The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Raul's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Raul
I am an Associate Professor of Human Nutrition and Physiology, with experience at institutions in Spain, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Currently, I teach various modules within the BSc (Hons) Dietetics, MDiet (Hons) Dietetics, MSc (Hons) Human Nutrition, and BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise, and Health programs, among others, within the Faculty of Health.
For the past 20 years, my research has focused on the role of diet and physical exercise in nitric oxide metabolism and cardiovascular health. Recently, my interest has expanded to the oral microbiome, particularly the role of oral bacteria in enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability. I co-lead the Oral Microbiome Research Group alongside Dr Zoe Brookes at the University of Plymouth and am a member of the Dietetics, Human Nutrition, and Health Research Group. In addition to my research on human health, I am involved in global research on the nitrogen cycle, encompassing agricultural practices (fertilizers) and marine ecosystems (seaweeds). This work aims to address significant challenges, such as nitrate water pollution, while also promoting opportunities for the local economy in the South West of the UK.
Supervised Research Degrees
Currently, I have supervised three PhD students to completion with six more ongoing PhD students. Additionally, I have supervised sixteen master's students and over fourty undergraduate students for their final dissertations.
Teaching
Currently, I lead the following modules:
- Pathophysiology (DIET501), BSc (Hons) Dietetics
- Applied sports nutrition (HNUT703), MSc in Human Nutrition
I also support teaching and marking in the following modules:
- Physiology and Genetics (DIET414, BSc [Hons] Dietetics)
- Physiology and Immunology (DIET509, BSc [Hons] Dietetics)
- Project design (DIET605, BSc [Hons] Dietetics)
- Dissertation (DIET609, BSc [Hons] Dietetics) (ADV716, MSc [Hons] Human Nutrition)
- Nutritional science 2 (BHCS2025, BSc [Hons] Nutrition, Exercise and Health)
- Applying evidence to practice (ADV702, MSc [Hons] in Human Nutrition)
- Project design for research (ADV715), MSc [Hons] in Human Nutrition)
Contact Raul
InterCity Place, Plymouth Railway Station, North Road East, Plymouth, PL4 6AB
+44 1752 587585
raul.bescos@plymouth.ac.uk