Personale docente

- The Regulatory Framework for Biocontrol in the Agri-Food Sector. This research topic stems from the collaboration, concluded in 2024, with the activities of Spoke 2, WP2, task 2.2.3 of the Agritech project, but continues due to its current relevance. - Botanicals (BEETROOT). A line of research is linked to the PRIN PNRR 2022 Project Building a comprehensive regulatory framework for plants with healing properties and botanicals, used as food, to boost public health (BEETROOT). The project title itself describes the goal of the research. The activities aim to overcome regulatory issues that may limit the sector of plants with beneficial properties and their compounds, from primary production to the marketing of final products, paying due attention to consumer information. Starting from definitions (medicinal plants, botanicals, superfoods…), the study will progressively include other regulatory aspects that contribute to outlining the value chain and governance of the sector (novel food and claims for plants and botanicals, the qualification of processed products derived from plants with healing properties, and the operators involved in these activities). In other words, BEETROOT aims to have a positive impact on the following aspects: a. Health and consumers: A clear regulatory framework and broader knowledge could boost products with beneficial properties, allowing consumers to make the best choices for their health. b. Operators: Clearer regulations can open new market opportunities while avoiding non-compliance. c. Academic research, involved researchers, and universities: The project could lead to further research opportunities, career advancements, and the strengthening of relationships. d. Biodiversity and agrobiodiversity: The conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants and botanical varieties are prerequisites for the development of the value chain. A clear regulatory framework that enables a vital and sustainable economic sector can also have positive effects on biodiversity. Food and Innovation. Among the topics of ongoing research and updates, regulatory aspects related to innovation in the food sector such as novel foods, the application of artificial intelligence, and the metaverse are inverstigated.