Under the theme of Beyond Basic Nutrition, the research will revolve around three focus areas: cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and physical function and mobility.
Potential projects will study the relationship between functional ingredients and the aforementioned focus areas.
The firm says this is a change from the previous focus on ingredients only, to ensure that the grant continues to stay relevant to consumers' evolving nutrition needs and health demands.
Proposals will be evaluated and selected by an expert panel, which includes eminent academics and key opinion leaders in human nutrition. Five researchers will be awarded up to €40,000 each and given 18 months to work on their respective projects.
Since its inception in 2012, the programme has funded 28 projects in China, India, Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, including results published in six peer-reviewed scientific papers.
Excellent platform
"Rapid economic development and urbanisation have brought about a nutritional transition in Asia, as well as epidemiological changes. We have seen a shift from nutrient deficiencies to a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
"Delivering the right nutrients to the right people at the right time can play a fundamental role in reducing risk factors associated with these chronic diseases," said Tina Low, BASF Human Nutrition's Global Business Management VP.
"The Newtrition Asia Research Grant is an excellent platform for us to team up with academics in the region, to delve deeper into how we can play a part in overcoming these health challenges," she added.
Detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements and other information about the programme are available at http://www.basf.com/newtrition-asia-research-grant, or via email at newtrition-research-grant@basf.com.
All proposals must be submitted by 31 May, 2018. Recipients of the grant will be announced in the third quarter of the year.