Jim Richards, Ph.D. is Head of Nutrition Science and Advocacy at dsm-firmenich Nutritional Products in Parsippany, New Jersey, USA. He and his team are responsible for scientifically substantiating and advocating for the health benefits of nutritional ingredients across the lifespan, with special emphasis on maternal and pediatric populations. Nutrients of particular focus for Dr. Richards include Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), nutritional lipids, and vitamins. Prior to joining DSM, Dr. Richards was Global Nutrition Science Director at Mead Johnson Nutrition/RB Health, where his work focused on the safety, nutritional suitability, and benefits of innovative ingredients, including HMOs, to be added to pediatric nutritional formulas. Dr. Richards earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology (Program in Immunology) at the University of California, San Francisco.