Abstract Development of a society is interrelated with research. Innovation in food and nutritional sciences enable citizens to live in conditions of food security. Current dietary goals can be reached by understanding the biopsychosocial background of human nutrition behaviour. Examples of diffusion of such findings into practice are presented with emphasis on Germany and the activities of AGEV (the Working Association of Nutritional Behaviour), which was founded 25 years ago. Nutrition behaviour research should strengthen the focus on practical applications of its findings, since the prevalence of nutrition-related problems, like obesity in children and the estrangement on food and nutrition, is increasing.
