Building Nutrition science ‒ Reflections on research, leadership, and legacy

Nutrition science has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past four decades, evolving from a relatively underrecognized discipline into a cornerstone of biomedical research and chronic disease prevention. This article reflects on that evolution through the perspective of a career devoted to research, clinical nutrition, education, and scientific leadership. It revisits the challenges of promoting nutrition as an evidence-based discipline, the establishment of the first public degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics in Catalonia, and the development of an internationally recognized nutrition research community in Reus. The narrative also describes how international collaboration became a driving force for scientific progress, leading to long-standing partnerships with leading research institutions and the implementation of large collaborative projects. Particular attention is given to the PREDIMED and PREDIMED-Plus studies, which contributed to strengthening the evidence supporting the Mediterranean diet as an effective strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. More recent initiatives in precision nutrition, healthy ageing, cognitive health, and nut research illustrate how the field continues to evolve through the integration of clinical research, epidemiology, omics technologies, and digital innovation. Beyond scientific achievements, the article emphasizes the importance of mentorship, institutional development, and the creation of research environments where collaboration, integrity, and intellectual curiosity can flourish. Ultimately, it argues that the most enduring contribution of a scientific career is not measured solely by publications or citations, but by the people trained, the institutions strengthened, and the knowledge generated to improve human health and inspire future generations of nutrition scientists.