Prof.ssa Annalisa Bianchera is an Associate Professor at the Department of Food and Drug Sciences, University of Parma, Italy. She teaches courses in Pharmaceutical Technology , Biomaterials for Advanced Therapies , Digital Marketing in Pharmacy , and Drug Absorption Models at both full-cycle and second-cycle degree levels. Her research focuses on biomaterials , controlled drug delivery systems , and pharmaceutical formulation technologies , with particular emphasis on nasal administration , 3D-printed scaffolds , and green manufacturing methods . She has published extensively on polysaccharide-based delivery systems , dry powder inhalation , and biomaterials for wound healing . Recent articles highlight her work on 3D-printed ocular delivery models , hyaluronate nanoparticles , and CO2-green aerogel formulations .
Dr. Eride Quarta is a fixed-term Researcher at the University of Parma 's Department of Food and Drug Sciences. She specializes in pharmaceutical formulation, nanoparticle engineering, and inhalation therapy delivery systems. Teaching Appointments Formulation and Development of Health Products (2025/2026) Introduction to Scientific Communication (2022/2023) Techniques for Nanoparticle Production (2024/2025) Galenic Preparations Laboratory (2020-2025) Her research focuses on innovative drug delivery methods for respiratory diseases, particularly Cystic Fibrosis, and cross-organ therapeutic targeting. Recent publications highlight her work on: Dry powder formulations using hyaluronic acid complexes Micro-CT analysis of tablet coatings Probiotic delivery to respiratory microbiota Cardio-respiratory nano-in-micro peptide systems Contact: eride.quarta@unipr.it
Leonardo Pagnotta is a Full Professor in Mechanical Design and Experimental Mechanics at the University of Calabria (UNICAL), where he serves in the Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering (DIMEG). He has held significant leadership positions including Director of DIMEG (2015-2021), member of the university's Academic Senate (2015-2021), and Coordinator of the PhD program in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, he heads both the Laboratories of Mechanical Engineering and the Laboratory of Mechanical Characterization of Materials at UNICAL. Professor Pagnotta earned his Degree in Industrial Technology Engineering (Mechanical specialization) from the University of Calabria in 1984, followed by a PhD in Mechanics of Materials from the University of Pisa in 1990. His academic career progressed from University Researcher (1994-2000) to Associate Professor (2000-2006), and finally to Full Professor since 2006 in the Scientific Sector ING-IND/14 "Mechanical Design and Machine Construction". His research focuses on numerical methodologies for stress analysis, reliability design, structural optimization, and experimental mechanics techniques. Key areas include residual stress measurement, elastic properties characterization of isotropic and anisotropic materials, fracture mechanics, and non-destructive testing. He has extensively worked on thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), metallic coatings, and mechanical characterization at micro- and nano-scales. Recent research explores nanostructured coatings, graphene-based composites, SMART materials, and applications in hydrogen energy systems, including fluid dynamics in hydrogen transport pipelines and hydrogen-powered trains. Professor Pagnotta's recent publications reveal a strong trend toward sustainable energy applications, particularly hydrogen infrastructure and storage systems. His work bridges traditional mechanical engineering with cutting-edge materials science, with significant focus on additive manufacturing technologies and their material challenges. The research demonstrates a clear evolution from fundamental mechanics to applied sustainable energy solutions, reflecting contemporary engineering priorities in clean energy transition. Professor Pagnotta has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: 2023: Best Poster Award for "On Fatigue Behavior Nanostructured Epoxy Composite Materials" at the 8th World Congress on Advanced Materials 2013: JMST Best Paper Award for "Mechanical Characterization of Materials at Small Length Scales" 2010: WSEAS Best Paper Award for "Evaluation of Squeeze-film Damping Effects in MEMS Perforated Plates" 1996: AIAS Award for "Lifetime Reliability Evaluation of Ceramic Components by a Finite Element Post-Processor" 1993: AIAS Award for "Influence of Specimen Planarity Errors in Biaxial Flexure Tests on Ceramic Materials" 1987: AIAS Award for "Application Possibilities of Holographic Interferometry in Residual Stress Measurement" As an academic advisor, Professor Pagnotta has supervised numerous theses across Mechanical, Management, and Biomedical Engineering programs, mentored student internships at companies and research centers worldwide, and served as scientific supervisor for multiple PhD dissertations. His research has been supported by significant grants including AQUAGENIUS, SAFE H2D, AGE-IT, INSPIRATION, ARIA, PICO-e-PRO, and other competitively funded projects. He has served as Principal Investigator for research agreements with ENEL, AEROprogetti, and IRPE, and contributed to collaborations with ALENIA, BREDA, and FOS. Professor Pagnotta leads several research laboratories at UNICAL, including his current role as Coordinator of the Mechanical Laboratories Cluster at DIMEG (2024-present). He previously co-founded and headed "MechLab" at DIMEG (2015-2023) and founded the "Material Characterization Laboratory (LCM)" in 2012. His laboratory work focuses on mechanical measurements, materials characterization, and advanced experimental techniques, supporting both research and educational activities in mechanical engineering.
Imran Ahmad, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where he leverages 16 years of combined academic and industry experience to advance food-process and bioprocess engineering research. Before joining FIU, he served as affiliated faculty in the Biosystems Engineering Program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, developing and teaching courses such as Food Analysis and Quality Assurance, Engineering Properties of Food & Bio-materials, and Biosystems Engineering Applications. From 2008-2015 he acted as instructor for AIT’s Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FEBT) graduate program, coordinating three laboratory courses annually while directing the Food Processing and Bioprocess Research Laboratories. Education & Training: Although explicit degree details are not provided, Dr. Ahmad’s extensive teaching record at graduate level, coupled with his authorship of high-impact journal articles and textbooks, indicates advanced training in Food/ Bioprocess Engineering or a closely related discipline. Research Interests: Dr. Ahmad’s work centers on quality management of fresh produce, agri-food supply-chain optimization, post-harvest technology, predictive modelling, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine-learning techniques to food systems. He is particularly interested in how engineering properties of food materials influence processing outcomes, and how data-driven models can forecast shelf-life and safety parameters for seafood and other perishables. Publications Trend: Across his recent works, a clear trajectory emerges from traditional food-engineering experimentation toward integration of machine-learning and AI tools for predictive quality assurance. Studies on shrimp shelf-life estimation via micro-calorimetry and machine-learning illustrate this convergence of engineering rigor with advanced analytics. Scientific Awards & Recognition: While no formal awards are explicitly listed, Dr. Ahmad has earned international recognition through invitations to deliver professional training and outreach programs across Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia under AIT-sponsored initiatives. Advising & Grant Activity: Dr. Ahmad has co-supervised numerous graduate research projects covering cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and value-added food production. His industry background includes serving as Project Manager (Manufacturing) for Dutch Mill Group, Thailand’s largest dairy company, where he oversaw scale-up and quality-assurance operations. Laboratories & Teams: At AIT he spearheaded two key graduate research laboratories—the Food Processing Laboratory and the Bioprocess Laboratory—managing facilities and mentoring teams of master’s and doctoral students for eight consecutive years.
EDA ELGİN KILIÇ is a Lecturer at the Naci Topçuoğlu Vocational School of Gaziantep University , specializing in Food Processing . She has been affiliated with Gaziantep University since 2013 and holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the same institution. Education: Ph.D. (2015-2022), Gaziantep University, Institute of Science, Department of Biology B.Sc. (1998-2003) and M.Sc. (2008-2014), Food Engineering from Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University and Mersin University respectively. Her research focuses on Food Biotechnology and Food Microbiology , with an emphasis on microencapsulation of probiotics, food safety , and drying kinetics in food processing. She has contributed to scientific books on topics like food adulteration , sustainable foods , and fermented products . She has published in high-impact journals such as Q1 Foods and Q2 Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization , exploring areas like olive oil stabilization , probiotic delivery systems , and by-product valorization . Her work also includes national projects on lactic acid bacteria in yoghurt production and microencapsulation applications. Scientific Awards: Best Researcher Award (2022), International Researchnawards on Pediatrics, Perinatology and Children Health She has served as a researcher in two national projects funded by Turkish Higher Education Institutions and is a member of the Chamber of Food Engineers . Her projects include studies on probiotic stability in yoghurt and lactic acid bacteria characterization for starter cultures.
Jan Henrik Finke is a Lecturer and Head of the Division for Pharma and Bio Particle Technology at the Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT) within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Braunschweig University of Technology. He also serves as a Senior Scientist at the Fraunhoig Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films since 2020, and previously held a part-time Substitute Professorship in Pharmaceutical Technology at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena during the 2021/22 academic year. Dr. Finke completed his doctorate in 2014 with research focused on 'Manufacturing colloidal drug delivery systems in customized microsystems: Characterization of process efficiency and interactions.' He studied Pharmacy at the University of Münster from 2002-2006 and has since built an extensive career in pharmaceutical technology and particle engineering. His research interests span pharmaceutical technology, particle engineering, drug delivery systems, microsystems engineering, and 3D printing of pharmaceuticals. Dr. Finke's work focuses on developing innovative approaches for drug formulation, particularly for poorly water-soluble compounds, and advancing manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical products including probiotic formulations and personalized medicine. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing challenges, particularly tablet production with living microorganisms, advanced drug delivery systems, and the application of computational modeling to pharmaceutical processes. His work bridges fundamental particle technology with practical pharmaceutical applications, with increasing emphasis on personalized medicine approaches through 3D printing technologies. Dr. Finke has made significant contributions to understanding the survival of microorganisms during pharmaceutical processing, the development of novel drug delivery systems, and the optimization of manufacturing processes for complex pharmaceutical formulations. His research has practical implications for improving drug bioavailability and developing personalized medication approaches. As Head of the Pharma and Bio Particle Technology division, Dr. Finke leads research efforts focused on particle-based pharmaceutical technologies, including nanoparticle formulations, solid lipid nanoparticles, and advanced manufacturing techniques for drug delivery systems. His work connects engineering principles with pharmaceutical sciences to address challenges in modern drug development and manufacturing.
Dr. Xun Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University. She is affiliated with the Edison Joining Technology Center, focusing on advanced manufacturing processes and material behavior analysis. PhD - Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (2016) MS - Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan MS - Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan Bachelor - Mechanical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2011) Her research centers on hybrid manufacturing processes like ultrasonically and electrically assisted methods, solid-state joining (friction stir welding/spot welding), and material characterization to study process-structure-properties relationships. She combines experimental and computational modeling approaches at continuum scales. Key article trends include ultrasonic effects in additive manufacturing, microstructure refinement in welding, multi-scale material characterization , and computational modeling of hybrid processes. Her work spans aluminum alloys , steel composites , and food systems . NSF CAREER Award (2021) Dr. Liu leads the Edison Joining Technology Center's research initiatives, integrating physics-based modeling with experimental validation. Her lab focuses on sustainable manufacturing techniques through ultrasonic vibration applications and advanced material analysis.
Stefan Dittmar is a researcher at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel within the Marine Biogeochemistry division and Biological Oceanography unit. His work focuses on anthropogenic pollutants in aquatic environments, particularly micro- and nanoplastics, tire and road wear particles, and their transport dynamics. Education BSc in Environmental Engineering, TU Berlin (2017) Fast-Track PhD qualification, TU Berlin/UWI (2018) PhD in Settling Velocities of Microplastics and Tire Particles, TU Berlin (2025) His research centers on particle settling velocities, environmental sampling methodologies, and contaminant transport mechanisms. Current projects include PlastTrack, investigating microplastic behavior in marine systems. His experimental work combines laboratory simulations with field sampling to quantify particle dynamics across size ranges from 10–400 μm. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on microplastic characterization (60% of articles), particle transport modeling (30%), and water treatment applications (10%). Key trends include developing standardized measurement protocols and examining ecological impacts through trophic transfer studies. Research Infrastructure PlastTrack project lead at GEOMAR Utilizes GEOMAR's Marine Biogeochemistry laboratories Collaborates with TU Berlin's water treatment research group
Professor Patrick Fairclough is a Professor of Polymer and Composite Engineering at the University of Sheffield, working within the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. He is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, having moved there in 2013 from the Department of Chemistry where he had been since 1997. Professor Fairclough completed his academic journey with a BSc in Physics from the University of Birmingham in 1990, followed by a PhD in Neutron Scattering in 1995. After a brief period working as a service engineer, he pursued postdoctoral research in polymer science at UMIST (Manchester) from 1994 to 1997 before joining the University of Sheffield. Professor Fairclough's research spans a wide range of polymer and composite materials systems, with a particular focus on innovative manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials. His work on mould-free manufacturing of carbon fibre composites represents a significant advancement in composite processing technology, eliminating the need for conventional tooling. His group also investigates thermoplastic composites that can be hydrolyzed back to monomers, creating potential pathways for recycling materials like PET from plastic bottles. Another notable research direction involves structural colour inspired by natural systems, particularly the ultra-white beetle scales, which has led to environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional white pigments like TiO 2 . Professor Fairclough has secured significant research funding including the "Soft Nanotechnology" grant from EPSRC (2007-2012, £796,000) and the "KTA KickStart Funding Biologics" (2011-2012, £1,116,000). His research has resulted in numerous publications and patents related to block copolymers and composite materials. His current research group maintains active projects in mould-free manufacturing, fibre splicing, and tailored fibre placement. The group utilizes advanced techniques including synchrotron radiation at the ESRF in Grenoble, France, for 3D tomographic mapping of biological structures, which informs their biomimetic materials research.
Maria Vesna Nikolić serves as Scientific Advisor at the University of Belgrade's Institute for Multidisciplinary Research (IMSI), where she has been Head of the Department of Materials Science since 2020. Previously holding roles as Senior Scientific Advisor (2007-2012) and Research Associate (1991-2007), she also chaired IMSI's Scientific Council from 2013-2020. Her work bridges fundamental materials research with industrial applications through the Center for Green Technologies. Education: PhD in Materials Science (2003, University of Belgrade) Master of Electrical Engineering, Architecture and Organization of Computer Systems (1996, University of Belgrade) BSc in Computer Engineering and Informatics (1990, University of Belgrade) Nikolić's research centers on nanomaterials synthesis and functional characterization, with emphasis on electrospun nanofibers for sensor applications. Her expertise spans ferrite-based magnetic materials , thick-film technologies , and nanocomposites for humidity/temperature sensing. Recent work explores antibacterial iron manganite particles and metal oxide nanoparticles for food packaging safety, demonstrating translational impact across food science and environmental monitoring. Analysis of her 2018-2021 publications reveals dominant themes in nanofiber-based sensing (70% of output) and functional oxide materials (100% coverage), with growing emphasis on food safety applications since 2020. Her methodology consistently combines advanced characterization techniques (SEM/EDS, AFM, XRD) with electrospinning and impedance spectroscopy. Scientific Awards: Scholarship holder of the Republic Foundation for Scientific and Artistic Youth (1989-1991) Nikolić has secured substantial research funding through Serbian government projects including III45007 (0-3D nanostructures for electronics/renewable energy, 2011-2019) and III45014 (lithium-ion batteries, 2011-2019). She leads international collaborations such as MagnetoPIM (Austria, 2008-2010) developing powder injection molding for magnetic components. As Associate Editor of Science of Sintering (2006-2010) and frequent Horizon 2020 reviewer, she shapes materials science discourse globally. Her laboratory at IMSI's Department of Materials Science operates the Center for Green Technologies, focusing on sustainable materials processing. Current work investigates triad synthesis-structure-properties relationships in ferrite systems, with emerging projects on magnetic spinel nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
Prof. Siegfried Specht is an Honorary Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) since 1993, affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences. He previously served as the Chairman of the Consortium Council at the Schneefernerhaus Environmental Research Station until 2015 and was the Head of the Department for Technical Environmental Protection at the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment, Health, and Consumer Protection. His expertise spans environmental chemistry and radiochemistry, with a focus on bacterial genetics and microbiology, particularly in dairy-related microbial challenges. His research interests include environmental chemistry, radiochemistry, and the study of bacterial proteomes, overlapping genes, and their implications in microbiological processes. He has contributed significantly to understanding microbial spoilage in dairy products and the genetic mechanisms underlying bacterial adaptation and pathogenicity. In terms of publications, his recent work explores topics such as proteomic diversity in bacteria, non-canonical gene regulation in E. coli, and strategies to mitigate spore-related issues in dairy production. His studies often integrate genomic and proteomic approaches to address both fundamental and applied questions in microbiology and environmental science. Prof. Specht has been involved in various institutional roles, contributing to environmental research and policy-making. His work highlights interdisciplinary approaches, combining laboratory research with real-world applications in environmental protection and food safety.
Else Holmfred is a Visiting Professor at Stanford University's Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, where she integrates advanced analytical chemistry, biogeochemistry, and pharmaceutical science to develop innovative methodologies for detecting non-visual drug counterfeits. Her research leverages isotopic analysis (IRMS/MC-ICPMS) and trace elemental analysis (ICP-MS) to address critical challenges in pharmaceutical integrity. Stanford University, Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences Her work focuses on applying geochemical tools to pharmaceutical problems, earning recognition through competitive fellowships. She has pioneered techniques for isotopic fingerprinting and trace element profiling to authenticate drug products, bridging planetary science with medical quality assurance. Key trends in her publications include: Isotopic and elemental analysis for drug authentication Nanoparticle dissolution behavior in biological contexts AI-driven quality control for pharmaceutical manufacturing Case-based pedagogy in analytical chemistry education Honors include: Novo Nordisk Foundation Visiting Scholar Stanford Bio-X Fellowship (2023) Carlsberg Foundation Internationalisation Fellowship (2022) Contact: holmfred@stanford.edu
Dr. Jean-Marie Peron is a Senior Lecturer in Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Kingston University, affiliated with the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry (Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences). He joined Kingston in 2002 as a Research Fellow and transitioned to academia after roles including Senior Technician managing the NMR facility. Since 2017, he has held lecturing positions and currently leads the undergraduate Chemistry program (2023–present). His educational background includes a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from King's College London (2002), a BSc in Chemistry from Kingston University (1995), and a D.U.T. de Chimie from Université de Rennes 1 (1993). Dr. Peron's research integrates NMR spectroscopy, synthetic chemistry, and pharmaceutical analysis. Key interests include: structural elucidation of bioactive natural products, drug stability quantification, NMR method development for complex mixtures, and materials chemistry applications. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in oncology pharmacy and environmental science. His 15 most recent publications (2005–2024) demonstrate a strong focus on advanced NMR techniques applied to drug formulation, biofuel characterization, cancer therapeutics, and food science. Recurring themes include analytical method validation, stability studies of anticancer agents (e.g., Ifosfamide/Mesna), and innovative quantification strategies for pharmaceuticals and industrial materials. Honors & Awards: Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, 2019) Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC, 2014) Dr. Peron teaches organic/pharmaceutical chemistry and NMR data analysis across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He supervises BSc/MSc/MPharm research projects and co-supervises a PhD student in cancer research. As departmental Open Days/Recruitment Coordinator (2025–present), he facilitates academic outreach. He maintains active collaborations leveraging Kingston's NMR infrastructure for pharmaceutical and materials research.
Corrado Rizzi is an Assistant Professor of Food Science and Technology at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona. His academic roles include teaching in environmental and workplace accident prevention programs, and participation in departmental governance as a member of the Departmental Council. Education: Doctor in Medicine Specialist in Plastic Surgery PhD in Agroindustrial Biotechnology Research Interests: Food biochemistry with a focus on agro-food products, including protein and enzyme studies in alcoholic beverages and cereal products. Current research emphasizes utilization of wine industry by-products for antioxidant and nutritional compounds. Key areas include allergen detection in foods, enzymatic inhibition, and valorization of agricultural waste. Techniques employed include supercritical fluids and NADES for compound extraction. Publications: Recent work focuses on functional food development using by-products (grape pomace, beer trub, chicory waste) and allergen characterization in bakery products. Articles address enzyme inhibition properties, sensory analysis of fortified foods, and sustainable processing methods. Advising & Grants: Leads projects on wheat allergen mitigation, functional ingredient development, and food safety standards. Active in collaborative initiatives with industry partners through spin-off companies like Microbion S.r.l. and Enerzyme S.r.l. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with biotechnology laboratories focused on food chemistry and enology. Supervises research on protein characterization and food processing optimization.
Marie Wahlgren is a Professor and Office Director at the Division of Food and Pharma, serving as Deputy Head of the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering at Lund University. She is affiliated with LTH Profile Areas: Engineering Health and Food & Bio. Her research focuses on physical chemical characterization of proteins, drug delivery systems, hydrogels, and Pickering emulsions, with industry collaborations involving companies like AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk. She leads and participates in projects such as RealHOPE (protein drug handling) and NextBioform (biologics formulation). Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in pharmaceutical technologies. She manages the Pilot Plant – Food Engineering infrastructure and has supervised 13 research works, including studies on protein stability and surfactant interactions. Marie has published over 118 research outputs, emphasizing controlled drug delivery, hydrogel properties, and emulsion stability. Her articles span topics like starch nanoparticles for food-grade emulsions and in vitro skin permeation analysis. She actively engages in commissioned education programs related to pharmaceutical formulation and powder technology.
