The University of Bari, as the coordinating body of Spoke 3, is offering an important funding opportunity to southern Italian companies on the safety of traditional and novel foods.

The call for proposals welcomes applications from companies interested in carrying out innovative research activities, providing funding of 5,270,000 euro exclusively for Southern Italy.

The call is divided into ten research topics, organised into three primary themes: the identification of new and recurring risks in food production, the development of risk mitigation strategies, and the implementation of advanced techniques for food safety assessment.

For those interested in applying, detailed information on the submission process, research project topics and allocation of funds are available on the official call page [OnFoods Cascading Call for Southern Italian Businesses - Spoke 3]

It is possible to submit the application, according to the methods indicated in the official notice, starting from April 3, 2024, until 12:00 PM on May 3, 2024.

Theme 01. Assessment of new and (re)emerging risks in innovative and traditional food production systems

• Topic 1: Identification and characterization of new and (re)emerging hazards in traditional food products
  Project budget: €570,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%

• Topic 2: Integrated methodologies for the risk assessment and risk-benefit analysis of innovative foods and supplements
  Project budget: €555,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%

• Topic 3: Functional characterization and risk assessment of new/existing packaging materials or systems in contact with food
  Project budget: €555,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%

• Topic 4: Characterization and risk assessment of genetically modified microorganisms for use in the agri-food industry
  Project budget: €555,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%
   

Theme 02. Development of strategies for risk mitigation in the production, processing, storage, and retail of food products

• Topic 5: New strategies to mitigate chemical and biological (re)emerging risk through the use of model systems
  Project budget: €555,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%
   

• Topic 6: Improving food safety through the development of innovative biotechnological and/or technological approaches to be integrated into the production of traditional foods
  Project budget: €570,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%

• Topic 7: Biotechnological and technological approaches to improve the quality and safety of innovative foods
  Project budget: €555,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%

• Topic 8: Extension of shelf life and improvement of the hygienic and health quality of food products through innovative and sustainable packaging systems
  Project budget: €555,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%
   

Theme 03. Development of advanced methods to assess the safety parameters of both traditional and innovative foods.

• Topic 9: Advanced and integrated analytical methods to ensure the chemical/biological safety of traditional and innovative foods
  Project budget: €400,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%

• Topic 10: Development of digital solutions to improve safety in food supply chains through the use of dedicated algorithms for traceability and risk assessment
  Project budget: €400,000.00
  Budget allocated to the South: 100%