Carla Cervini

Dr. Carla Cervini is an Academic Fellow in Nutrition and Mycology at Cranfield University's Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences and the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (MCAM). She holds a PhD in Translational Medicine and Food from the National Research Council (Italy) and an MSc in Human Nutrition from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Her research bridges food safety, climate change, and sustainable agriculture, with expertise in mycotoxin mitigation, agrifood systems, and gender-inclusive farming practices.

Research Focus: Cervini investigates climate change impacts on mycotoxin-producing fungi (e.g., Aspergillus, Fusarium), develops pre-/post-harvest interventions for crops like peanuts and cassava, and advocates for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work emphasizes:

• Mycotoxin biocontrol under abiotic stress
• Gender disparities in agricultural training access
• Sustainable teff production for gluten-free diets

Publications & Trends: Her 15 most recent articles (2019–2025) analyze mycotoxin dynamics in climate-stressed environments, biocontrol efficacy, and supply-chain safety in Ethiopia/Uganda. Dominant themes include fungal ecophysiology, risk assessment, and resilience in staple crops (wheat, maize, teff).

Funding & Leadership: She leads tasks in the EU Horizon 2020 project EWA-BELT and UKRI Innovate UK's NutriNuts, with additional grants from the Global Challenges Research Fund (£13K) and British Mycological Society. She currently advises PhD student Kavitha Vijeandran.

Labs & Collaborations: Cervini co-develops the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology, focusing on fungal threats to food safety. She collaborates globally on projects like aflatoxin management in Rwanda and mycotoxin training hubs for industry stakeholders.