Os 80 anos do Instituto de Nutrição Josué de Castro e o legado de seu patrono: entrevista com Elizabeth Accioly

Abstract

This interview, conducted by the scientific editors of Revista Mangút, is part of the celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Josué de Castro Institute of Nutrition (INJC) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The guest is Associate Professor Elizabeth Accioly, whose academic career and dedication to teaching and research reflect the Institute's excellence. In the interview, the researcher recalls the institutional memory of the INJC, from its founding to its consolidation as a benchmark in training professionals and scientists in the field of Nutrition in Brazil, as well as the importance of establishing and strengthening the Gastronomy undergraduate program. Furthermore, the central discussion highlights the legacy of its patron, Josué de Castro, a pioneer in the fight against hunger and in understanding food security from a social and geopolitical perspective. The text addresses the historical challenges faced by the Institution, the scientific advancements achieved, and the Institute's role in formulating public health and food policies. Finally, the interview projects the future of the INJC in light of contemporary demands from science and society, reaffirming its ethical and transformative commitment. This document constitutes a fundamental historical record for the preservation of the national scientific memory.