Mariella Porter is a Lecturer and Nutritionist registered in Malta and the UK. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition with Distinction and diplomas in Diet and Weight Management, Child Nutrition, and Sports Nutrition. Experienced in paediatric and clinical nutrition, allergies, and eating behaviours, she lectures in Nutrition, Health Sciences, and Research Methods. She is currently completing a doctorate by research at the University of Sheffield, UK.

This reflective paper discusses the research project Food Hypersensitivity and Eating Behaviours among the Paediatric Population in Malta, focusing on challenges and facilitators encountered when conducting research through Maltese schools. The study involved online questionnaires and food preference tests with parents and students. Despite limited participation rates, findings highlight schools’ crucial role in participant recruitment, trust building, and providing accessible, geographically diverse samples. Schools also serve as ideal research venues and foster community engagement in academic inquiry.