Robert H. Lustig is an American pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he is a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics. He practices in the field of neuroendocrinology, with an emphasis on the regulation of energy balance by the central nervous system. He also has a special interest in childhood obesity.

The first of its kind - the 'Sugary Drink Free Pacific by 2030?' symposium was held in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th-20th February, 2014. This symposium was hosted by leading New Zealand Universities - the University of Auckland and the University of Otago as well as FIZZ.

Prominent US academics that have looked particularly a sugar and SSB impact on health - Professor Richard Johnson and Professor Robert Lustig were keynote speakers at this meeting.

Other leading academics in obesity research that also contributed to this symposium include Professor Boyd Swinburn (University of Auckland, Deakin University, WHO), Dr Mike Rayner (Oxford University, Director British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research). There was also a strong representation from the Pacific region featuring contributions from Dr Colin Tukuitonga (Director of Public Health, Secretariate of the Pacific Community) and Dr Viliami Tangi (HOD Surgery, Vaiola Hospital - Tonga).