The annual Clinical Nutrition Research Unit (CNRU) and Obesity/Nutrition Research Center (ONRC) Directors' Meeting, held on June 17-18, 1996, brought together principle investigators and other key personnel from CNRUs and ONRCs throughout the United States. The University of Colorado CNRU in Denver hosted this year's meeting. Participants discussed administrative issues, information and resource sharing, and current and future activities. In addition, the University of Colorado presented nutrition research being conducted at the Center for Human Nutrition and the Colorado CNRU.
The CNRU program brings together basic science and clinical investigators in a manner that enriches the effectiveness of nutrition research. The CNRU program is an array of research, educational, and core laboratory activities focused on human nutrition in health and disease. The ONRC program encourages a multidisciplinary approach to obesity and nutrition research. ONRC program activities concentrate mainly on developing new knowledge concerning the development, prevention, and treatment of obesity and eating disorders; understanding control and modulation of energy metabolism in obesity; and understanding and treating disorders associated with abnormalities of energy balance and weight maintenance. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) maintains full support of four ONRCs and six CNRUs nationwide. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports two CNRUs.
Of the several issues discussed, using the Internet to share information and resources and to facilitate interaction among the units and centers was a key aspect of the annual meeting. Participants felt that using the Internet to establish user-friendly, convenient sources of information would benefit both the scientific community and the general public by keeping both groups informed of advances in research. Other topics covered included research funding, the CNRU/ONRC research report, and current and future activities of the Weight-control Information Network (WIN).
For additional information on the CNRUs and ONRCs, contact WIN at (202) 828-1025.