Interview with Prof. Francisco J. Amaro Gahete—Winner of the Nutrients Young Investigator Award

Name: Prof. Francisco J. Amaro Gahete

Affiliation: Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain

 

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your current research focus?

I am a physician and medical physiologist, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Granada, within the Faculty of Medicine. I lead the Functional and Exercise Physiology Research Group and direct the Radiodiagnostic Facility at the iMUDS Research Center. In addition, I am coordinating the implementation of a new translational medicine unit, expected to become operational in the coming years. My research is based on the premise that lifestyle interventions are not merely complementary but represent biological interventions with measurable physiological effects. We study how exercise and nutrition influence metabolism, endocrine signaling, inflammation, and body composition, and translate these mechanisms into randomized controlled trials in areas such as obesity, diabetes, sleep, and oncology. Ultimately, my goal is to help move exercise and nutrition from general advice to clinical prescription.

2. How did you first learn about the journal Nutrients? What were your initial impressions of it?

I first encountered Nutrients during my doctoral training around 2014–2015 while exploring literature related to metabolism and clinical nutrition. Over time, I have seen the journal evolve into an important platform for multidisciplinary research. Having served as Guest Editor for three Special Issues, I have also gained insight into its editorial processes, which I find efficient and supportive of emerging research areas such as lifestyle medicine and translational metabolism.

3. Do you have any other suggestions for how the journal and publisher can further support young researchers and the academic community?

In my view, early-career researchers need three key elements: rigor, visibility, and responsibility. Rigor refers to strong methodological standards and transparency. Visibility involves providing opportunities for young scientists to contribute meaningfully, for example, by co-editing Special Issues under senior mentorship. Responsibility means entrusting them with genuine editorial and scientific roles early in their careers. If we aim to build a strong future for science, we must actively cultivate future leaders.

4. What challenges have you encountered in your work, and how did you overcome them?

One of the main challenges in lifestyle medicine is achieving scientific credibility, as exercise and nutrition are sometimes perceived as secondary to pharmacological treatments. To address this, we design studies with robust endpoints, advanced imaging, and mechanistic validation to demonstrate their biological impact. Another challenge was establishing an independent research structure early in my career, particularly following the retirement of a mentor. This required building a strong team, fostering international collaborations, and creating an environment where talent can thrive. Science is inherently collaborative, and success depends on collective effort.

5. What trends or developments in nutrition do you find most exciting right now?

I see three major developments. First, the integration of nutrition with chronobiology, as timing appears to be as important as nutrient composition. Second, the interaction between modern pharmacological treatments—such as GLP-1-based therapies—and structured lifestyle interventions. Third, the shift from weight-centered models toward broader concepts of metabolic health and functional resilience. Overall, nutrition research is evolving from a focus on calories to a systems-level understanding of physiology.

6. Looking ahead, what are your main goals or projects for the coming years?

I am currently leading large-scale translational trials that integrate molecular biology, imaging technologies, and clinical endpoints, particularly in metabolic diseases and oncology. Institutionally, I am focused on establishing a translational medicine unit to bridge laboratory research and clinical application. Strategically, my goal is to contribute to embedding lifestyle medicine into standard clinical care pathways.

7. How did you find out about this award? How would you like to continue collaborating with Nutrients?

I learned about the award through official communication from the journal. It was both unexpected and deeply meaningful, as it represents recognition from peers in the field and reflects our commitment to scientific rigor. I see several avenues for continued collaboration: first, submitting high-quality mechanistic and clinical research from our group; second, leading future Special Issues, particularly in areas such as translational lifestyle medicine and the interaction between nutrition and exercise; third, contributing more actively at the editorial level, should the opportunity arise. I believe the journal is well-positioned to lead developments at the intersection of nutrition, metabolism, and clinical physiology.