OnFoods in Bari: Research Efforts and Impact So Far

With less than a year to go before the end of the project, the meeting marks a key moment to share scientific results achieved so far, explore future directions, and strengthen collaboration between universities, research centres, early-career researchers and businesses.

The event will take place at the Bari Chamber of Commerce and is organised by the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” in collaboration with the National Research Council (CNR) – Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA).

Opening remarks will be delivered by the Rector of the University of Bari, Stefano Bronzini, together with Daniele Del Rio, Chair of the OnFoods Foundation Board, Maria De Angelis (University of Bari), Antonio Moretti (CNR), Marina Heinonen (University of Helsinki), Vincenzo Fogliano (Wageningen University), Fabrizio Cobis (Italian Ministry of University and Research), and Lucia Di Bisceglie (Bari Chamber of Commerce).

Over the two days, OnFoods’ seven working groups – known as Spokes – will present the outcomes of their ongoing activities in dialogue with international reviewers.

The programme will follow a thematic structure, covering topics such as global sustainability, nutritional quality, food safety, and policies for food system transition. Special sessions will be dedicated to young researchers involved in the project and activities funded through the Cascading Calls. Partner companies will take part in a roundtable discussion on the role of innovation and public–private collaboration. The meeting will close with an open session on future prospects and the strengthening of the Mentorship Programme – a core tool for supporting the training and development of OnFoods’ young talents.

“With less than a year to go until the end of the OnFoods project,” says Daniele Del Rio, “we can already see the value of a journey that has built a strong, effective team and a network of successful public–private partnerships. We’ve generated vital knowledge and tools to drive innovation in food research and sustainability. What makes this achievement even more meaningful is that we’ve helped launch the scientific careers of over 200 young researchers. Now we look ahead with renewed energy, ready to join forces with other national institutions to build a coordinated, synergistic, and one-of-a-kind entity – one that can lead the transition to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food system”.

Registration and participant welcome
9:00 – 9:30

Event opening and institutional greetings
9:30 – 10:30

Magnificent Rector Prof. Stefano Bronzini
Prof. Daniele Del Rio 
Prof. Maria De Angelis 
Dr. Antonio Moretti 
Prof. Marina Heinonen 
Prof. Vincenzo Fogliano 
Dr. Fabrizio Cobis
Dr. Lucia Di Bisceglie
 

Session 1 – Overview of research progress and discussion with reviewers

10:30 – 11:00
Spoke 1 – Global Sustainability – Spoke Leader: Prof. Filippo Arfini 

11:00 – 11:30
Spoke 2 – Smart and circular food system and distribution – Spoke Leader: Dr. Antonio Moretti

11:30 – 12:00
Spoke 3 – Food safety of traditional and novel foods – Spoke Leader: Prof. Maria De Angelis

12:00 – 12:30
Spoke 4 – Food quality and nutrition – Spoke Leader: Prof. Patrizia Riso

Lunch break  
12:30 – 14:00
 

Session 2 – Overview of research progress and discussion with reviewers 

14:00 – 14:30
Spoke 5 – Lifelong Nutrition – Spoke Leader: Prof. Annamaria Colao

14:30 – 15:00
Spoke 6 – Tackling malnutrition – Spoke Leader: Prof. Hellas Cena

15:00 – 15:30
Spoke 7 – Policy, behaviour and education – Spoke Leader: Prof. Matteo Vittuari

Coffee break  
15:30 – 16:00

Roundtable with OnFoods partner companies: Confcooperative, Cirfood, De' Longhi Appliances, Tecnoalimenti, Sacco, Bolton Food, Barilla.
16:00 – 17:30

Welcome and introduction to the day  
9:00 – 9:30

Presentation of Cascading Calls (BAC) activities
9:30 – 10:45

Early Career Scientist (ECS) Session
10:45 – 13:00
(Presentations of ECS activities per spoke followed by discussion)

Lunch break with poster session (San Nicola Hall)
13:00 – 15:00

Discussion on the future of OnFoods and conclusions
15:00 – 16:00

Satellite Event: Parallel In-depth Sessions
16:00 – 17:30

ECS Meeting: The Future of the Mentorship Program (Ambrosi Hall)

EIT Food (EIT Food Impact Funding Framework). Confcooperative, and other OnFoods companies – Future opportunities for public-private interaction (Azzurra Hall)

Poster session open from 9:00 to 17:30 on April 15, 2025