The UAB, the UB and the Catalan Association of Food Scientists and Technologists organised the first conference dedicated to young researchers in the field of food science. The conference was held on 10 December at the Torribera Food Campus and included the participation of over 150 researchers, who came together to foster science communication, share experiences, and build collaboration networks in a key sector.
Research into food science has become increasingly popular in Catalonia, driven by the need to face new challenges and trends linked to nutrition and food safety and sustainability. The aim of the conference is to create a stable scientific meeting space that facilitates the projection of emerging talent and strengthens collaboration between universities, technology centres and administrations.
The event received the support of academic institutions and research centres from across the region. The conference was opened by Concepció Amat, vice-rector for Academic Policy of the University of Barcelona; Mireia González, mayor of Santa Coloma de Gramenet; Cristina Massot, secretary general for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia; Carmen Vidal, director of the Torribera Campus and also member of the conference's scientific committee; and Carolina Ripollés (UAB) and Oriol Comas (UB), chairs of the conference's scientific and organising committees. Scientist Marta Hugas, president of the Scientific Council of the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) and former Scientific Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), delivered the keynote address. The programme included oral presentations, poster sessions and discussion forums on the main challenges currently facing the agri-food sector.
In the inaugural speeches, Oriol Comas said: "This pioneering initiative aims to become a meeting point for young researchers, strengthening ties within the Catalan research community and promoting a vision of food in all its dimensions." Carolina Ripollés similarly stated that: "The congress brings together more than 140 participants, has received 72 scientific communications and involves 14 universities and research centres." The conference aims to give visibility to emerging projects, strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, and promote a more innovative, safe and sustainable agri-food sector.
The conference sessions were divided into four thematic blocks of oral presentations: sustainability, food safety and quality, nutrition and well-being, and advances in food technology. On the same day, the poster session and a round table organised under the Annual Technology Transfer Plan (PATT) took place, focusing on innovation in and knowledge transfer to the sector. The day concluded with the presentation of awards for the best scientific communications.
