CHICAGO — The American Dietetics Association will change its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics effective January 2012.

“The name Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes the strong science background and academic expertise of our members, primarily registered dietitians,” said Sylvia Escott-Stump, president of the organization. “Nutrition science underpins wellness, prevention and treatment. An academy is ‘a society of learned persons organized to advance science.’ This term describes our organization and immediately emphasizes the educational strength of our advice and expertise.”