WATERLOO - A University of Waterloo nutritional scientist who pioneered a new technique to test omega-3 levels in the body will receive a major award from a leading international research society.

Ken Stark, a professor in UW's faculty of applied health sciences, has been awarded this year's young scientist award from the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS). It recognizes his significant and substantial research contributions to increase the intakes of omega-3 fatty acids among North Americans.

"During the past few years, Dr. Stark has become a leader in developing the tools and insights in experimental nutrition and food science research, and this award confirms his growing reputation," said Roger Mannell, dean of applied health sciences. "Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and seafood, have been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. The methods Dr. Stark's team has developed increase the potential for routine clinical profiling of fatty acids."

Stark, a former AOCS-honoured student, will receive the award at the society's annual meeting and exposition to be held in Orlando, Fla., May 6. He will give an address, entitled Omega-3 Fatty Acid Profiling and Dietary Forensics.

Stark, who heads UW's laboratory of nutritional and nutraceutical research, now is developing new biomedical tools that will help quantitate and interpret diet-induced diseases. His recent research has provided practical insights on North American intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and strategies to increase these intakes.

His research team seeks to use fatty acid profiling to assess disease risk in large clinical trials. This will lead to a routine measurement of omega-3 fatty acid levels in blood to determine cardiovascular disease risk.

The work will help revolutionize primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and many other diet-induced disorders.
Stark has published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles since 2000, serving as primary investigator on 17 of those articles. He has been often invited to speak to scientific and general audiences, as well as give interviews on television and radio.

In 2006, he received the young investigator grant from the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids Congress.

The AOCS is a global professional scientific society for individuals and corporations interested in the fats, oils, surfactants, detergents and related materials fields. For further information, visit http://www.aocs.org/ .