SLM Research Areas

The main research areas of the PhD program focus on the soil–food–human health axis, aiming to investigate the original source of nutrients (soil), their carriers (food), and their final destination (human health). Research also explores the economic and environmental sustainability of the agri-food system, including the valorization of by-products from agri-food supply chains and food waste recovery.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of research topics:

• Study of the interactions between the human microbiome and food;

• Innovation of processes — including the use of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies — and development of food products, with particular attention to food security and food safety;

• Environmental, social, and economic sustainability of food systems, respecting consumer choices, promoting seasonality and socio-economic equity, and improving energy efficiency;

• Valorization of by-products and waste to obtain dietary supplements and high added-value foods and/or products with extended shelf life;

• Technology and knowledge transfer aimed at innovating the food production system;

• Mechanization and digitalization in agriculture;

• Widespread implementation of Decision Support Systems (DSS), sensor technologies, and plant engineering.