The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), the largest university in Greece, is renowned for international research excellence and innovation across the European Research Area. The School of Chemistry, part of the Faculty of Sciences, houses the Food & Flavor Research Lab within the Laboratory of Food Chemistry & Technology. The group has long experience in research and innovation activities, focusing on Food Chemistry and Technology in both fundamental as well as applied research. It offers expertise in food physical chemistry and volatiles determination, with a focus on the sustainable transformation of Mediterranean raw materials. The lab specializes in the extraction and techno-functional characterization (emulsions, gels, foams, edible films) of proteins and hydrocolloids from both conventional and alternative sources, including pulses, nuts, seeds, insects, snails, and microalgae. Its research work also covers the entire development chain, from aroma profiling and encapsulation to advanced techniques like 3D food printing and in-vitro digestion protocols. Committed to circular economy principles, the team specializes in the valorization of agrifood waste streams (e.g., olive, hemp, and other by-products) to create “eco-friendly” packaging and high-added-value bakery, meat, and dairy alternatives. This technological approach is also integrated with sensory and consumer behavior studies, alongside safety testing (e.g., shelf-life stability).
Food Chemistry; food analysis; technofunctionality; safety and stability; alternative proteins; product development; Mediterranean diet; sustainable food; sustainable processing; natural ingredients; valorization of agrofood waste; sensory science/consumer behavior; transparency; educational campaigns/ awareness initiatives
We can act as work package leaders and participants for conducting chemical, nutritional, physical chemical, aroma and sensory analysis of raw materials, ingredients and final products. We can also lead product development tasks and actively contribute to the implementation of living labs and pilots, educational workshops, as well as training activities and consumer engagement campaigns.
We are interested in joining consortia through the following activities: 1. assession of the effects of the alternative feeds on the quality of animal-derived products, 2. development of strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and spoilage in perishable Mediterranean agri-food chains, 3. design of high-value foods and beverages, such as dried fruits, fermented products, extracts etc., based on traditional, local, and underutilised crops, specifically supporting sustainable processing at or near the point of origin, 4. contribution to the circular valorization of agro-industrial by-products and the co-design and validation of digital traceability systems to ensure transparency and authenticity verification in fresh produce chains and real food.