About
Prof Caroline Childs is Associate Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and Professor of Nutritional Sciences. She is also Programme Lead of the BM6 medicine course, a programme designed to widen participation in medicine.
Prof Childs' research focuses on diet and its links with immune function, inflammatory status, immunosenescence and the gut microbiome.
Research
Research groups
Research interests
- Dietary fatty acids
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
- Antioxidants
- Tissue composition
- Immune function
Research projects
Active projects
Completed projects
Publications
Teaching
Programme Lead: Medicine BM6 Widening Participation (BMBS), Faculty of Medicine
External roles and responsibilities
Biography
Prof Childs’ BSc (Hons) Nutritional Sciences (1st class) from the University of Southampton was followed by PhD research on “The effect of gender, pregnancy and diet upon tissue fatty acid composition and immune function”. She undertook two postdoctoral nutrition research projects in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, and during this time was named as one of the top three young investigators in Lipids and Nutrition at the International Society for the Study of Fatty acids and Lipids conference.
Prof Childs’ research to date has investigated dietary fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and methodologies in dietary assessment. Her scientific reputation has resulted in numerous invitations to speak at both national and international events and conferences.
Prof Childs has received both student and peer-nominated teaching awards. Prof Childs received the staff-nominated Faculty of Medicine teaching award (2018), and Shine a Light award for collegiality and quality (2022). Prof Childs has received student-nominated SUSU awards including Faculty of Medicine's most engaging lecturer award (2018), best pastoral support (2020, 2026), and most supportive supervisor (2025).
Prof Childs has an active role in professional societies, and is a council member for both the Nutrition Society and BAPEN.
Qualifications:
- (2016) Registered Nutritionist, Association for Nutrition
- (2015) Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- (2009) PhD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
- (2004) BSc (Hons), Nutritional Sciences, University of Southampton
Appointments held:
- (2026-now) Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
- (2026-now) Associate Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
- (2022-2026) Associate Professor in Nutritional Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
- (2016-2022) Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
- (2014-2018) Specialist advisor on the conduct and interpretation of analytical flow cytometry, Food Standards Agency
- (2015-2016) Clinical Trial Project Manager, University of Southampton, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit
- (2014-2015) Lecturer in Diet and Nutrition, Southampton Solent University
- (2013-2015) Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Southampton
- (2008-2013) Postdoctoral Research Assistant, University of Reading
Prizes
- Winner, Most Engaging Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine (2018)
- Teaching Award (2019)
- Highly commended, Best Pastoral Support, Faculty of Medicine (2020)
- Winner, Shine a Light Faculty Award - Quality and Collegiality (2022)
- Deans Award, most supportive PGR supervisor (2025)