Information about the DGE
The German Nutrition Society
The German Nutrition Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e. V. / DGE) is since 1953 a non-profit organization and obliged to scientific facts. The aims are:
- To support research into nutrition, to collect and to evaluate results of related disciplines, to publish them, to identify topics for nutritional research and to award outstanding scientists with prices and medals.
- The coordination and assurance of quality of nutrition counselling and education in the Federal Republic of Germany. Based on scientific facts about wholesome nutrition, the DGE helps to promote and maintain the health and fitness of the population.
The DGE is an official, registered association. In pursuance of our aims we are not influenced by economic or political interests.
Table of contents
- Structure
- The main functions of the DGE
- Budget
- Events and Educational Courses
- Important Publications
- The fund of the DGE
Structure
- DGE members
- Currently there are about 4000 DGE members. The annual general meeting of the members, forms the main body of the DGE. This main body elects members of the scientific presidency and administrative board every three years.
- Scientific Presidency
- The scientific presidency is a committee of 30 scientists from nutrition science and related disciplines. The scientists work on a voluntarily basis and are appointed every three years by the members of the committee.
- Administrative Board
- The administrative board is comprised of administration experts, members of the scientific presidency, the branch offices in the Federal States of Germany and the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. The Board supervises the management of the DGE.
- Management
- The management is responsible for the implementation of activities, administrative tasks and personnel resources of the DGE.
- Head Office
-
The DGE’s Head Office is based in Bonn with branch offices in 11 Federal States. There are about 50 full-time employees at the Head Office. The DGE is further structured into five departments as follows:
- Department of Science
- Department of Professional media/ Coordination of the Branch Offices
- Department of Communal Catering and Quality Assurance
- Department of Public Relations
- Department of Education
- Branch Offices
- The DGE is regionally represented by branch offices in 11 Federal States: Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Saarland, Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
The main functions of the DGE
Nutrition Science
- Supporting research on nutritional science
- Ascertaining topics for nutritional research as well as compiling and evaluating research results on nutrition science and related disciplines
- Announcing research results on nutrition science and related disciplines by publications and events
- Awarding prizes for outstanding nutrition scientists
Nutrition Counselling and Education
- Coordinating scientifically proven and independent nutrition counselling and education
- Quality assurance of nutrition counselling and education
Budget
The budget of the DGE averages at 4.6 million Euro per year. Approximately 30 % is covered by own revenue (e.g. sale of media, fees for educational courses and memberships) and 70 % by public funds.
Events and Educational Courses
The DGE organizes congresses, symposia, workshops and seminars regularly, mainly for nutritional experts and journalists. There are various educational courses offered for professionals engaged in nutrition counselling and communal catering. The topics range, for example, from expert seminars on nutrition knowledge to seminars about counselling methods.
Important Publications
Nutrition Report (Ernährungsbericht)
The Nutrition Report provides the latest statistical data of the nutritional situation and present nutritional problems in Germany. It is published every four years on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.
The German Three-Dimensional Food Pyramid (Dreidimensionale Lebensmittelpyramide)
This food guide pyramid represents the German dietary guidelines. The Three-Dimensional Food Pyramid has the advantage of combining quantitative and qualitative recommendations for specific food groups.
The Reference Values for Nutrient Intake (D-A-CH-Referenzwerte für die Nährstoffzufuhr)
The Reference Values for nutrient intake, create the basis on which diets are planned to match nutritional requirements with food intake. In addition, they form the basis for food rules and regulations for the food industry and for food monitoring. The Reference Values are available in German, English, French, Slovenian and Hungarian. (
working group, contributors)
The Nutrition Journal "Ernährungs-Umschau"
This scientific journal is the organ of the German Nutrition Society. Published monthly, it offers a source of various information and results derived from scientific studies for nutritional experts. ( Ernährungsumschau website)
The "DGEinfo"
The science based newsletter "DGEinfo" informs those active in nutrition counselling.
The DGE Consultation Standards (DGE-Beratungs-Standards)
The German Nutrition Society publishes the DGE-standards for nutritional education, to avoid confusion and to standardize statements in the field of nutrition.
Various Media and Press Releases
Leaflets, booklets, books, electronic media for nutritional experts and consumers are available. (for example the "10 guidelines of the German Nutrition Society for a wholesome diet"),
The press releases "DGE-aktuell", "DGE-intern" and "DGE - aus der Wissenschaft" appear regularly. They offer well-founded news and background information for journalists.
Details concerning these publications and various other media can be found on the homepage: www.dge-medienservice.de
The fund of the DGE
In 2004, the budget of the DGE was 4,5 million €. 30 % of the budget was self-earned. The major part came from selling booklets, offering training courses, conducting nutritional consultations and from membership fees. Approximately 70 % of the DGE`s financial needs are supplied by public means.
Copyright © Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e. V.
