JUMPstart Clinical Nutrition Award winner announced at ESPEN congress
250,000€ grant supports Dr. Hannah Wozniak’s research on personalized ICU nutrition and mobilization
She will receive a €250,000 research award to conduct her proposed study: Personalized Nutrition and Early Mobilization in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. The project explores how early mobilization combined with tailored nutritional therapy can support recovery in critically ill patients. It aims to extend care beyond the ICU to improve physical function, mental well-being, quality of life, and gut health.
This recognition places Dr. Wozniak among an esteemed group of past JUMPstart winners from South Africa, Germany, and Malaysia. “I am honored to receive the JUMPstart Clinical Nutrition Award. The mentorship from the Scientific Committee was invaluable in shaping my research. One of the highlights was being able to connect with fellow researchers from around the world,” said Dr. Wozniak. “I applied for the program because I wanted to turn curiosity into impact. The chance to learn, connect, and ultimately contribute to better care for critically ill patients was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Expert jury selects winning proposal
An international jury reviewed all research proposals and selected the winner. The 2025 Scientific Committee included Prof. Mette Berger (Switzerland), Prof. Robert Martindale (United States), Prof. Olav Rooyackers (Sweden), Prof. Tim Friede (Germany), and Prof. Isabel Correia (Brazil). The committee not only guided participants through the learning modules but also evaluated the proposals focused on improving nutritional care and patient recovery.
“What a fantastic experience it's been delivering the learning modules for JUMPstart! The energy and curiosity these rising researchers brought to every session was infectious,” said new committee member Prof. Isabel Correia. “Judging the proposals was not easy, they were all packed with fresh thinking. And, as one had to be chosen, Hannah’s outstanding project made her the winner of this year’s JUMPstart Clinical Nutrition Award. A proud and uplifting moment, an absolute highlight of the event! With talents like this, the future of clinical nutrition research looks incredibly bright.”
The winning research project will be conducted over the next two to three years. An exclusive interview with Dr. Wozniak will be published soon at our platform for healthcare professionals focused on medical nutrition: nutritionevents.com.
JUMPstart: A growing global community in clinical nutrition
Since 2018, Fresenius Kabi has supported clinical research in critical illness and major surgery through the JUMPstart program. Since then, the program has grown into a global educational initiative. The Wave 4 participants now become part of the JUMPstart Alumni network; a diverse and expanding community of nearly 80 researchers across 33 countries. Together, they share insights and foster professional relationships that shape the future of nutrition research and clinical practice.
“Being part of such a diverse and passionate community has been deeply inspiring and opened doors to collaborations I never imagined.”
Dr. Hannah Wozniak, JUMPstart Clinical Nutrition Award winner
