They will also receive support as they take their first steps towards entrepreneurship through the Faculty of Impact coaching programme. In this way, the programme helps academics on their way to generate social and/or economic impact based on their research. The 2024 round focused on the themes of Agriculture, Water and Food and Circular Economy. Consequently, most fellows will work on these themes.
‘The Happy Bar’: A functional Food Product to improve Mood and Behaviour through the Gut-Brain Axis
There is an urgent need to tackle the rising global prevalence of depression and anxiety. Both conditions decrease individuals' quality of life and place a heavy financial burden on society. Recent studies have demonstrated a strong connection between the gut microbiome and mental health. Following the data from large cohort studies of over 1,000 people, a specific human gut bacterium has shown a strong inverse correlation with depression and anxiety. Fleur van Eeden’s innovation involves a proprietary fermentation method (patent filed) to produce a functional fermented food using this gut bacterium to improve mood.
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