International PSE Symposium with a topic: Phytochemicals in Health and Nutrition was held on 27th – 30th September 2011 in Giovinazzo (BARI) Italy. The symposium was organized by Phytochemical Society of Europe and Professoressa Pinarosa Avato (Facolta di Farmacia, Universita Aldo Moro Degli Studia di Bari).

The final scientific meeting of COST (European cooperation in science and technology) Action (BM0602) with a topic Adipose tissue: A key target for prevention of metabolic syndrome gathered around 100 scientists interested in adipose tissue to Kuopio in August 29th-31st. The main objective of the Action has been to advance knowledge on the pathogenesis and prevention of obesity and the specific role of adipose tissue in the development of the metabolic syndrome.

Free school lunches have contributed to better nutrition equally for every Finnish school children since 1948. Even though a balanced lunch is served every day not every child gets the full benefit of it. A study performed in Eastern Finland shows that less than a half of the children eat a balanced school lunch and that school lunch eating reflects to overall eating patterns.

Maria Lankinen represented The Sysdimet project which has been performed in co-operation with VTT and University of Eastern Finland in the 29th International Symposium on Diabetes and Nutrition. The presentation was titled “Low insulin response grain products, fish and bilberries alter glucose and lipid metabolism: A randomized, controlled trial”.