Kevin Whelan

Professor Kevin Whelan is a Professor of Dietetics and Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London. He specializes in gastrointestinal microbiome research, probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions for gut disorders such as IBS and IBD. His work spans basic science, clinical trials, and public health guidelines. He holds roles in the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and editorial boards of journals like Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Gut Microbiome.

Education:

• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, University of Bristol
• MSc (Distinction) Nutrition and Dietetics, Leeds Beckett University
• PhD in Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London
• MA (Distinction) Academic Practice Teaching and Learning, King’s College London

Research Interests:

• Microbiome modulation via diet
• Probiotics and prebiotics efficacy
• Clinical nutrition for gastrointestinal diseases
• Food-related quality of life
• Nutrition education and guideline development

Recent Articles: Recent work focuses on IBD dietary guidelines, microbiome modulation in aging, and ultra-processed foods' impact on gut health. His systematic reviews highlight fiber and probiotic effects on digestive health.

Awards:

• 2012: Nutrition Society Sir David Cuthbertson Medal
• 2017: Fellow of the British Dietetic Association
• 2018: Dr Elsie Widdowson Memorial Lecture
• Teaching Excellence Awards and Fellowships

Grants & Projects: Leads the £1.5M BBSRC-funded study on plant food diversity. Collaborates on trials like the ADDapt trial for Crohn’s disease and the FruGut study on fruit products. Active in the NutrImmune project optimizing immune responses via diet.

Labs/Teams: Heads the Diet & Gastrointestinal Health Research Group, focusing on microbiome, dietary fibers, and clinical trial design. Collaborates with immunologists, gastroenterologists, and dietitians globally.