Antonio Bevilacqua, full professor of Microbiology, holds a PhD in Food Product Biotechnology (2006) and a MSc in Food Science and Technology from the University of Foggia, Italy, where he is currently Full Professor of Microbiology at the DAFNE Department and Coordinator of the Master’s Degree Program in Food Science and Technology. His research focuses on food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, starter cultures and probiotics, predictive microbiology and mathematical modelling, risk analysis, and sustainable agriculture, including plant growth–promoting bacteria and bioremediation. He has coordinated several national and international research projects and serves as Associate Editor and Editorial Board member of leading journals in food microbiology and food science.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, Facts and myths

Wan Rosli Wan Ishak is a Professor in the Nutrition Program (since 2016) at the School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kelantan. He is currently the Dean of SHS at USM since 2022. His research focuses on the utilization of natural agricultural products in the development of processed foods. Various low glycemic index (GI) products based on various natural products such as overripe bananas, oyster mushroom and corn.

To Be Updated

Harnessing Microbial Fermentation for Functional Foods and Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Paraskevi Karachle is a Research Director at the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR), Greece. She is a Biologist-Ichthyologist, specializing in the ecology and ecomorphology of fish feeding, in alien species, in stakeholder participation and in citizen science. During her career, she has been dealing with the involvement of stakeholders, mainly fishers, in participatory processes with the aim of developing an adaptive management process. Recently, she has been working on the valorisation of invasive alien species in Greece and beyond. She has organized/coordinated the dissemination of information, and the creation of dissemination materials (e.g. information cards, posters, brochures, etc.) for non-specialists, organizing meetings and workshops, especially on issues related to the participation of citizen scientists, with an emphasis on alien species. She is a member of the coordination committee of the ELNAIS network (Ellenic Network on Aquatic Invasive Species) of HCMR, as well as a representative of the HCMR in the scientific committee for the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Hellenic Republic. She has participated in more than 40 international and national projects, mainly responsible for interactions with stakeholders in the field of fisheries, recreational fishing, alien species and citizen science. She has published >80 papers in international journals, and more than 110 papers in conference proceedings with >46o0 citations and h-index 35 (GoogleScholar).

Valorisation in a Changing World: The Case of Marine Invasive Alien Species in the Mediterranean

Prof. Dr. Marwa Tamim A. Abdel-Wareth is the Head of Environmental Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt. She is specialized in Aquatic Ecology. Dr. Marwa research focuses on monitoring and assessing the quality of freshwater systems using biological and chemical parameters. Also, she studies fungi isolated from freshwater environments, investigating their potential use as biopesticides as well as their ability to degrade and remove freshwater pollutants, including heavy metals and organic pesticides. Her research also explores fungi as sources of biologically active compounds. In addition, her research interests extend to the ecology of various freshwater resources and the interactions among their animal, plant, and microbial components. Dr. Marwa has published more than 30 research articles and book chapters with international publishing co., she has participated in a number of research projects at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, participated in many national and international conferences and symposia and reviewed more than 50 research papers for many international journals.

Residues of Triazole and Pyrethroid Pesticides as Determinants of Aquatic Fungal Diversity

Vintila Iuliana is actually Associate Professor, PhD in Food Science and Engineering. She is author of 23 books and book chapters in international and national publishing houses (Elsevier, Wiley, Lambert, etc.), first author and co-author for 19 articles in ISI journals and relevant ISI proceedings, 107 BDI scientific papers indexed in recognized international databases, articles presented in national & international conferences and published articles revues. Also, she is member of prestigious international organization such European Federation of Food Science and Technology (2009), Co-Chair (since 2013) and Chair (since 2022) of Nutrition WG in Global Harmonization Initiative, International Society of Food Engineering (2010), Balkan Environmental Association (2008), Global Environmental Standard (GES) Community of Interest (2011), European Academy for Education and Social Research (2012). She acts as international projects Expert for European Science Foundation, Eurostar Program, EC « Expert area in the Participant Portal » and « Connecting Europe Facility », Horizon Europe Program, EU TAIEX, COST, EACEA, Erasmus Mundus (2010). She is Guest Associate Editor and Research Topic Editor for “Frontiers in Food Science and Technology”, Regional Editor “Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology”, Academic Editor “European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety”, Editorial Board Member SciEdTech, Editorial Board Member “African Journal of Water Conservation and Sustainability”, “EC Nutrition” Editorial Board, Editorial board “Clinical Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics”, Editorial Board “Discoveries in Food Technology and Nutrition Sciences”, etc.

Global Harmonization of Menu Nutrition Claims

Professor Osden Jokonya is a scholar and researcher at the University of the Western Cape in the fields of Digital Transformation, Information Systems, Digital Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and ICT for Development. His current research interests include Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development, Digital Sustainable Food Systems, Internet of Food (IoF), Digital Adoption and Governance in Developing Economies, and the application of Artificial Intelligence to address societal challenges. He has published widely in reputable international journals, conference proceedings, and edited volumes, contributing to both theoretical advancement and practical solutions in the Information Systems discipline. Professor Jokonya actively collaborates with researchers, policymakers, industry practitioners, and international institutions on projects to bridge the digital divide and promote sustainable technology use. His research adopts interdisciplinary approaches that integrate technological, organisational, social, and environmental perspectives to address complex development challenges. He serves as a reviewer, editor, and member of various academic and professional bodies and has supervised postgraduate students across a range of Information Systems and Digital Transformation topics. His academic mission is to advance research and practice that harness digital technologies to build intelligent, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies while supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security, innovation, economic growth, and digital inclusion. Professor Jokonya continues to advance digital innovation and sustainable development in Africa and globally.

From Internet of Things (IoT) to Internet of Food (IoF): A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Food Systems

With basic degree in Soil Science, have a rich background for Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. Currently involved as a Soil Microbiologist and Environmental Scientist with proficiency in characterization of beneficial microbes from the rhizosphere and composting area, preparation of enriched compost, vermi-compost and microbes mediated compost from agricultural wastes materials. Expertise in soil, plant, water, compost and bio-fertilizer analysis. Developed Integrated Nutrient Modules consisting of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients for different vegetable crops and have a good exposure in cultivation of vegetables and fruit crops. A goal oriented team player and leader with exceptional interpersonal and written communication skill. Successful in obtaining approximately 60 million rupees as research grants from ICAR, DST, private organizations as PI and Co-PI of different research projects. Worked for about five years in corporate sector dealing with various agri-iputs, responsible for liaison with Govt. departments, training to the filed staff, conducting field trials, Farmer’s Technical meetings, Publication of technical bulletins etc.

PGPR's : A Novel Green Approach for Plant Nutrition

Olusola Abiola LADOKUN is a Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at Lead City University, Nigeria. She earned her PhD from the University of Ibadan in 2004 and has over 20 years of teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision experience. Her expertise includes nutritional biochemistry, nutraceuticals, functional foods, and ethnopharmacology. She has served as Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, currently Deputy Vice Chancellor (Science and Technology), and a member of the Governing Council. A Full Professor since 2015, she has supervised 5 PhD graduates and currently supervises 4 PhD and 5 MSc students. Her research focuses on the development of yoghurt from plant-based milk types, medicinal plants, gut microbiome and polyphenol oxidase characterisation.

Metagenomics-Driven Insights into Traditional Fermentation for Sustainable Food Systems and Health

Emmanuel Afriyie is a Quality and Food Safety at Danone (FanMilk Ghana Ltd.) with strong experience in FSMS implementation and food safety compliance. As a certified lead Food safety auditor, he conducts supplier audits, internal audits and food safety assessments to ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000 as well as FSSC 22000 standards across manufacturing and distribution operations. He is passionate about food innovation and is developing a frozen beverage concept aimed at advancing safe, modern and consumer-focused food products in Africa.

Enhancing Food Safety Through Effective FSMS in the Modern Food Supply Chain