Prof. Pietro Columba is a faculty member at the Department of Economics of Agro-Forestry Systems, University of Palermo. His research focuses on the intersection of marketing, sustainable development, and agro-tourism systems. Primary Affiliation: University of Palermo Department: Economics of Agro-Forestry Systems His work explores: Mediterranean dietary patterns and their sustainability implications Wine routes as drivers for sustainable agriculture and tourism Environmental-economic efficiency in agricultural certifications Geographical branding of Sicilian wines Microbiological innovation in traditional beverages Recent publications (2022-2023) highlight his expertise in Agro-food sustainability frameworks Tourism-driven economic development Consumer behavior analysis Microbial technology applications Regional identity branding Collaborators include researchers from: University of Palermo University of Catania Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences Department of Agricultural Engineering
Dr. Jamie McGowan is a Lecturer in Genetics at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin. With an interdisciplinary background in Biology and Computer Science, their research focuses on bioinformatics, evolutionary genomics, and microbial eukaryotes, particularly protists and fungi. They previously held a postdoctoral position at the Earlham Institute, contributing to the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Education: Double Honours BSc in Biology and Computer Science, Maynooth University PhD in Genomics, Maynooth University Research Interests: Bioinformatics Evolutionary Genomics Microbial Eukaryotes Pathogen Genomics Single-Cell Genomics Genetic Code Variants Publications: 15 most recent articles span genomics of yeast strains for biofuel production, genetic code reassignments in ciliates, fungal pathogen effector analysis, and comparative studies of oomycetes threatening global ecosystems.
Professor Bernadette McCabe serves as Director of the Centre for Agricultural Engineering (CAE) at the University of Southern Queensland and leads the Energy and Bioresource Recycling research program. With over 25 years of academic and research experience in agricultural and industrial bioengineering, she directs a diverse research group focused on automation, robotics, machine vision, bioenergy, biorecycling, irrigation, water management, and farming systems innovation. Her educational background includes: BSc(Hons) from the University of Sydney (1992) PhD from the University of Western Sydney (1999) Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning from the University of Southern Queensland (2006/2007) Professor McCabe's research centers on transforming agricultural and food processing waste into valuable resources through advanced biotechnologies. Her work develops practical solutions for converting organic waste into biogas, clean recycled water, and biofertilizers, with applications across livestock, cropping sectors, and water utilities. She has made significant contributions to understanding anaerobic digestion processes, biomethane potential testing, and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies, with a particular focus on implementing circular economy principles in regional Australian contexts. Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on resource recovery from organic waste streams, with particular emphasis on food waste, biosolids, and agricultural residues. The research spans technical process optimization, policy frameworks for waste management, and practical implementation strategies for regional communities. A notable trend is the integration of biochar technology with traditional waste treatment processes to enhance resource recovery and create valuable soil amendments. Her scientific recognition includes: Member of Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts National Task Leader for IEA Bioenergy Task 37: Energy from Biogas Board Director of Bioenergy Australia (2017-2019) Advance Queensland Mid-Career Research Fellowship (2016) ALTC Citation for outstanding contribution to student learning (2011) Professor McCabe actively supervises doctoral and master's students while securing significant research funding through multiple grants. Her projects include the Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (2023), Nutrients in a Circular Economy (2022), and Advancing Regional Agri-Food Waste Valorisation (2021). She extends her impact beyond academia through regular media contributions and participation in CSIRO's STEM Professionals in schools program since 2007. Her work bridges the gap between fundamental research and practical implementation in the Australian agricultural sector. At the University of Southern Queensland, Professor McCabe leads the Centre for Agricultural Engineering, which serves as a hub for developing and implementing innovative waste-to-resource technologies. Her team collaborates closely with industry partners across the agricultural and food processing sectors to translate research findings into practical applications that enhance environmental sustainability while improving economic outcomes for regional communities.
Sven van den Elsen is an Education/Research Officer at the Laboratory of Nematology of Wageningen University & Research. His work focuses on nematode ecology, soil microbiome dynamics, and sustainable agricultural practices. Specializes in plant-parasitic nematodes and their interactions with soil microbial communities Active in developing genomic tools for nematode community analysis Collaborates on cover crop applications for soil health improvement Research Interests include: Steering soil microbiomes with cover crops Genomic analysis of cyst nematodes Eco-evolutionary dynamics of nematode antagonists Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding nematode-microbe interactions in agricultural soils and developing high-resolution monitoring workflows using SSU rRNA sequencing. Scientific Awards Valorisation Award (2011) from the Netherlands Genomics Initiative for research translation efforts
Dr. Ronald Halim is an Associate Professor at the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin. He leads the UCD Algae Group, focusing on microalgae-based solutions for agri-food waste valorisation and sustainable bioeconomy. His research spans bioremediation of dairy, brewery, and anaerobic digestion waste, with projects like SusAlgaeFuel (Horizon Europe) and AlgaeBrew (FOSC). He coordinates the ME Biosystems and Food Engineering master’s program and holds an IRC Laureate award. Collaborations include industry partners like Lambers Seghers and academic institutions across Europe and beyond. Research interests include lipid-rich microalgae, cell wall disruption, and circular economy frameworks. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Monash University BE in Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales Certificates in Research Commercialisation (Monash), University Teaching (UCD) Research Highlights: Development of microalgae-based bioremediation systems for dairy and brewery waste Co-production of omega-3 oils and biofertilisers from waste streams Investigation of cell wall enzymatic disruption for efficient bioactive extraction Leadership in EU-funded projects (SusAlgaeFuel, AlgaeBrew) Awards: Irish Research Council (IRC) Laureate SFI Bioeconomy Research Centre (BiOrbic) Investigator Lab & Infrastructure: Located at UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering and the Conway Institute, with facilities for microalgal cultivation, bioreactors, chemical analysis (HPLC, GC-MS), and imaging (confocal microscopy, TEM).
Sara Silva is an active Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) within the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP). She supervises PhD students and maintains a strong industrial connection through participation in multiple R&D projects. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in the biomedical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Her primary research interests focus on three interconnected areas: (1) Valorisation of agro-food byproducts within circular economy frameworks; (2) Characterization of extracted compounds' biological potential targeting cellular metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota modulation; and (3) Designing delivery and formulation solutions for bioactive compounds. Her fingerprint analysis reveals strong expertise in Antioxidant Capacity, Biofilm, Phenolic Compounds, and Antimicrobial Agents, with significant contributions to Food Science and Immunology. Sara's recent publication trends demonstrate continued productivity with multiple 2025 publications spanning edible films, plant extracts for food preservation, natural colorants, skin health applications, and therapeutic oils. Her work consistently addresses practical applications of biotechnology with emphasis on sustainability and health benefits, reflecting her commitment to translating research into real-world solutions. FCT travel grant (2011) Frulact SA award for MSc thesis merit CBQF annual incentive for extraordinary outputs (2020, 2021) KPMG Best Paper Award - Natural Sciences (2023) Women's scholarship - Women Leader's Program Recognition (2024) Sara has extensive experience supervising students across multiple levels, including PhD, MSc, and BSc candidates, as well as international researchers through various scholarship programs. She has participated in 7 industrial R&D projects alongside 4 fundamental research projects, demonstrating her ability to bridge academic and commercial interests. Her scientific outreach includes organizing conferences, participating in circular economy initiatives, and serving as a pro-bono advisor for developing natural product-based solutions like the Gluck Neem cream line.
Dr Saleha Akter is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences , Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), within The University of Queensland. She is available for student supervision and leads research focused on the nutritional, bioactive, and safety aspects of native Australian foods using advanced in-vitro digestion and cell-culture models. Education Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – The University of Queensland Research Interests Dr Akter’s core passion is understanding the nutritional and bioactive potential of Native Australian foods . Her work integrates in-vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion with mammalian cell-culture techniques to evaluate how phytochemicals and nutrients are biotransformed and absorbed in the human body. She is particularly focused on: bioaccessibility and bioavailability of functional food ingredients, microbial degradation pathways of bioactive phytochemicals, identification and characterization of gut-microbiota interactions for health promotion and disease prevention. Publication Themes & Trends Across more than 50 scholarly outputs, Dr Akter’s publications reveal a consistent trajectory toward valorising under-utilised Australian native plants —especially Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum), Terminalia canescens (Jilungin), Tasmannia lanceolata , and other indigenous herbs. The studies combine compositional analysis, processing effects (drying, roasting, nano-encapsulation), in-vitro digestion/fermentation, cytotoxicity screening, and functional product development. The collective impact positions these native species as potent sources of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and functional ingredients for the nutraceutical and food industries. Funding & Grants Current (2024–2025): Roogenic Pty Ltd Open Grant – “Assessing the safety of Jilungin by using in vitro techniques and gut health properties by using in vitro dynamic gut model” Past (2023–2024): Roogenic Pty Ltd Open Grant – “Assessing the quality and safety of herbal beverages for market access” Supervision & Mentorship Dr Akter is actively available for supervision of higher-degree research students interested in food science, nutrition, phytochemistry, and gut-health research. Prospective students are encouraged to contact her directly via saleha.akter@uq.edu.au . Research Facilities & Collaborations Her work is conducted within the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) , leveraging state-of-the-art analytical platforms (UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS), cell-culture suites (Caco-2, hepatic and intestinal cell lines), and in-vitro dynamic gut models. Collaborations span industry partners (Roogenic Pty Ltd) and multi-disciplinary research teams across food chemistry, microbiology, and plant sciences.
Prof. Dr. Nadina Müller is a Lecturer and Head of the Research Group for Food Technology at the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management. Her work focuses on Food Process Engineering, Sustainable Food Systems, and Valorisation of Side Streams. She holds a PhD in Food Process Engineering from ETH Zurich and has extensive industry experience with Bühler AG, specializing in food structure design and food processing projects. Key research interests include: Structure-Process-Property Relationships in food materials Development of sustainable alternatives to palm oil using plant-based emulsions Technological detoxification of mycotoxin-contaminated grains Upcycling of food industry by-products Her recent publications (2023-2025) address innovations in gluten-free bread stabilization, mycotoxin reduction strategies, and plant oil emulsion technology. Projects include leading initiatives like the Sustainable Food and Packaging Knowledge Hub and Valorization of Swiss Agri-Food Side Streams. Education includes a Dipl. Lm.-Ing. ETH in Food Science (2006) and a PhD in Food Process Engineering (2007) from ETH Zurich, complemented by a Micro MBA (2018-2019) and professional training in higher education (2018-2019).
Pamphile Agbohessou holds a Doctorate from the University of Namur and is affiliated with its research programs. Her work focuses on sustainable aquaculture solutions, particularly leveraging agricultural by-products to develop insect-based fish feed. Key contributions include studies on black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as a substitute for traditional fishmeal, addressing metabolic processes, immunity, and growth in Nile tilapia and common carp. Education : - Doctorate, University of Namur Research Interests : Agbohessou’s research spans several critical areas: - Sustainable Feed Production : Exploring insect-based alternatives to reduce reliance on fishmeal. - Fish Nutrition : Investigating how fatty acid-enriched diets influence growth and health. - Aquaculture Immunology : Studying immune responses in fish under dietary and microbial challenges. - Environmental Science : Evaluating waste valorization strategies for aquaculture sustainability. Collaborations : Her research involves international collaborations, with recent work focusing on Benin’s agricultural ecosystems and fish feed development. Advising & Grants : No formal advisees or grants were explicitly listed in the provided texts. Labs & Teams : No specific labs or research teams were mentioned in the texts.
Joe Gallagher is a Professor at the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University. His research focuses on carbohydrate metabolism in grasses like Miscanthus and perennial ryegrass, aiming to improve crop performance, biorefining processes, and feedstock applications for biofuels and industrial uses. He leads externally funded projects related to biomass conversion, pretreatment technologies, and sustainable biorefineries. Current projects include Miscanthus to Xylo-oligosaccharides and Biocarbon (MAXFEED) (2024-2026) and Alcohol-Pilot Phase with Diageo (2024). Past projects involved OPTOMS (2018-2020), DoD Protein Glue (2018-2019), and NPIF Innovation Training (2019-2021). His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through contributions to circular economies, food security, and bioenergy. Collaborations include UK Research and Innovation , Innovate UK , and Algaen (USA) . Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Steam explosion and refining of plant biomass Whey protein sensory profiling Transgenic lignin modification Solid-state fermentation for food waste valorisation He contributes to public engagement through media appearances, including Aberystwyth University press coverage (2024) and Rural Futures Hub discussions (2023).
Dr. David O'Connell is an Associate Professor at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin . As a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded investigator with the Bioeconomy Research Centre (BEACON), he leads internationally recognized research in protein engineering , biophysics , and biotechnology , with patented technologies for protein purification. He directs the MSc in Biotherapeutics and MSc in Biotherapeutics and Business programs in collaboration with the Michael Smurfit Business School. Research Focus : Protein:protein interactions in calcium signaling, GPCR biology, and biophysical characterization via techniques like surface plasmon resonance (SPR) , isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) , and microscale thermophoresis (MST) . Applied work includes biotherapeutic development , cancer immunotherapy , and circular bioeconomy innovations . Grants & Collaborations : Funded by Science Foundation Ireland , Enterprise Ireland , and industrial partners (Novartis AG, AstraZeneca). Collaborates with institutions in Europe and the United States. Facilities : Manages a core molecular biophysics facility with BiaCore T200 and Monolith MST instruments for interaction analysis. Scientific Awards : Campus Company Development Award (2005) for custom antibody development Teaching : Coordinates modules like Biotherapeutic Pipeline , Project in Biotherapeutics Development , and Systems Biology in Drug Development since 2015.
Dr. Federico Sabbadin is a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the University of York, affiliated with the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP). His research focuses on discovering and characterising enzymes from plant pathogens, insects, and algae to address agricultural and industrial challenges. Key areas include microbial virulence factors in crop protection, biomass valorisation through insect enzymes, and algal polysaccharide metabolism. His work on Phytophthora infestans revealed critical roles of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) in plant infection, leading to novel crop protection strategies. Research on insects explores enzymes enabling digestion of recalcitrant polymers like cellulose and lignin, with applications in sustainable biotechnology. In algae, his group identified the first LPMO family in green microalgae, advancing algal biomass conversion technologies. Teaching emphasizes molecular machines (enzymes) and invertebrate biology, fostering student skills in scientific analysis, communication, and essay writing. Students engage in lab-based projects within CNAP, investigating enzymes from plant pathogens, algae, and insects using omics, molecular biology, and structural techniques. Lab investigations combine transcriptomics, proteomics, and 3D structural predictions to dissect pathogen virulence mechanisms and identify targets for crop protection. Current efforts explore biocatalytic applications of insect-derived enzymes and algal LPMOs for biofuel and material production. Sabbadin’s work bridges fundamental biology with applied solutions for food security and sustainable resource management.
Dr. Vinod Kumar is a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Biomanufacturing at Cranfield University, UK, affiliated with the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences. He holds a visiting faculty position at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. With a PhD in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology from IIT Delhi and postdoctoral experience in France, South Korea, and the UK, Dr. Kumar specializes in microbial biotechnology, circular biorefining, and waste valorization. He is a Marie Curie International Incoming Fellow and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His research focuses on developing sustainable bioprocesses for biofertilizers, biofuels, and high-value chemicals using renewable biomass. Dr. Kumar leads modules like Biofuels and Biorefining for M.Sc. Advanced Chemical Engineering students and serves as an Associate Editor for journals such as Microbial Cell Factories . His work emphasizes integrating non-edible biomass with circular biorefinery approaches to address global carbon neutrality challenges. He has authored/co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent contributions spanning techno-economic analysis of hydrogen production, microbial wastewater treatment, and AI-driven innovations in biotechnology. Key awards include top ranks in GATE exams (All India Rank 1st in Life Sciences 2005) and joint CSIR-UGC fellowships. Dr. Kumar collaborates with organizations like BBSRC and Innovate UK, advancing projects such as the UK-India vWa initiative for sugar and paper industry waste valorization. His research teams engineer robust microbial strains and optimize bioprocesses for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Savvas Savvas is a Research Fellow at the University of South Wales' Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, specializing in microbial C1 gas conversions and waste valorisation. His work focuses on optimizing biological methanation processes and prototyping low-carbon technologies for circular economy integration, combining expertise in process design, control systems, and reactor engineering. Core Expertise: Microbial bioprocessing Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis Power-to-Methane systems Waste valorization Bioreactor design Carbon recycling Research Themes: Net zero technology development Biological CO2 conversion Dynamic energy storage systems Sustainable resource recovery His recent publications explore reactor engineering innovations (2024 EU patent), advanced PtM systems (2025), and circular economy integration (2024). A 2019 2nd Prize poster Award recognizes his contributions to renewable energy gas technology. Active collaborations with industry and government partners demonstrate his commitment to translating research into practical solutions for energy and resource recovery challenges.
Dr Madeleine Bussemaker is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey , affiliated with the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the Institute for Sustainability . Her research focuses on ultrasound and sonochemistry for environmental remediation (particularly PFAS degradation), sustainable hair dyes , black soldier fly bioconversion of food waste , and biomass valorisation . She has led projects like the Sono-Bio hybrid degradation system (funded by UKRI) and Mantisonix (commercialisation via Innovate UK). Her work spans PFAS treatment trains with collaborators like Prof Claudio Avignone-Rossa and Dr Patrick Sears Lignin depolymerisation with Bio-Sep Ltd and University of Groningen Sustainable supply chain modeling using ontologies for sugarcane bagasse and PFAS remediation Recent publications highlight her expertise in PFAS sonolysis mechanisms (2025 meta-analysis) Dual-frequency ultrasound for pharmaceutical degradation (2023) Flow effects on phenol degradation (2021-2022) Scientific accolades include Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship (2018-2019) UKRI Cross Council grant (MR/Z506357/1, 2025-2027) Institute of Advanced Studies visiting fellowship (2020-2022) She supervises PhD students like Timothy Sidnell (PFAS degradation) and Farzaneh Kavosh (sustainable hair dyes), while co-supervising projects on pharmaceutical wastewater and microbial adaptation . Her teaching includes Supply Chain Management (ENGM078) and foundational science/math modules.
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