Nestlé Portugal and NOVA Medical School celebrated the fifth edition of the Cereals for All – Creating the Future of Cereals project, a partnership between industry and academia, at an event held at the Nestlé Portugal Campus in Linda-a-Velha. The event featured presentations of food innovation projects developed by final-year students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Sciences to representatives of both partner organizations.
In this fifth edition, students were challenged to develop innovative cereal-based solutions addressing four strategic areas: Child and Adolescent Nutrition, Women’s Health, Healthy Ageing, and Sports Nutrition. The projects were presented to a jury comprising members of Nestlé Portugal’s management team, including General Manager Rachel Muller, and faculty members from NOVA Medical School, including Conceição Calhau, Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Sciences.
Across five consecutive editions, the project has engaged 85 students, giving them the opportunity to apply their scientific knowledge to real-world market challenges.
"Reaching the fifth edition of Cereals for All is a milestone that fills us with pride and reflects the success of a unique collaboration between industry and academia. Once again, the projects presented by NOVA Medical School students stood out for their quality and creativity, demonstrating how well prepared the next generation of nutritionists is to address real market challenges through innovative, healthy and sustainable solutions. For Nestlé, this initiative further reinforces our commitment to innovation and to supporting young talent in Portugal," said Ana Leonor Perdigão, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager at Nestlé Portugal.
"Watching these projects come to life is to witness the potential of the next generation of nutritionists. The students demonstrated a remarkable ability to transform scientific knowledge into innovative and sustainable solutions that respond to society’s real needs. It is precisely this type of experience—bridging academia and the professional world—that we aim to provide to both students and faculty. Our partnership with Nestlé Portugal is an excellent example of how organizations can work together to enrich education and foster innovation," said Ana Macedo, Assistant Director for Community Outreach at NOVA Medical School.
Over a 12-week period, students took part in an immersive programme that included a visit to Nestlé’s Cereal Factory in Avanca, expert-led sessions covering the different stages of product development, and mentoring sessions with specialists from both organizations. As part of the internship component of the Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Sciences, the initiative offers future nutritionists valuable first-hand experience of the professional environment and direct exposure to the challenges of developing innovative solutions within the food industry.