Consultant Nutritionist, Clinical Lead for the Centre for Nutrition & Behaviour

Rotherham Doncaster & South Humber NHS Foundation Trust

Louis Palmer has been part of the Centre for Nutrition and Behaviour team since 2017, supporting research that explores the links between nutrition and health. With a strong academic background in Neuroscience (BSc, First Class Honours) and Clinical Neurology (MSc), Louis has a particular interest in brain health and the role of nutrition in mental wellbeing.

Louis has contributed to a range of impactful projects, including an A2 Milk-funded initiative to educate health professionals on A1 beta-casein milk protein and its potential health implications. He served as Trial Manager for Fresh Street, a multi-site pilot cluster randomised controlled trial, assessing the population health impact of fruit and vegetable voucher provision in deprived areas of Doncaster. Currently, Louis is Trial Manager for the FAMISH study, a collaboration with the Food and Mood Academy at Deakin University, Australia, evaluating the feasibility of an online food and mood intervention for individuals with mental ill health.

In addition to trial management, Louis has been supported Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) for several nutrition related projects, ensuring research remains relevant and accessible to those it aims to benefit.

Oliver began his career delivering psychological therapies in IAPT services, from which his passion for high-quality care grew into a commitment to delivering clinical research to RDaSH’s patients and workforce across critical areas including psychological therapies and occupational wellbeing. 

In parallel, the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry captivated his keen personal interest in diet and nutrition. 

Oliver currently serves as Sub-Principal Investigator on the BrainBITE study - a large-scale survey exploring the needs and preferences of individuals with psychological symptoms for dietary support interventions. The ambition is to develop and deliver effective dietary interventions for NHS patients.

Sarah has been part of the Grounded Research team for five years, contributing to a wide range of projects across diverse areas, including nutrition.

Before moving into research, she studied psychology and psychological therapies, beginning her career in inpatient ward environments. She later worked in Talking Therapies services, delivering psychological support in both community and prison settings. These experiences sparked her strong interest in research, which provides the foundation for good clinical decision-making and meaningful conversations with patients.

Sarah’s professional interests span occupational wellbeing, psychological therapies, neurodiversity, and nutrition. She is currently involved in the AQUA study, which is assessing the feasibility and acceptability of using Jelly Drops™, a confectionery product designed to support hydration in dementia patients.

Charlotte has been part of the Grounded Research team for nearly five years, and during this time has developed a passion for nutrition and the gut–brain connection. Although she did not originally come from a research or NHS background, her curiosity and commitment to learning have driven her to complete several online courses in nutrition. She now has gone back into education to pursue the goal of nutritionist role. 

Her first nutrition-focused research project was Fresh Street, a randomised controlled trial assessing the impact of fruit and vegetable voucher provision on population health in deprived areas of Doncaster. Weekly visits to deliver vouchers, speaking with residents, and engage with local market vendors sparked her enthusiasm for pursuing more nutrition-related studies.

Charlotte regularly attends the Doncaster Council food plan meetings where they aims are to improve resident’s health and wellbeing, a sustainable local food system where nutritious food is available and with the community at the centre.  

Charlotte is currently working on the FAMISH study, a collaboration with the Food and Mood Academy at Deakin University, Australia, which explores the feasibility of an online food-and-mood intervention for individuals experiencing mental ill health. She is also contributing to the AQUA study, examining the feasibility and acceptability of Jelly Drops™ - a confectionery product designed to support hydration in people living with dementia. Charlotte continues to build a career grounded in improving health and wellbeing through nutrition research.

Clinical Research Fellow

Grounded Research  I  Rotherham Doncaster & South Humber NHS Foundation Trust