British Science Week 2024 - Q&A with Gillian Fraser

To celebrate British Science Week, Gillan Fraser, Senior Public Health Nutrition Advisor talks about her role at Food Standards Scotland (FSS).

Tell me about your career so far and your current role 

I joined the Public Health Nutrition team at Food Standards Scotland in 2016 after graduating with a degree in Nutrition from the Robert Gordon University in 2014. I have had a few different roles in the team during this time, all of which have aimed to support improving the diet of the population in Scotland.  

I have worked on many different projects which have included monitoring what people in Scotland eat and drink against dietary recommendations, supporting the development of consumer advice and resources, and translating evidence to support public health nutrition policies. 

What does it mean to be a Senior Public Health Nutrition Advisor? 

A lot of the work in my current (temporary) role as a Senior Public Health Nutrition Advisor is focused on improving the out of home food environment to support provision of healthier options for consumers. ‘Out of home’ refers to the food and drink that we buy and eat away from home, including ‘on the go’, in addition to takeaway and home delivered food. The food and drink that we buy and eat out of home tends to be less healthy, but we want to make the healthy option the easier option for everyone.  

This involves collecting, analysing and interpreting information on the foods and drinks available, what people buy (and where from), and how often people visit out of home. This evidence is then used to develop, support and monitor policies which aim to improve the out of home food environment. 

Another part of my role is communicating public health nutrition advice to consumers. An example of this is our current social media vitamin D campaign which aims to raise awareness of the current vitamin D advice and encourage everyone in Scotland to take a daily 10 microgram supplement during the winter months.  

What subjects/qualifications/skills are useful for your role? 

I have an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and an MSc in Public Health Nutrition, which FSS supported me with. I am also a registered public health nutritionist (RNutr Public Health) with the Association for Nutrition.   

What is your favourite thing about your job? 

Working alongside such knowledgeable, talented, supportive and passionate colleagues in the Public Health Nutrition team.   

Keep an eye out on our social media for more celebration of our staff for British Science Week.