Partners
UNINA (Project Coordinator) – Italy
The University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), established in 1224, is one of Europe’s oldest public universities, having twenty-six departments and an academic staff exceeding 3,000 members. With an enrollment of around 100,000 students, the university is a hub of academic excellence. The Department of Chemical Sciences (DSC), recently recognized as one of Italy’s Departments of Excellence, specializes in areas such as biomolecules, organic polymers, and nanostructured materials. The DSC’s commitment to environmental protection, technological innovation, and cultural heritage application underscores its comprehensive research agenda. The DSC team brings together expertise in protein engineering, microbial polymer production, and fermentation chemistry.
AlterEco PULP – Italy
Founded in 2022, AlterEco PULP is a start-up specializing in the production of cellulose-based, food-contact objects through the ‘pulping process’ and ‘wet-thermoforming’ technology. The company is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory for cellulose analysis and testing. Claudia Corazzi, co-founder and CEO leads the project as the Principal Investigator. The team, focusing in cellulosic fiber molding, includes Maurizio Corazzi, with 30 years of experience in the packaging industry and Giammarco Paronitti, an experienced project manager.
Fosan – Italy
FOSAN is a non-profit research organization dedicated to advancing food, nutrition, and health sciences, along with food technology development. Recognized as an accredited research institution, FOSAN focuses on enhancing food products, both traditional and contemporary. Their flagship publication, “Rivista di Scienza della Nutrizione – The Nutrition Science Magazine,” serves as Italy’s oldest sector journal, fostering knowledge dissemination and industry collaboration. Established with contributions from Roman academics and experts from institutions like CREA and ISS, FOSAN continues to enhance scientific understanding in food and nutrition, promoting societal well-being through ongoing research efforts.
Ankara University – Turkey
Ankara University is Turkey’s first university, established in 1946, is an institution with a notable history in food science, dating back to 1933. The Food Engineering Department, which will participate in MATE4MEAT, is renowned for its research capacity, focusing on food composition, microbiology, safety, and process improvement. Equipped with state-of-the-art labs and pilot plants, the department excels in novel technologies for food waste treatment, sustainability, and safety. Their role in the project includes extracting phenolics and pectin from waste and developing antimicrobial pectin films.
GTE Carbon Sustainability and Energy Consultancy – Turkey
GTE is an engineering and consultancy firm specializing in resource efficiency and circularity assessments/implementations (cleaner production, industrial symbiosis, circular economy); climate services (mitigation and adaptation); sustainable energy and climate action plans and carbon&renewable energy certification. Established in 2008, GTE has a robust portfolio, collaborating with organizations like the World Bank and the EBRD. Ece Akay Demir, with R&D and consultancy experience, leads GTE’s efforts in circular economy, resource efficiency, and green transformation. The firm’s interdisciplinary approach and extensive network ensure significant contributions to MATE4MEAT’s sustainability objectives.
Universitat Jaume I (UJI) – Spain
UJI is known for its research and educational excellence. Prof. Luis Cabedo Mas leads the Polimers I Materials Avançats (PIMA) group, specializing in polymer science and biopolymers. PIMA’s expertise includes polymer processing, biodegradation studies, and composting, focusing on biopolymers for industrial applications. Their well-equipped facilities enable comprehensive research and development, particularly in mechanical and thermal properties characterization and antimicrobial packaging materials.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft – Germany
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe’s leading applied research organization, with 76 institutes and around 30,800 employees. The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, participating in MATE4MEAT, focuses on food and packaging materials research. With over 4,000 m² of laboratories and pilot plants, IVV excels in food quality assessment, antimicrobial packaging, and bioeconomy. Their research on natural antimicrobial agents from food industry residues aligns with the project’s objectives of enhancing food security and circular economy. The IVV’s experience in food technology and packaging will drive innovation in developing sustainable packaging solutions.
University of Bejaia – Algeria
The University of Bejaia, is a multidisciplinary institution in Algeria with over 45,000 students and numerous research laboratories. Bejaia hosts research in diverse fields such as food sciences, environmental engineering, and applied microbiology. Its commitment to international collaboration is evidenced by partnerships with over 90 universities worldwide and active participation in European programs like Erasmus+. This extensive network and research expertise make Bejaia a valuable partner in the project, contributing to food science and sustainability research.
Citizens in Power (CIP) – Cyprus
CIP is a leading educational and research organization in Cyprus, specializing in global education, social innovation, and sustainable growth. CIP’s interdisciplinary approaches address social, educational, and environmental challenges, leveraging technology transfer and research findings. The organization collaborates with universities, NGOs, and civil society organizations to inspire and transform communities. CIP’s projects include STEM education and entrepreneurship, providing innovative solutions to modern societal issues. Their expertise in project management and community engagement will support the project’s educational and dissemination goals.