Research Areas

These areas were designed to combine disciplinary depth with cross-cutting integration, fostering collaboration across science, innovation and policy. Each Spoke contributed to the programme’s shared goals of improving food sustainability, quality and safety, enhancing nutrition across life stages, preventing malnutrition, and supporting evidence-based policies.

Spoke 01 focused on enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of food value chains. Its work addressed environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability, with particular attention to equitable access to healthy food, technology transfer and interventions that reduce inequalities. Research combined evaluation of food systems with strategies for resilient markets and sustainable production models.

Spoke 02 investigated circular economy models in the food system, aiming to valorise waste and by-products through high-value transformation processes. It also explored intelligent logistics and digital solutions for food distribution, with the goal of reducing environmental impacts and improving efficiency along supply chains.

Spoke 03 addressed both established and emerging risks in food safety, including biological, chemical and technological hazards. Research advanced methods for hazard detection, risk mitigation in production and distribution, and monitoring systems that integrate analytical and digital tools. The work supported safer food innovation while preserving public health and system trust.

Spoke 04 worked on improving the nutritional quality of food and strengthening personalised approaches to diet and health. It combined product and process innovation with analytical characterisation, personalised nutrition models and upscaling of healthier, sustainable food designs that respond to diverse consumer needs.

Spoke 05 examined nutrition across the life course, from early development to older age. Its research provided nutritional mapping of the Italian population, identified barriers to healthy diets, and promoted sustainable eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet. It also supported personalised nutritional protocols and tools to improve diet quality and prevent chronic disease.

Spoke 06 focused on nutritional strategies for vulnerable populations at risk of under- or over-nutrition. Research included prototype development of functional foods and supplements, validation in clinical and preclinical settings, and digital tools to support sustainable dietary interventions tailored to individual needs.

Spoke 07 investigated the interplay between public policy, consumer behaviour and education. It developed models and digital instruments to observe, analyse and forecast food policies and behaviours, enabling effective communication campaigns, education interventions and policy recommendations aimed at improving dietary habits and food environments.