On March 18th, 2025, Mudita Vats defended her thesis entitled “From Farm to Table: Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Traditional and Innovative Foods” at Maastricht University.She thanks her supervisory team Prof. Ron Heeren, Dr. Eva Cuypers and Dr. Berta Cillero-Pastor for the support and guidance. She is grateful to the committee members Prof. Daisy Jonkers, Prof. Maarten Honing, Prof. Wim Vriezen, Prof Nives Ogrinc, and Dr. Michele Suman for taking time to read her thesis and great scientific discussions.
Her thesis can be found here Recording of her defense here
We are pleased to announce that ESR Lidia Molina has successfully defended her PhD thesis, “Plastics and Their Molecular Effects on Aquatic Life: Through the Lens of Mass Spectrometry”, awarded by Maastricht University. Huge congratulations to Lidia!
We're delighted to announce we have two more successfully defended PhDs from Harshit Sahai and Johan Stanley! We are so happy for them! Huge congratulations to them both!
You can read more details here.
We're excited to announce the very first completion of a PhD within FoodTraNet!
ESR 5, Maria Antonietta Carrera, has successfully defended her PhD thesis in Advanced Chemistry at the University of Almeria, earning the cum laude distinction in recognition of her research contributions.
Her thesis, titled “Characterization of Relevant Contaminants in Bee Pollen” and supervised by Prof. Maria Dolores Hernando Guil and Prof. Amadeo Rodriguez Fernandez-Alba, tackled the complex task of detecting and quantifying key contaminants in bee pollen, such as pesticides and mycotoxins. Through an in-depth exploration of this challenging natural matrix, Maria Antonietta developed innovative mass spectrometry-based methodologies that enhance the precision and sensitivity of contaminant detection. This research not only contributes to ensuring the safety of bee products but also has far-reaching implications for environmental monitoring and food safety standards.
This accomplishment underscores FoodTraNet's dedication to addressing critical food safety challenges through international collaboration and cutting-edge scientific advancements.
Congratulations to Maria Antonietta on this achievement!
The 2024 FoodTraNet Conference, held from October 9 to 11 at the Grand Hotel Bernardin in Portorož, Slovenia, marked the final meeting of the FoodTraNet project. This event brought together scientists, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the latest advancements in food science, emphasizing authenticity, sustainability, and consumer engagement. Across three days, attendees engaged in discussions on innovative methods, cutting-edge research, and emerging opportunities in food quality, safety, and security.
The conference opened with a welcome address and project update from Dr. Nives Ogrinc, followed by career development sessions for early-stage researchers (ESRs) and presentations on advanced approaches to food quality, authenticity, and traceability. M. Suman from Barilla led a session where ESRs presented project videos, exploring pathways to commercialize their research. The evening concluded with a lively dinner and a Science Slam featuring five participants. The remaining days spotlighted advanced solutions in food production and safety, innovative and sustainable materials in food science, and new approaches to consumer communication. Keynote speakers and ESRs presented intriguing results, covering topics from biodegradable packaging to AI-enhanced traceability. This conference underscores the value of bridging research with industry, charting a path toward a more transparent, resilient, and innovative food system.
We are excited (and a little bit sad!) to announce the final FoodTraNet conference in beautiful Portoroz in Slovenia from October 9-11. It is a 3-day event comprising a range of training presentations as well as technical presentations by our ESRs.
You can find the agenda here and the book of abstracts here .
Upcoming FoodTraNet Webinar on ESR Career Opportunities
We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming FoodTraNet webinar on ESR career opportunities. The webinar will feature Dr. Isabelle Kohler from VU Amsterdam & NextMinds as the speaker. It is scheduled for Thursday, 26 September 2024, from 14:00 to 17:45, including breaks. We believe that this event will provide valuable insights and ideas for your future career pathways. Link to webinar: https://vu-live.zoom.us/j/98346237315?pwd=2GbkOEfCwyaMQTvKQUatTX71LoSrHX.1
ERC Grant Awarded to Matjaž Humar for Revolutionary EdibleLasers Project
Assistant Professor Matjaž Humar, Supervisor of ESR 4 (Abdur Rehman Anwar) at the Humar Lab, Jožef Stefan Institute, has recently secured a new ERC grant (ERC Proof of Concept Grant) for his groundbreaking EdibleLasers project, building on his initial ERC project launched in 2019. This pioneering research aims to develop lasers made entirely from edible materials for use in food and medical sensors, promising precise measurement without altering food properties. These lasers could revolutionize food safety by quickly detecting freshness changes and potentially find applications in agriculture, industry, environmental monitoring, and healthcare, significantly enhancing quality of life. Check this website for more: https://www.ijs.si/ijsw
Cathrine Terro (ESR 6) Receives Award for Outstanding Contribution to Extracurricular Activities
For the second consecutive year, Cathrine Terro (ESR 6) has been recognized for her exceptional contribution to the development of extracurricular activities at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School. The prestigious ceremony was held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in the Great Lecture Hall of the "Jožef Stefan" Institute. The event was attended by esteemed faculty members, students, and guests.
ESR 10 won the prize for Best Science Slam at SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting
At the 35th Annual Meeting of SETAC (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) Europe in Seville, Spain, Eirini Andreasidou (ESR 10) won 1st place in the SETAC Science Slam Competition, with the presentation entitled "Tomatoes of the Shire: A Fellowship's Quest through the Soil-Plant Continuum". Eirini received the most votes among the four contestants with an impressive 81%, in a competition attended by almost 700 people in the main auditorium.
ILSI Europe is happy to announce the 2024 editions of their Early Career Scientists Event and Annual Symposium on 26 November 2024 and 27 November 2024 in Lyngby, Denmark, hosted by DTU Skylab from the Technical University of Denmark.
ILSI Europe’s event for Early Career Scientists: “Towards Greener Food Futures“ is one day of scientific exchange, networking, and skills development, focused on sustainable food systems. Participants can connect with peers, public sector experts, and industry leaders while exploring innovative solutions to food waste, healthy soils, and eco-friendly food design.
This is an opportunity for students and researchers to create connections and showcase their research through oral and poster presentations.
Abstracts submissions from early career scientists (up to 10 years after highest degree) are accepted until 15 June 2024. We are looking for authors to present their research and accept abstracts for the following sessions:
i. Green by Design: Innovating with Sustainability in Mind ii. Up-cycling the up-cyclable: new perspectives in green, bio-based, and circular valorization of food waste and food by-products iii. From the Ground Up: Exploring the Vital Links between Soil Health and Sustainable Food Systems
The ILSI Europe Annual Symposium is a gathering of experts from around the world who meet to shed light on the current and future challenges in food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. This year’s theme is “Nourishing Resilience: Adapting to Global Changes and Future Food Landscapes”.
This is an opportunity for students and researchers to meet people from industry, academia, and the public sector working in the various domains of food science.
Abstracts from all scientists working in the field are welcome until 15 June 2024. We are looking for authors to present their research and accept abstracts for the following sessions:
i. Forever Young: Exploring Solutions for Healthy Aging and Nutrition ii. Redefining Resilience: Innovations for a Sustainable Food Future iii. Taste the Future: A Journey into Tomorrow's Food Landscape
FoodTraNet featured on MSCA-NET as "Inspiration Story"!
Euresearch is coordinating the NCP project MSCA-NET and within the frame of this project they also wish to promote inspirational MSCA stories. Our FoodTraNet project has also been selected and published as such an inspirational story and now it will be also posted on their social media channels (LinkedIn, X and Facebook).
FoodTraNet paper featured on Food Authenticity Network!
Zoe Giannioti's paper "Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) methods for distinguishing organic from conventional food products: A review " has been mentioned and recognised on the Food Authenticity website! You can go to the article here. You can also read Zoe's full paper here.
Young Hopes 2023 – A Workshop on Intellectual Property, Knowledge Transfer, and Utilizing Research and Innovation Results
FoodTraNet ESRs attended this workshop both online and in person, on November 28, 2023 at the Jožef Stefan Institute. The workshop focused around intellectual property, knowledge transfer and exploitation of research and innovation results. Key topics include understanding and protecting intellectual property, funding innovation cycles from idea to product, building partnerships, and exploring INDUSAC project opportunities for students and researchers. It also covers creating business models for start-ups or spin-outs, formulating cost structures for profit maximization, and effectively communicating an innovation's value proposition.
At the International Conference on Environmental & Food Monitoring (ISEAC-41), our Zoe Giannioti gave an oral presentation on "Organic Authentication of Wheat and Derived Products via Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis, Residues & Mycotoxin Levels". Her topic highlights the necessity to develop analytical techniques that aid in safeguarding the integrity of our food supply.
Specifically, Zoe elucidated her research with stable isotope ratio analysis on organic and conventional wheat samples, after having assessed their differences in pesticide residues and mycotoxin content. Furthermore, Zoe investigated the effects of wheat processing on these factors, by examining samples of biscuits, crackers and pasta derived from the initial wheat samples. This study was carried out in collaboration with Barilla, Foodtranet's industrial partner, and the manufacturing of these products took place in the pilot plants of the company in Parma, Italy.
At the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Coordinators Info Day held on November 9, 2023, in Brussels, three selected MSCA ITN projects—EuPRAXIA-DN, FoodTraNet, and PERSEPHONe—showcased their experiences in fostering synergies with other projects and initiatives. Nives Ogrinc, coordinator of FoodTraNet, provided insightful perspectives on the project's experiences in synergies with other ongoing projects, as well as engaging with industry stakeholders.
A video of the MSCA Coordinators Info Day can be found on YouTube.
FoodTraNet Workshop & Teambuilding: The Barilla experience
It is always exciting when ESRs have a teambuilding event. Last time it was a rafting trip in Slovenia and this time it is an exceptional experience atBarilla in Parma, Italy.
At Young NMC (Netherlands Metabolomics Centre), Mudita gave a talk on "MALDI-MSI of metabolites and lipids in grapevine leaves throughout their growth season". Her captivating talk was a standout, amidst a sea of clinical metabolomics presentations.
She offered a unique perspective as one of the few researchers specializing in imaging mass spectrometry on plants. She also relished the opportunity to connect with like-minded researchers passionate about plant metabolomics. The symposium was filled with exciting moments, including captivating posters and an enlightening lab tour at Radboud UMC.
Introducing ‘Pills as Podcasts’, a mini-series presented by FoodTraNet's Industrial Liaison Group. Listen to our dynamic partners from Italy, Germany, Slovenia, and the UK as they briefly discuss their career journeys and the impact of science and technological advancement in their work.
Polymers for a Safe and Sustainable Future -Announcment
Dear colleagues and friends,
We are very proud and honoured to announce the international conference Polymers 2024—Polymers for a Safe and Sustainable Future, organized in collaboration with the MDPI open access journal Polymers, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, BIOMAC project, and Exelisis Co. The conference will be held in Athens, Greece, on May 28–31, 2024. We look forward to welcoming you in Athens!
Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Bikiaris, Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Triantafyllidis, and Dr. Ioanna Deligkiozi. Polymers 2024 Chairs.
President of Slovenia, Nataša Pric Musar, visited the Bio-Integrated Photonics Lab at Jožef Stefan Institute. Matjaž Humar and Abdur Rehman Anwar presented some recent results under the project FoodTraNet. They showed a live demonstration of the photonic barcodes. There was also a short debate about the importance of novel methods for tracking quality and authenticity of various foods.
ESR 6 receives the best contribution award at the IPS conference
Cathrine Terro (ESR 6) received the best contribution award at the 15th Jožef Stefan Student (IPS) conference. The IPS Scientific committee evaluated abstracts, presentations and posters. Congratulations Cathrine!
The conference took place in Mekinje Monastery, Kamnik, Slovenia from 31st of May to 2nd of June 2023 under the title: "Turning problems into solutions." The conference included students of science, technology, engineering and other related fields from institutions in Slovenia and abroad.
On Saturday, 25 March 2023 the open days took place at the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI). The event is open for general public interested in research activities on multidisciplinary fields of science.
There is an opportunity to submit a paper to the relatively new JEEA Journal in the areas of chemical contaminants in food. For more information, please read the flyer here.
Four temporary positions are available as Fourth Level researcher (R4) for up to 36 months or to the end of the project in the field of: applied biology, agricultural sciences, dairy sciences and microbiology, food chemistry, food science and technology, and consumer science. Application deadline February 19, 2023.
Make sure to catch the workshop on Grant Writing for Beginners (Thu Feb 09, 2023) which will be moderated by ESR 3: Mudita Vats. The session will provide resources and insights on finding grant applications, hot topics to write on, quantity v/s quality of grants, general advice and much more.
This announcement is an open call for abstracts to the second ISO-FOOD conference that will be held in Hotel Bernardin, Portorož, Slovenia, from April 24-26, 2023.
For more information, read the flyer here or got to the conference website at www.isofood2023.si/
The New Year comes with new publications! 2023 seems to bring very promising outcomes for Foodtranet ESRs. Just before Christmas, Johan (ESR 12) and Athira (ESR 13) published a new paper in Macromol journal. The paper consists of a review of processing methods for packaging applications. They focused on active compounds which are incorporated in food packaging to improve their antibacterial and antioxidant properties link: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6209/3/1/1.
Also, Athira published another review paper this January in Polymers. In this paper, Athira worked more in-depth on her PhD topic, which consists in evaluating different ways to incorporate these active agents into the different packaging materials (link: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/2/273). The topic that the two ESRs have been working on is very relevant nowadays since food packaging materials are part of our daily life and their management is crucial for protecting consumer’s health and the environment.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller
The ESRs and the supervisors gathered in Bovec, Slovenia for a teambuilding weekend. The event started with all the ESRs receiving the special FoodTraNet hoodies and having a great Slovenian dinner reunion. Rafting was the teambuilding activity of choice as it is a perfect activity for helping a team to learn to work together, communicate clearly and effectively and most importantly, have fun together.
The day was followed by a set of interactive and competitive social activities; a scavenger hunt and a trivia quiz night. Despite the rain, the next day was well spent where everyone got the chance to explore the history of Kobarid town and its days during the World War I at the Kobarid Museum. All in all, a very successful, fun, and enriching teambuilding experience.
Our ESR Lidia Molina has written a blog on this and you can read it here.
On October 13 our colleague Professor Adrian Covaci from the University of Antwerp will give a webinar, via Zoom, on tips for writing scientific literature, as well as the editorial process.
All of the ESRs gathered again for the Mid-Term Check meeting that took place at the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute – M4i. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Ron Heeren followed by an introduction to the meeting by the REA Project Officer and the project coordinator. This was followed by individual presentations given by each ESR about their research project progress and foreseen research. Also, a tour of the innovative M4i laboratories was given at the end of the day. The following day included a trip and a short hike around Domein Aldenborgh; a local Limburg winery in the village of Eys.
After a slight delay in order to allow the first summer school to complete, our first newsletter is here. We have tried to keep it informal and focussed on the experiences of our ESRs within the project.
You can read it here (opens in pdf). We hope you enjoy!
First FoodTraNet training school held at FEM, Italy.
The FoodTraNet team outside FEM
The first of the three planned training schools occurred on June 22-24 2022 (see the agenda here). It was a 3-day course and held at Fondazione Edmund Mach in San Michele All'adige in Trento, Italy under the title of ˝Advanced approaches for food quality, authenticity and traceability˝. Presntations included developing edible barcodes, mass spectrometry imaging, and biostatistics and data. Training included sample preparation and traditional analytical procedures in stable isotope analysis, and introductions of biotechnology approaches for fermented food (cheese) innovation for food quality improvement.
The summer school included a field visit to the dairy-factory at Fondo and Trentingrana store at Segno guided by Dr. Nicola Cologna and Andrea Goss (CONCAST). The visit introduced us to the intricate techniques used in making and maintaining the Trentingrana which is an Italian Grana cheese that originates from Trento.
Hurry! Sign up for free MetroFood online webinars.
The METROFOOD-PP webinar series will start the 7th of February 2022, for 8 Mondays till the 28th of March. Each Monday two or three webinars will be hold from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, 2:00 to 3:00 and 3:00 to 4:00 PM CET. Each webinar will last for 45 min (35 min presentation, 10 min discussion). More information and registration can be found at the MetroFood website here.
4th BVL/MRI course on Food Safety, Food Authenticity and Risk Management: 14–16 March 2022. Registration now open.
Registration is now open for our fourth international training course on food safety risk management, this time with a spotlight on food fraud and food authenticity. The training is free of charge and will be held virtually in March 2022 by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) in collaboration with the Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food (Max Rubner-Institut (MRI)).
To adapt the training times for participants from around the globe, it will offer the same training twice for three days each:
March 14 to 16, 2022; 14h00–20h00 UTC+1 each day (participants from western hemisphere) March 17 to 19, 2022; 07h00–13h00 UTC+1 each day (participants from eastern hemisphere)
Registrations will be open until 31 January, 2022 . More information and registration can be found here.
FoodTraNet Kick-Off Meeting Held Virtually on 9-10 December 2021.
Between 9-10 December 2021, the kick-off meeting for the FoodTraNet team was held. Unfortuntely, because of on-going social and travel restrictions due to Covid, the meeting had to be held virtually. Despite this, a valuable and informative meeting was still achieved. Chaired by the project Coordinator, Prof. Nives Ogrinc, presentations from each of the Work Package leads and from each of the Early Stage Researchers were given. You can view the individual ESR presentations on our new YouTube channel here or on the ESR Profile page.
Thank you to all involved in organising and participating in this excellent meeting.
Call for papers: 8th Conference of Metrologia. 01-02 July 2022, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
The 8th Metrology Conference, aspires to set the stage for distinguished and excelling scientists in Greece and abroad to exchange and share their experiences and research results in all aspects of Metrology, acting as a springboard for the upgrading of national & European laboratory and metrological infrastructure. At the same time, the conference aims to provide an opportunity for young researchers to present their work, for students to submit their first thesis, as well as for colleagues to put forward their concerns and suggestions as for any improvement of the subject of Metrology. The primary aim of the conference is to stimulate fruitful discussion and build bridges of communication and cooperation among academia, industry and governmental authorities, through inter- and trans-disciplinary networking. It will provide a unique international forum for exchanging state-of-the-art information and knowledge sharing. The deadline for abstract submissions is 31 December. You can read the conferenece flyer for more information here.
Tuber magnatum or "European white truffles" can be the most expensive food on earth per kilogramme (Photo: Evan Sung).
Up to 200,000 euros a kilogramme – no wonder white truffles tempt fraudsters. These mushrooms are tasty, nutritious and very rare – a combination that arguably makes them the most expensive food in the world by weight.
This article by our Advisory Board partner IAEA, featuring work from the Josef Stefan Institute, explores the use of Isotopic Analysis to detect fraud in truffles. Read it here.
Our friends at the Metro Food project, which is based around high-level metrology services in food and nutrition for the enhancement of food quality and safety, has just released a very neat informational video giving more details about their work. Please go here to watch this video and please feel free to explore their website for further information.
