Prof.ssa Hadj Saadoun Jasmine is a fixed-term researcher at the University of Parma , Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences . She has held teaching appointments for courses including Food Microbiology , Predictive Microbiology , and Laboratory Courses on General Microbiology and Food Microbiology since 2022. Research Focus: Food microbiology, biostimulant applications, fermentation technology, and agri-food waste valorization. Key Contributions: Explored soil microbiome dynamics, developed antimicrobial strategies from tomato byproducts, and optimized fermentation processes for microalgae and insect-based biomass. Publications: 15+ peer-reviewed articles (2016–2025) on microbial inactivation, food safety, and sustainable agricultural practices. Contact: Email: jasmine.hadjsaadoun@unipr.it
Claudia Lazarte is an Associate Senior Lecturer in the Division of Food and Pharma at Lund University's Faculty of Engineering (LTH), where she contributes to the LTH Profile Area: Food and Bio. Her work bridges food science, nutrition, and sustainability, focusing on plant-based diets and food processing for improved health and environmental outcomes. Her research interests lie at the intersection of nutrition, bioactive compounds, and fermentation . She investigates how food processing and formulation affect nutritional quality and sensory properties, particularly in pulses and plant-based foods. Her work emphasizes mineral bioavailability, antinutritional factors (e.g., phytate), antioxidant capacity, and sensory acceptability , aiming to develop evidence-based strategies for healthier and more sustainable diets. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in fermentation technologies to enhance the nutritional profile of plant foods, with particular focus on iron, zinc, and calcium bioaccessibility . Studies span diverse crops like quinoa, spinach, maize, and peanuts, often incorporating lactic acid fermentation and analyzing impacts on polyphenols, antioxidants, and sensory attributes. Her research combines laboratory analysis with real-world applications in both developed and developing contexts. Scientific Collaborations and Funding: Principal Investigator (PI) in two active research projects: Reducing ‘antinutritional compounds’ in Swedish pulses for improved intestinal health (funded by Dir Albert Påhlssons stiftelse) and Minimal processing to obtain healthier and tastier pulses-based food (funded by Crafoord Foundation). Researcher in FOSSNET: Pan-European Food Systems Science Network (2024–2028). She supervises academic work, with one supervised output recorded, and collaborates across Europe and with institutions in developing countries. Her research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating food science, nutrition, and sustainability goals. Laboratory and Research Group: She is part of the Division of Food and Pharma at LTH, contributing to the Food and Bio profile area, which focuses on sustainable food systems, food innovation, and health-promoting foods.
Andrea De Martino is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) , Polytechnic University of Turin , and a member of the SmartData@PoliTO Big Data and Data Science Laboratory. He works at the physics-biology interface , focusing on disordered systems, statistical mechanics, theoretical biology, and interdisciplinary applications. Scientific Branch: PHYS-02/A - Theoretical Physics of Fundamental Interactions, Models, Mathematical Methods ERC Skills: PE1_21 (Mathematics in Sciences), PE2_18 (Statistical Mechanics), PE3_16 (Physics of Biological Systems), PE3_15 (Statistical Physics and Complex Systems) Research Interests include disordered systems, critical phenomena, equilibrium/non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, theoretical biology (information processing, population dynamics, ecosystems), and interdisciplinary applications at the physics-biology interface. His work explores collective behavior, heterogeneity-fitness relationships, and metabolic strategies under environmental variability. Articles Trends reflect expertise in statistical mechanics applied to biological systems, with focus areas spanning RNA networks , microbial metabolism , phenotypic heterogeneity , gene regulation , and multi-cellular coordination . Recent publications address out-of-equilibrium dynamics in ceRNA systems, metabolic diversity analysis, and growth rate optimization in fluctuating environments. Research Projects include SIMBAD (2023-2027) - a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action on statistical inference for multiscale biological data. He participates in EU-funded research under Horizon Europe , focusing on MSCA Excellent Science initiatives. Teaching encompasses Physics I/II and Electromagnetism modules for Computer, Aerospace, and Automotive Engineering programs. He serves on doctoral colleges for Physics PhD programs at both Polytechnic University of Turin (2014-2025) and Sapienza University of Rome (2014-2016). Laboratories include the Statistical Physics and Interdisciplinary Applications (DISAT) research group and affiliation with the Condensed Matter Physics and Complex Systems Institute (DISAT) at Polytechnic University of Turin.
David Peris Navarro is a Researcher and Principal Investigator at the University of Oslo (Norway) since 2021, and a Distinguished Researcher at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA)-CSIC in Spain since 2022. He leads the FunGIA Lab, which focuses on fungal evolution and biotechnology applications. His research spans multiple countries including Spain, UK, USA, Norway, and Germany. Dr. Peris holds a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Valencia (2012). His educational background includes: PhD in Biotechnology, University of Valencia (2012) Dr. Peris specializes in comparative genomics, fungal evolution, high-throughput microbial phenotyping, bioinformatics, and biotechnological applications. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of speciation and adaptation in mushroom-like organisms and yeasts. He implements bioinformatic tools to study evolution and adaptation of fungi, and develops new molecular methods for generating new strains with applications in the production of healthy, safe, and sustainable food products. His work has significant implications for understanding reticulate evolution in adaptation to new environments and using the Saccharomyces genus as a model to understand human diseases and evolution. Dr. Peris' publication record shows a strong focus on yeast genomics, hybridization, and adaptation mechanisms. His recent work examines macroevolutionary diversity in Saccharomyces, molecular diversity in fungal mating systems, synthetic hybrids, fermentation innovation through yeast hybridization, and mitochondrial contributions to thermal adaptation. These studies span disciplines including genetics, evolutionary biology, microbiology, and biotechnology, with applications in food production and industrial processes. His scientific achievements include: Co-author of 28 papers in indexed international journals (2 journal covers, 1 top 1% cited in 2018) 3 reviews (1 top cited in 2018/19) 2 national journals publications 2 patents and 3 intellectual disclosure reports DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics Oral Talk Prize in ISSY33 Poster Prize in ECFG15 Dr. Peris has mentored 7 undergraduates, 3 master students, 6 PhD students, and 3 postdocs. He currently supervises 2 PhD students, 1 postdoc, and 2 undergraduate students. His research has been funded by prestigious organizations including the European Commission H2020 framework, Spanish Supercomputing Network (RES), PacBio, Illumina Inc., Research Council of Norway (RCN) FRIPRO, and Valencian Regional Government (GVA) plan GenT. He has led projects such as PloidYeast and Sacchar2Omics, focusing on yeast biodiversity and polyploidization effects. Dr. Peris is also active in the scientific community as president of the regional Section of Spanish Scientists in USA (ECUSA) - Midwest (2015-2017), developing mentoring and outreach programs. He serves on 2 journal editorial boards and has reviewed for 20 international journals.
Professor Ljiljana Mojović is a faculty member at the Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the Technical Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade. She was elected to her professorship title on May 24, 2023, and maintains an active research and teaching program in biochemical engineering and biotechnology. Professor Mojović's research focuses on sustainable bioprocesses, particularly in the areas of biofuel production, lactic acid fermentation, and waste valorization. Her work emphasizes the conversion of agricultural and industrial byproducts into valuable products, contributing to circular economy principles. She has developed expertise in utilizing distillery stillage, brewery waste, and agricultural residues for bio-based product development. Her recent work demonstrates increasing sophistication in integrated bioprocess design that maximizes resource utilization from multiple waste streams. Her publication record spanning from 2012 to 2024 demonstrates consistent contributions to biochemical engineering. The research trajectory shows evolution from fundamental studies on bioethanol production to more complex integrated bioprocesses that simultaneously produce multiple valuable products from waste streams. Current work emphasizes process optimization, economic viability, and novel applications of biotechnological approaches in sustainable production systems. Doctoral Students: Stefan Pavlović (2023), Jelena Jović (2020), Dragana Mladenović (2019), and others Master's Students: Ana Minčić (2024), Amaama Mohammed (2022), Jovana Božović (2021), and numerous others since 2012 Basic Academic Studies: Multiple students working on projects related to biomass processing, fermentation technology, and bioproduct development since 2005 Professor Mojović teaches courses in Biofuels, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Carbohydrate Technology, Biotechnological Processes, Cell Engineering, Biomass as an Energy Source, and Metabolic and Genetic Engineering, reflecting her comprehensive expertise in biochemical engineering applications across multiple scales of bioproduction.
Jasna Lončina is an Associate Professor at the Department of Hygiene and Technology of Animal Origin Food, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. She teaches courses on food hygiene, meat inspection, and milk technology. Her research focuses on Antimicrobial effects of plant-derived compounds (e.g., essential oils) on foodborne pathogens Microbial stability of meat and dairy products under vacuum/modified atmosphere packaging Molecular characterization of microorganisms in traditional cheeses Feed additives influencing poultry and pork meat quality Key trends in her recent publications include applications of thyme, oregano, and cinnamaldehyde for pathogen control in meat, and studies on microbial ecology and antibiotic resistance in dairy products.
Kim Bolton is a Professor at the University of Borås, Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business, specializing in Resource Recovery and Building Technology. Their research focuses on waste reduction strategies, particularly packaging and food waste, examining socio-economic and environmental impacts of waste management practices to advance recycling methodologies. Current research explores glocal and ecoethical dimensions of fungi-based food sustainability. Collaborates with institutions like the European Regional Development Fund and Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. Key contributions include analyzing waste sorting behaviors and developing frameworks for sustainable resource systems. Kim supervises doctoral students such as Zisen Liu and Rousta Kamran.
Hatice PALÜZAR is an Associate Professor at Trakya University's Arda Vocational School, with expertise spanning biochemistry, biotechnology, enzymology, and environmental chemistry. She holds a PhD in Chemistry-Biochemistry (2013) and Master's/Bachelor's degrees from Trakya University (2009/2006). Academic Titles: Associate Professor (2024), Assistant Professor (2017-2021), Instructor (2010-2013) Administrative Roles: Deputy Director of Career Application and Research Center (2022-2024), Bologna Process Coordinator (since 2017), Erasmus Coordinator (2017-2024), Farabi Coordinator (2011-2024), Foreign Student Advisor (since 2010) Her research focuses on: Biosensors for pesticide and phenolic compound detection Pesticide-Enzyme Interactions (catalase, lipase, polyphenol oxidase) Biodiesel Production from waste feedstocks using enzymatic catalysis Food Science applications in apple juice clarification and enzymatic browning inhibition Recent publications highlight her work in environmental biotechnology (activated carbon production), food processing (pectinase-amyloglucosidase enzyme synergy), and molecular docking studies of plant extract-enzyme binding. She has led national projects on biodiesel production and pesticide effects on enzyme systems. Scientific Recognition: 3rd Place in Teknofest 2024 Biotechnology and Innovation Competition 2020 Poster First Prize at International Enzyme and Bioprocess Days Editorial roles in special issues on pesticide detection (2019) She has supervised a Master's thesis on biodiesel production from oil refinery waste (2019) and served as a referee for journals like Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology . Her career combines teaching (Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pesticide Chemistry), research , and administrative leadership in academic institutions.
Prof. Mariya Sredkova is a full-time faculty member at the Medical University of Pleven , where she holds the position of Professor in Microbiology. She has served as Head of the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Medical Genetics since 2001 and as Vice Rector of Science since 2003. Her academic journey began with an MD from Medical University of Sofia (1972), followed by specialization in Microbiology (1980), a PhD (1989), and habilitation (1992). Research Focus: Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, non-fermentative gram-negative bacteria, and clinical microbiology. Teaching: Leads full-time Medical Microbiology lecture courses for M.Sc./M.D. and B.Sc. students in Bulgarian and English, as well as postgraduate specialization training for medical professionals. Academic Leadership: Served as Head of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at the Institute of Hygiene, Pleven (1981–1991), and has held leadership roles in the university’s academic council and national examination committees. Professional Engagement: Active in the Bulgarian Scientific Union, Bulgarian Society for Microbiology, European Society of Chemotherapy, and as Vice President of the Bulgarian Association of Microbiologists.
Leon de Jonge is a Researcher in the Department of Animal Nutrition at Wageningen University & Research . His work focuses on feed ingredient analysis, digestion kinetics, and analytical chemistry techniques such as mass spectrometry and in vitro incubation methods. Key Research Areas: Animal Nutrition, Feed Science, Digestion Kinetics, Analytical Chemistry, Agricultural Sciences. Projects: Co-supervised a PhD project on in vitro fermentability of fibrous feedstuffs in pigs (2019–2024); previously completed a PhD on rumen digestion methodology (2008–2015). Scientific Output: 32 total research outputs, including recent work on protein digestion kinetics, amino acid degradation, and cocoa bean analysis using advanced spectrometry. Collaborations: Active in international research networks, with recent collaborations on feed evaluation and nutrient absorption in pigs. Technical Expertise: Specializes in in vitro incubation assays, mass spectrometry, and feed solubilization studies.
Dr. David Wall is a Senior Lecturer in Transport at the School of Engineering and Architecture, University College Cork, and a Funded Investigator at the SFI MaREI Centre for Energy, Climate, and Marine. His research focuses on renewable gas technologies (biogas, biomethane, biohydrogen), circular economy systems, and decarbonisation strategies. His recent publications highlight advancements in anaerobic digestion, biogas pipeline design, microbial electrosynthesis, and biochar applications for enhancing bioenergy yields. These works emphasize sustainability, systems integration, and climate-resilient energy solutions. Specializes in energy-environment interactions Secured over €3M in research grants Represents Ireland in IEA Bioenergy Task 37 on Biogas Scientific Awards Teagasc Walsh Fellowship He contributes to policy and industry standards through committee memberships and international collaborations.
Petra Štambuk is a Researcher at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Viticulture and Enology, specializing in organic viticulture and disease-resistant grapevine cultivars. She holds a PhD in Plant Science (2023) and has served as an Expert Associate since 2021, previously working as a PhD student at the Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding (CoE CroP-BioDiv). Her research bridges molecular plant science with practical viticulture applications for sustainable Croatian wine production. Her academic credentials include: PhD (2018-2023): Phenotyping susceptibility of Croatian native grapevines to downy mildew Master of Engineering in Horticulture (2012-2015) Bachelor in Engineering of Horticulture (2009-2012) Dr. tambuk's research centers on indigenous Croatian grapevine cultivars, with focus on downy mildew resistance mechanisms, polyphenol profiling, and volatile organic compound analysis. She employs metabolomics, high-throughput phenotyping, and molecular markers to develop disease-resistant varieties for organic viticulture. Her work directly addresses reducing fungicide dependency in Croatian vineyards through genetic solutions. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in plant-pathogen interactions (particularly Plasmopara viticola resistance), advanced analytical techniques for grape/wine compounds, and climate adaptation strategies. Her studies integrate chlorophyll fluorescence, multispectral imaging, and metabolomic profiling to characterize native varieties, with strong emphasis on practical applications for regional winegrowing. She has coordinated four major research projects: Croatian Science Foundation project on metabolomics and molecular markers for disease resistance (2023-2027) Kutjevački vinari initiative for resistant varieties in Kutjevo region (2020-2024) Clonal selection of Kujundžuša and Trnjak cultivars (2018-2022) Zagrebačka županija project for organic cultivation varieties (2020-2021) As a core member of CoE CroP-BioDiv, she contributes to national grapevine germplasm conservation and breeding programs, utilizing in vitro tissue culture for long-term genetic resource preservation. Her current work focuses on marker-assisted selection and phenotyping protocols for next-generation resistant cultivars.
Cinzia Caggia is Full Professor of Agricultural Microbiology at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A) of the University of Catania since 2018 and President of CoRFiLaC (Consortium for Research in the Dairy and Agri-food Supply Chain Sector) since April 2023. With over two decades of academic experience, she leads significant research initiatives in food microbiology and supervises doctoral candidates through international collaborations. Her research focuses on the microbiology of fermented foods, with particular expertise in lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeasts in traditional food matrices like cheese, table olives, sourdough, and wine. She investigates microbial safety, probiotic properties, antibiotic resistance mechanisms in pathogens, and the valorization of agro-food by-products. Her work bridges fundamental microbiology with practical applications for developing functional foods and enhancing food safety standards. As an academic leader, Professor Caggia has supervised 13 doctoral theses and currently co-tutors doctoral students through international collaborations with the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil. She has secured substantial funding through national projects (PRIN, PON), European programs (FESR), and industry partnerships with companies including Cr. Hansen A/S, BK Giulini GmbH, and numerous Italian firms. Scientific leadership roles include Vice-president of SIMTREA (2018-2021) and national coordinator of the Global Food Microbiology Teachers Network Editorial positions: Editor-in-Chief of SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUE LATTIERO-DAIRY (since 2019), and editorial board member for multiple international journals Organized major international conferences including the 5th International Conference on Microbial Diversity (2019) Her laboratory work spans microbial characterization techniques, development of functional foods, and innovative approaches to food safety assessment, with practical applications across the dairy, olive, and meat industries.
Prof. Milani Christian is an Associate Professor at the University of Parma, affiliated with the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences. His academic focus encompasses microbiology education and advanced research in microbial ecology. His research explores: Gut microbiota dynamics across human life stages, emphasizing infant health and aging. Probiotic mechanisms of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species for therapeutic applications. Computational approaches (machine learning, genomics) to analyze microbial communities. Environmental microbiology , including bioremediation and extremophile adaptations. Milani's recent publications (2022–2025) demonstrate interdisciplinary integration, combining metagenomics, transcriptomics, and clinical insights to study host-microbe interactions. Predominant themes include probiotic development, microbial metabolism, and ecological modeling of gut/vaginal microbiomes. He coordinates multiple graduate programs in Environmental and Resource Sciences and Technologies, reflecting active academic leadership. No awards, grants, or student advisees are documented in available materials.
Akram Zamani is a faculty member at the University of Borås within the Academy of Textiles, Technology and Economics (including the Swedish School of Textiles), specifically the Department of Resource Recycling and Community Development . He serves as Program Manager for three Master's programs focused on Resource Recycling in biotechnology, energy technology, and polymeric materials. His research centers on converting food waste into renewable materials via fungal biotechnology. Research Focus: Industrial Biotechnology, Sustainable Development, and Circular Economy Supervision: Primary supervisor for doctoral student Kanishka Wijayarathna Contact: Email akram.zamani@hb.se or phone +46 33-435 4672 Zamani's work spans fungal hydrogel processing, biocomposite development, and waste valorization for textiles and packaging. His recent publications highlight scalable methods for producing renewable yarns and biocompatible films from bread waste, citrus byproducts, and agricultural residues. Projects like "Sustainable Fungal Textiles" (funded by Vinnova) demonstrate his commitment to reducing fashion industry pollution through bio-based materials.
