Prof. Dr. Andreu Palou

Andreu Palou is currently an Emeritus Professor. He was a Full Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB, 1987–2022) and is the Director of the general Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition, and Biotechnology (LBNB) at the UIB (1995–Present). He was a Member of the Direction Committee of the research center of excellence CIBEROBN (2010–2022). His other academic positions at the UIB include the research Vice-Rector (1987–1995); First Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency of Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) (2003–2010); Member of the plenary (1997–2002) and Vice-Chair (2000–2002) of the Scientific Committee on Food; and Vice-Chair of the scientific panel of nutrition (NDA) of EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (2003–2009). His main discovery is the function of leptin as an essential nutrient during lactation—a protein present in maternal milk (lacking in formula milk) whose oral intake during the suckling period protects against the development of obesity and related complications in adult life. He has several publications, prizes, and patents. His other relevant awards include the International 'Hippocrates' Award of Biomedical Research in Nutrition (Spain, 2008); the International Award on Nutrition and Health (University of Navarra, 2011); a lifetime achievement award from the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity (SEEDO, 2011); and the National Award 'Dupont' on Science (2013).