BIKIARIS LAB

Goal

FoodTraNet is designed to provide high-level training of a new generation of high achieving early stage researchers (ESRs) in a common platform of advanced mass spectrometry tools for food quality, safety and security. Due to the fast growing and changing area in food science researchers need a multidisciplinary, intersectoral grounding in these tools to extract all the potential from traditional and new available methodologies and techniques. Although already available there is still a big gap between research capability and industrial uptake that needs to be bridged to ensure their use in more practical and efficient way. The network is designed to bridge this translational gap by creating a multidisciplinary training and research network that will give ESRs the ability to transfer their knowledge from basic sciences to industrial applications.

FoodTraNet will cover techniques including stable isotopes, target, suspect, non-target screening and mass spectrometry imaging to obtain the following objectives:

1. identify biomarkers and bioactive compounds to ensure food quality and traceability,

2. characterize novel foods to support food safety and security, 

3. developed and characterize new products based on the latest advances in nanotechnology: edible photonic barcodes; nano-sensors; multi-functional polymer nanostructured materials; and new, active and intelligent packaging.

These goals will be achieved by a unique combination of “hands-on” research training, non-academic placements / courses and workshops on scientific and complementary transferrable skills facilitated by the academic-non-academic composition of the consortium. Strong industry involvement in the project, with the full participation of Barilla, CONCAST and SMEs from different sectors, will provide ESRs with the skills necessary for thriving careers in a burgeoning field underpinning food research across a range of diverse disciplines.

Each ESR will be provided with an individualised structured and comprehensive research programme, learn theory and gain first-hand laboratory experience. In addition, to studying at his/her hosting institution, the ESR will spend time at a partner university/research centre/company. Being trained in a highly relevant research field will enhance researchers career prospective and employability.

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