Gates Grant on Infant Malnutrition

Foods for Health Institute researchers are part of a multi-campus, interdisciplinary $9 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to deliver solutions to the problems of childhood malnutrition in the developing world.

Members of the Foods for Health Institute at UC Davis participate in a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant focused on addressing infant malnutrition in developing countries. The grant includes multiple components and involves the coordination of researchers from many universities, including UC Davis. Led by principal investigator Dr. David Mills, Foods for Health Institute-affiliated researchers were selected to investigate whether molecules from cow’s milk can help to protect children from the devastating effects of intestinal diseases, in the same way that breast milk often does. 


The unique contribution of the Foods for Health Institute includes the expertise of Dr. Bruce German, Dr. Daniela Barile, Dr. Carlito Lebrilla, Dr. Jennifer Smilowitz, and Dr. Kay Dewey. UC Davis is positioned as a vital and unique piece of a Gates Foundation grant that calls upon some of the most exciting and well-regarded scientists in the country to work towards alleviating the suffering of children who experience preventable diseases that are exacerbated by malnutrition.