Congratulations to our wonderful trainer Barbara Bray MBE for successfully defending her PhD thesis ‘The Healthy Ageing Diet study – modelling a nutritionally adequate diet for older UK adults’. This is the final stage of Barbara’s PhD (known as a Viva), which involves defending your research in front of expert examiners, demonstrating depth of knowledge and a real contribution to the field.
Dr Anne Nugent QUB, and Professor Clare Corish, UCD
“We are delighted that Barbara has successfully passed her PhD viva. Her interest and depth of knowledge in all aspects of food and nutrition make her a fantastic trainer. We are lucky to have a trainer of this calibre.” Alison Wheelock, Managing Director VWA
Achieving a doctorate is no small feat. It represents years of dedication, research, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for advancing knowledge in the field.
What This Means for Our Delegates
Already one of our most popular trainers, Barbara has always been brilliant at making our course content feel relevant — scenario-based, engaging, and focused on what actually happens day to day in the food industry. She brings a rare level of insight and can apply that directly to her teachings. Completing her PhD means that Barbara has developed exceptional skills in evaluating evidence, interpreting emerging research, questioning assumptions, and explaining complex ideas clearly — exactly what makes a great trainer.
A Culture of Continuous Development
As a training provider, we support and encourage continuous development, especially for our trainers who must stay ahead of our fast-moving industry. Barbara’s PhD is a perfect example of that commitment to learning and self-development.
So please join us in giving Barbara a huge congratulations. It’s a remarkable personal achievement — and brilliant news for every delegate who gets to learn from her.
Well done, Barbara. Absolutely outstanding.