Professor of Clinical Science 
University of Bristol, UK 

Prof Jeff Holly is a leading expert on the endocrine and metabolic drivers of obesity as a complex, systemic disease. His research on insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins in chronic human disease has shaped our understanding of how IGF signaling intersects with cancer risk, obesity, and endocrine dysfunction.  

Jeff has contributed to influential work examining the interplay between obesity, diabetes and COVID-19, and more recently to interdisciplinary analyses linking obesity with climate change as interconnected global crises. A champion of systems-level solutions, he combines clinical insight with translational science and policy engagement to inform evidence-based strategies that improve both human and planetary health. He is Field Chief Editor of Frontiers in Endocrinology. 

British Academy Global Professor 
University of Oxford, UK 

Prof Paul Behrens is a professor at the University of Oxford and Leiden University, where he works at the intersection of environmental science, economics and public policy. His pioneering research focuses on the environmental impacts of food systems and how dietary change, energy transitions, and shifts in production systems can deliver major climate and health co-benefits. His work has made headline news and won him the title of the 2023 Frontiers Planet Prize International Champion. 

A passionate scientific communicator, Paul’s voice has informed international debates on sustainable diets and planetary boundaries, helping to shape evidence-based pathways toward food systems that support both human and planetary health.  

Professor of Medicine
St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, University of New South Wales, Australia

Prof Katherine Samaras is a consultant physician and endocrinologist at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney where she is the founder and director of the Australian Centre for Metabolic Health. Her research focuses on how healthy ageing is affected by diabetes and metabolism, particularly brain ageing and dementia. She is also lab leader for the Clinical Obesity, Nutrition and Adipose Biology Lab at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

Katherine has led pioneering work clarifying the clinical consequences of visceral adiposity and the metabolic benefits of weight loss interventions, including bariatric surgery. Through translational research and clinical leadership, she has helped redefine obesity as a complex, systemic disease and advanced evidence-based strategies to improve long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Professor of Biological Psychology and Health Behaviours 
University of Leeds, UK 

Prof Jason Halford’s research explores the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms that drive appetite, food choice, and weight management—with a particular focus on approaches such as meal replacements, dietary fiber and protein supplementation to boost satiety. 

A leading authority on appetite regulation and obesity, Jason’s work has informed public health policy on food advertising to children and strengthened the evidence base for system-level approaches to tackling obesity. He has worked extensively with patient groups, policy makers, NGOs, and the World Health Organization. Jason is past President of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and former Chair of the UK Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO).  

Head of Policy & Advocacy 
World Obesity Federation, UK 

Magdalena Wetzel leads global efforts to advance evidence-based policies to prevent and address obesity at the World Obesity Federation. Her work focuses on translating scientific research into actionable policy, strengthening political commitment, and supporting countries to implement systems-based approaches to obesity prevention and care. 

Maggie has previously held roles within the Argentine National Congress, the United Nations Programme for Development, and World Cancer Research Fund International. She has played a key role in shaping international advocacy strategies that frame obesity as a complex, chronic disease requiring coordinated action across health, food, economic, and environmental systems. Through coalition-building and engagement with governments and multilateral organizations, she works to elevate obesity on the global health and sustainable development agenda.