About the NORCH

Our center is based at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. The Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard (NORCH) is one of twelve Nutrition Obesity Research Centers in the United States, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  We serve a large base of nutrition and obesity investigators in the Boston area and beyond by providing services to investigators in the form of statistical support and coordinated Core services. This works to support junior investigators in nutrition and obesity research, and fosters a research community with active exchange of ideas and the building of collaborations.

Mission and Vision

The NORCH aims to promote, facilitate and enhance research relating to nutrition and obesity. Our vision is for all members of our Center to access the resources they need in order to conduct high quality research that can be translated into clinical care for our patients and public health initiatives that provide benefit to society.

The NORCH fills a unique niche through specific programs and Cores. Our programs include:

  • A Genomics and Cell Biology Core, Metabolic Imaging Core, and Metabolic Phenotyping Core which provide cutting-edge resources to members within and outside of the NORCH research base

  • An Annual Nutrition and Obesity Symposium at Harvard Medical School, attended by faculty, students and medical personnel interested in the promotion of research in obesity, nutrition, and metabolism.

  • A Pilot & Feasibility Award program that funds research in obesity, nutrition, and metabolism, with preference given to junior investigators in the field who are collecting preliminary data for larger grant applications.

  • A biannual Pilot & Feasibility Symposium during which P&F Awardees share their progress and exchange ideas.

  • A Diversity Scholar Program that brings together a diverse group of researchers in obesity, nutrition, and metabolism to foster networking and career advancement.