The session opened with a warm welcome from our SPOKE 4 leader, Prof. Patrizia Riso, followed by greetings from Prof. Sabrina Dellavalle (Director of the Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences – DeFENS) and Prof. Daniele Del Rio (Chair of the Board of the OnFoods Foundation).

The first part of the meeting was dedicated to presentations from the 6 projects awarded through the cascade funding calls. Here's a summary of each:

• FUNDAIRIES (Prof. Monica Deiana – University of Cagliari)

  This project aims to develop 3 innovative dairy products – fermented milk, Casu Axedu, and fresh goat cheese – enhanced with bioactive components like (poly)phenols derived from olive leaves. These leaves, a significant agricultural byproduct (around 25 kg/tree), represent about 10% of the total olive harvest biomass. Partners include University of Cagliari, Caseificio Silvio Boi, Argiolas, University of Sassari and AGRIS Sardegna.

• READY-TO-NUT (Prof. Mauro Serafini – University of Teramo)

  Targeting so-called “careless consumers” who rely on unhealthy ready-to-eat meals due to lifestyle or psychological factors, this project is developing healthier, but practical alternatives. These include fermented milk-like drinks based on lupins, fermented olive-based vegetable creams, and fish-based products such as cod and sea urchin preparations. Collaborators include University of Teramo, Madama Oliva, Baccalà Monti, Lepore Mare, and ISPRA.

• REWAVE (Prof. Teresa Zotta – University of Basilicata)

  Aiming to minimize loss of fresh fruits and vegetables, REWAVE is implementing a refrigerated storage system designed to reduce energy waste, extend shelf life, and upcycle food waste by extracting bioactive compounds for biopolymer production. The project follows a “Reduce, Recover, Reuse, Valorize” model. Partners include University of Basilicata, Società Agricola Armonia (Campania), and Società Agricola Esposito Antonio (Basilicata).

• REWIND (Dr. Chiara Di Giorgio and Dr. Giuseppe Gorgione – University of Salento; PI: Prof. Vito Paradiso)

  Focusing on the wine industry, REWIND investigates microvinification strategies to reduce acetic acid and ethanol levels and increase glycerol and succinate using non-Saccharomyces yeasts. Other work packages target waste reduction and enhanced filtration yield, as well as the bioprotection of grape must using Metschnikowia pulcherrima. Partners include University of Salento, Enolife, and Cantele Winery.

• SMICROBIOTECH4FOOD (Prof. Michele Dassisti – Polytechnic University of Bari)

  This project combines biotechnology and AI to enhance fermentation processes, particularly via selection and safety profiling of lactic acid bacteria using agri-food waste as substrates. Goals include valorizing by-products, improving matrix quality and establishing a repository for scientific dissemination. Partners include Polytechnic of Bari, University of Foggia, WPS, and BLab.

• BIOUPCOFFE (Prof. Nadia Ucciardello – University of Rome Tor Vergata)

  This initiative transforms used coffee grounds (rich in linoleic acid) into functional postbiotic products such as conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) via optimized fermentation processes. Partners include University of Rome Tor Vergata, Heinz, and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).

The afternoon session was devoted to updates from the SPOKE 4 work packages: Prof. Daniela Martini & Prof. Matteo Scampicchio for WP1, Prof. Alessandra Bendini & Prof. Luisa Mannina for WP2, Prof. Alessandra Bordoni & Prof. Pedro Mena for WP3 and Prof. Fiorella Sinesio & Prof. Lucia Vannini dor WP4. Each WP leader provided insights into ongoing progress and upcoming activities, reinforcing SPOKE 4’s integrated mission and collaborative energy across institutions and regions.

At last but not least, the day was closed with a short presentation by Dr. Claudia Favari (UNIPR) about the Early Career Scientists activities held in 2024, and our plans for 2025.

Mentorship Program Coordinators

• Claudia Favari - Researcher at University of Parma
• Laila Zeraik - PhD Student at University of Parma
• Maria Chiara Fontanella - Researcher at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
• Fabiola Troisi - PhD Student at University of Pisa

Social Media Team

• Laila Zeraik - PhD Student at University of Parma
• Camilla Cattaneo - Researcher at University of Milan
• Federica Fantuzzi - Researcher at University of Parma
• Giacomo Di Matteo - Researcher at Sapienza Università di Roma