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Nutrition & Health
Nutrition research, dietary assessment, nutritional quality, food composition and evidence to support healthier food choices and programmes.
Scientist · Researcher · Consultant
Shiksha Adhikari, PhD
Connecting nutrition, health and sustainability through science, quantitative analysis and interdisciplinary thinking.
I work at the intersection of food systems research, sustainability modelling and nutrition, translating complex evidence into practical insights for research, policy and programme decisions.
A little about me
Curiosity across disciplines. Evidence with purpose.
My professional journey began in nutrition and dietetics and developed into a broader interest in how food systems can support human health while operating within environmental limits. Over time, this interest brought together nutrition science, quantitative research and sustainability analysis.
I hold a PhD in Sustainable Food Systems Modelling from Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. My research explored the relationships between dietary choices, nutritional quality and environmental pressures, using quantitative models to investigate complex food system questions.
Alongside academic research, I have worked with international organisations, government partners and the private sector. Experiences with UNICEF, FAO and FrieslandCampina gave me different perspectives on nutrition programmes, scientific communication and the application of evidence in practice.
Today, through QuantSusti, I bring these perspectives together to support organisations with quantitative analysis, evidence synthesis, nutrition and sustainability research, and decision-support tools.
I value work that combines scientific rigour with practical relevance: asking the right questions, making complex information understandable, and helping people use evidence with confidence.
What I work on
Areas of expertise
My work brings together complementary disciplines and analytical approaches to understand food, nutrition and sustainability challenges.
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Sustainability Analysis
Quantitative assessment of food systems, environmental pressures, dietary patterns and the trade-offs between nutritional and environmental objectives.
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Quantitative Modelling
Mathematical modelling, scenario analysis and reproducible analytical workflows using tools such as R, Python and GAMS.
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Evidence Synthesis
Reviewing and integrating scientific evidence to identify patterns, clarify uncertainties and support informed research and programme decisions.
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Data & Decision Support
Data analysis, visualisation and analytical tools that help translate complex datasets into accessible findings and decision-relevant insights.
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Research Communication
Technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, workshops and knowledge products that connect scientific findings with practical needs.
My professional journey
Experience shaped by different perspectives
From international nutrition programmes to food systems modelling and independent consulting, each role has shaped how I approach complex problems.
2024 – Present
Founder & Lead Consultant
QuantSusti · Netherlands
Supporting organisations with analytical consulting, evidence synthesis, nutrition and sustainability research, programme analysis and decision-support outputs. My work focuses on making complex evidence useful for real-world questions.
2020 – 2024
PhD Researcher
Wageningen University & Research · Netherlands
Conducted interdisciplinary research in sustainable food systems modelling, integrating nutritional and environmental considerations through quantitative models and scenario analysis. Collaborated with research partners and contributed to scientific dissemination and workshops.
2019 – 2020
R&D Nutrition Specialist
FrieslandCampina · Netherlands
Contributed to nutrition research, product-related analysis and sustainability strategy. Worked across scientific, communication and sustainability teams to support evidence-informed development and reporting.
2016 – 2017
Nutrition Expert
FAO project · Nepal
Supported agriculture and nutrition initiatives through evidence-based training, analytical reporting and collaboration with government agencies and technical stakeholders.
2016
Nutrition Officer — Child Nutrition
UNICEF · Nepal
Supported national nutrition initiatives through stakeholder coordination, scientific communication, workshops and technical materials for programme implementation.
Academic background
Education & Awards
Education
PhD in Sustainable Food Systems Modelling
Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands · 2020–2024
MSc in Nutrition and Health
Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands · 2017–2019
BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics
Tribhuvan University, Nepal · 2010–2014
Awards & Fellowships
VLAG Research Fellowship
2023
Netherlands Fellowship Programme
MSc Scholarship · 2017–2019
Best Performing Student (Female)
BSc Nutrition and Dietetics · 2012–2014
Let's connect
Good questions deserve thoughtful analysis.
If you are exploring a research question, developing a nutrition or sustainability initiative, or looking for analytical expertise, I would be happy to connect.