RESUMO
This paper illustrated important gaps in nutrition research that lends themselves well for medical schools to undertake. Medical schools have the distinct opportunity to contribute to the research effort since they have clinical materials for study in the hospital or the community with which they are associated; most have adequate laboratory facilities and even access to biopsy and autopsy materials and most importantly, all have the medical expertise to back the research effort. All it takes is to awaken them to opportunities interest them in research and prod them to start. The area of basic and applied nutrition research is so vast and fertile that researchers in medical school will have no difficulty in seeking topics that suit their own professional interests and at the same time fill gaps that are of practical importance in clinical and community nutrition. What it needs is a measure of inquisitiveness, patience and a scientific frame of mind. A great deal of personal fullfilment not to mention professional advancement awaits him or her who ventures into scientific pursuit of new knowledge