prevention and treatment across the life course and emphasizes collaboration with clinicians, patients, and communities. Supported by competitive federal funding, her work reflects a strong commitment to translating evidence into real-world strategies that improve care for children and families.
Award benefits include a research grant of 500,000 DKK (~$78,000 USD) and a travel stipend to present a lecture at NUTRITION 2026.
“It is our great pleasure to congratulate this year’s recipients of the ASN Foundation─Novo Nordisk Foundation awards, which recognize early- and mid-career professionals advancing innovative research in nutrition and obesity,” said Marie-Louise Hartoft-Nielsen, Vice President, Clinical Medicine & Diabetes at the Novo Nordisk Foundation. “Dr. Thalacker-Mercer’s work is reshaping our understanding of micronutrients and muscle health, while Dr. Whooten’s research is advancing practical approaches to improving pediatric obesity care. Together, their work highlights the important role of nutrition science in addressing major public health challenges. We look forward to celebrating their contributions at NUTRITION 2026.”
Investing in the Future of Nutrition Science
These awards are part of a multi-year partnership between the ASN Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation to recognize rising leaders in nutrition research and accelerate breakthroughs in global health. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has committed funding for the awards through 2027 and plays no role in the selection of recipients.
“The work of Drs. Thalacker-Mercer and Whooten reflects the impact we aim to recognize with these awards. Their research is helping to close important knowledge gaps and advance more effective, real-world approaches to nutrition and obesity,” said Paul M. Coates, PhD, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASN Foundation. “We appreciate the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s continued partnership and commitment to supporting outstanding researchers whose work is improving health outcomes worldwide.”
About the American Society for Nutrition Foundation
The American Society for Nutrition Foundation (ASNF) 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 Novo Nordisk Foundation
Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society. Visit us at novonordiskfonden.dk/en.