Sami Ghnimi

Sami Ghnimi is a Lecturer and Researcher in Food Process Engineering at ISARA (Engineering school in agronomy, food, environment) and an associated researcher at the Laboratory of Automation, Process Engineering and Pharmaceutical Engineering (LAGEPP UMR 5007) at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University and CNRS. His research spans food engineering, sustainable packaging, and environmental impact assessment of food systems.

Dr. Ghnimi's research interests focus on biodegradable or recyclable active polymers, micro/nanoencapsulation technologies, life cycle analysis, and food process engineering. His work bridges materials science and food technology to develop sustainable solutions for food preservation and packaging. He has particular expertise in creating antimicrobial packaging systems using natural compounds and nanoemulsions, as well as analyzing the environmental footprint of alternative protein sources and food systems.

His publication record shows a strong trend toward sustainable food systems research, with recent articles focusing on biodegradable active packaging materials, life cycle assessment methodologies, alternative protein technologies, and consumer acceptance of novel food products. The research demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach combining food science, materials engineering, environmental science, and consumer behavior analysis to address sustainability challenges in the food sector.

Dr. Ghnimi coordinates the European Master's program in Sustainable Food Systems and serves as coordinator for the 'Sustainable Developments in Food Industries' specialization track in the engineering curriculum. His teaching includes Life Cycle Analysis, Sustainable Transformations and Packaging, Food Packaging Technology, and Food Process Engineering.

His current research projects include A-Block (2024-2027) on nano-enabled antimicrobial food packaging incorporating natural bioactives, FABIONANOCAP (2021-2024) developing biodegradable films for food biopreservation, and NEMOS (2022-2024) creating a new educational model for sustainability skills through service learning. These projects involve collaborations with institutions across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Dr. Ghnimi has been with ISARA since 2018, following previous academic positions at Ghent University Global Campus in South Korea (2017-2018), UAE University (2013-2017), and Université de Strasbourg (2009-2013), demonstrating an international career trajectory in food engineering research and education.