Persistent selective eating behaviours are prevalent among neurodivergent populations, particularly Autistic individuals and individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Such behaviours can lead to nutritional deficiencies and adversely affect overall health. Despite their significance, the underlying behavioural and cognitive markers of persistent selective eating in these populations remain underexplored. The Pump Priming Award funding will be used to establish a robust foundation for a successful Horizon Europe application under the destination “Staying healthy in a rapidly changing society”. This first phase of the proposal aims to establish an interdisciplinary consortium of UK and EU researchers specialising in autism, cognitive development, and eating behaviours, as well as neurodivergent individuals with lived experience of selective eating. The consortium will work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive research project to apply for a larger Horizon Europe funding scheme under Pillar 2, specifically targeting Cluster 1: Health. The funding will be used to host both online and in-person meetings to foster international and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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