Research

Building evidence for better nutritional care.

GESPEN advances clinical nutrition in Georgia through multidisciplinary research focused on nutritional status, malnutrition risk, disease-related nutrition and population-specific nutritional challenges.
Our scientific work brings together clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals to generate that can inform clinical practice, education and public health.

Our research foundation

From nutritional assessment to clinical evidence.

Malnutrition Study Group

The scientific work that preceded GESPEN began with the Malnutrition Study Group at DTMU Tbilisi.

Nutritional Assessment & Education

Nutritional assessment and nutrition education became increasingly integrated into academic and research activities.

Expanding Methods

Research incorporated comprehensive nutritional assessment approaches, including screening tools, bioimpedance and questionnaires.

GESPEN

The scientific network developed into the Georgian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

Growth & Research

Expansion into new clinical, interdisciplinary research and international scientific activities.

Research Areas

Nutrition across populations and clinical conditions.

Nutritional Status & Malnutrition in Older Adults

Research into nutritional status, nutritional risk and malnutrition among older adults.

Research foundation: 2009-2011

Nutrition in Dialiysis Patients

Assessment of nutritional status and malnutrition risk among patients undergoing dialysis.

Active research since 2022

Nutrition During Pregnancy

Research examining nutritional status and nutrition-related factors among pregnant women.

Research 2026

Nutrition & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Research exploring nutritional status in people living with rheumatoid arthritis.

Research 2026

Featured Research

Nutrition in Dialysis Patients

A current GESPEN research focus investigating nutritional status and malnutrition risk among dialysis patients in Georgia.

The project reflects GESPEN`s broader goal of strengthening evidence-based nutritional assessment in populations with increased nutritional vulnerability.

Population

Field

Started

Status

Focus

Geography

Dialysis patients

Clinical Nutrition/Renal Nutrition

2022

Active

Nutr. status & malnutrition risk

Georgia

Our Approach

From assessment to evidence

Nutritional Assessment

Systematic evaluation of nutritional status and nutritional risk.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Connecting clinicians, researchers and professionals from different medical disciplines

Evidence-Based Methods

Drawing on internationally recognised approaches, criteria and clinical nutrition guidance.

Population-Specific Research

Addressing nutritional challenges across different patient and population groups.

Translation into Practice

Connecting research findings with education, clinical practice and public health.

Methods and frameworks used across GESPEN-related scientific activities include:

ABCD Assessment
Malnutrition Screening
Bioimpedance
Questionnaires
GLIM Criteria
ESPEN Guidelines & Consensus

Academic Development

Research starts with the next Generation

GESPEN`s scientific activities also extend to students and young professionals.

Since 2011 students at DTMU have participated in small-scale research activities addressing nutrition-related questions across different age groups and populations, including topics such as dietary habits and energy drink consumption.

The programme involves both medical and non-medical students and connects research with education and public-health engagement.

International Science

Local Evidence. International Knowledge.

GESPEN aims to connect research conducted in Georgia with the wider international clinical nutrition community.

Through scientific publications, international congress participation, professional collaboration and engagement with international clinical nutrition standards.

International Publications

Scientific Congresses

International Collaboration