University of Westminster celebrates world-first Centre for Nutraceuticals dedicated to vitamin and food supplement innovation 

The newly expanded Centre was officially opened by Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, who shared insight into the vital role the centre will have in supporting health in London.  

The event also featured a series of talks from distinguished speakers, including the Centre’s Founder and Director, Professor Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala; Dr Leah Mursaleen-Plank, Head of Clinical Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK; and George Freeman MP, MP for Mid Norfolk and former Minister for Science, Research and Innovation who commended Professor Zariwala on his pioneering vision in the area of nutraceuticals.  

Guests including industry leaders from across a range of sectors were invited on a guided tour of the Centre’s facilities, showcasing its research capabilities and newly enhanced infrastructure. The event also celebrated a £500,000 philanthropic gift accelerating preventative health innovation.  

Howard Dawber/Photo credit: Claudia Cantarini  

Over the past four years, the Centre for Nutraceuticals has established itself as a leading global research organisation dedicated to advancing science-backed approaches to health, wellbeing and disease prevention. Its work spans nutritional product development with former Premier League footballers Mesut Özil and Mathieu Flamini, partnerships with third-sector organisations such as Cure Parkinson’s and collaborations with international governments.  

The Centre’s mission is to provide a bridge between the industry and academia and serve as a catalyst for improving health and wellbeing guided by research and innovation. It will also act as a credible source of trustworthy, scientifically validated information.  

Photo credit: Claudia Cantarini

Professor Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, Professor of Translational Physiology and Director of the Centre for Nutraceuticals, said: "This expansion is a landmark moment, not just for the Centre, but for the global wellbeing sector. As a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated specifically to nutraceutical innovation, we are now uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between laboratory research and consumer health. With our enhanced capabilities and rigorous scientific foundation, we are scaling our ability to set a new global standard in this field."  

Kaushika Patel, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College for the University of Westminster’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said: “The Centre for Nutraceuticals is a shining example of the University of Westminster’s mission to contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. The pioneering work taking place at the Centre, including the development of a world-first personalised capsule machine, demonstrates how cutting-edge research, innovation and collaboration can translate into real-world impact. As the Centre enters this exciting new era, we look forward to seeing how its work continues to shape the future of preventative health.”

The Centre for Nutraceuticals reflects the University’s strategic priority of wellbeing and commitment to making the world a healthier and more sustainable place. The University of Westminster adopted the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2019, using the Goals to frame its strategic decisions and support its commitment. Building on this work, the Centre for Nutraceuticals supports the University in working towards SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.  

Find out more about the Centre for Nutraceuticals.

To find out how to support initiatives like the Centre for Nutraceuticals at the University of Westminster, please email the Development team.