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They founded FSU’ s Institute for Connecting Nutrition and Health, ICON-Health, whose mission is to align food, nutrition and human health through research and evidence-based policies and practices that address the epidemic of diet-related chronic disease this country faces, and its associated health-care costs. Together, they are pioneering a comprehensive approach to tackle diet-related chronic diseases through multidisciplinary nutrition research initiatives.
“ Nutrition Science has never been more relevant to the nation’ s health,” Stover said.“ Through ICON- Health, FSU recognizes that solving the most pressing scientific questions requires collaboration across the many disciplines at FSU.”
The launch of ICON-Health builds upon a long and distinguished history of work across the university in nutrition, exercise sciences and human health.
The College of Medicine was one of the first in the nation to advocate for the incorporation of nutrition education into medical training. On the research side, faculty at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are investigating the benefits of functional foods on gut health, cardiovascular health and more. The Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, established more than 15 years ago, explores how nutrition and exercise affect longevity, health and performance.
“ FSU has a tremendous reputation in the areas of nutrition and exercise science,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson.“ The launch of ICON- Health will help bring together those extraordinary researchers from across the campus to help find innovative solutions that empower individuals to make healthier choices and enhance their well-being.
“ We are committed to ensuring that the scientific advancements achieved throughout FSU translate into lasting benefits for society,” she said.
Many of the chronic diseases plaguing Americans are directly attributable to poor diet. An estimated 1 million people die in the United States each year from diseases that could be managed or even prevented by proper diet.
“ Nutrition is crucial for human health. It is never too early or too late to make positive dietary changes to optimize health and reduce risk factors for chronic disease,” Bailey said.“ Eating to promote health, at every age and stage, is our priority at the Institute.”
Stover is a member of the National Academy of Science and Bailey is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
When Bailey and Stover introduced ICON-Health to the FSU community during the October 2025 Discovery Days, FSU News reported that Bailey’ s research has guided food fortification policies and dietary supplement development to address nutrient gaps in population subgroups, while bringing greater precision in establishing nutrition needs.
“ Through research and education, we are hoping to reduce the burden of chronic disease on people and lower their economic impact,” Bailey said.“ There’ s a commitment from FSU leadership to bring nutrition to the forefront. That is what is going to catalyze all these different relationships and collaborations across campus. That’ s our goal at ICON-Health, to connect disparate researchers with common goals, so we can leverage opportunities and research dollars to make the most impact.”
Stover has a particular interest in the role of food fortification and nutrient supplements in preventing and managing developmental anomalies, nerve damage and cancer – for example, the role of the B-vitamin folate in preventing neural birth defects.“ ICON-Health is an institute established to address some of the most pressing societal problems that are facing our nation and the world,” he said.“ There’ s an opportunity to do innovative science around interesting problems where we have real knowledge gaps.”
Earlier this year, Stover, Bailey and others published an article under the ICON-Health umbrella in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences( PNAS) that demonstrated how significantly increasing dietary folic acid in mice can prevent peripheral neuropathy, a common related condition for people suffering from diabetes and many other health conditions.
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