Advanced technologies for high quality, safe and sustainable regional food production
The goal of the project is to create an interdisciplinary Centre of excellence focused on advanced technologies for high quality, safe and sustainable regional food production. The aim of the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural resources (FAFNR) is to fill the gaps in food production ""from field to fork"" on the fertile and healthy soil. Contemporary, Faculty research and education  activities cover almost the whole chain from agricultural primary production to food safety, but there is a  substantial weakness in the chain, that is the absence of research team dealing with advanced food technologies. The second main objective is to enhance scientific excellence in the field of food technology, food processing, and more widely on food quality, safety, and nutrition by promoting scientific cooperation and integration. The third main objective of the project is to improve the accessibility of innovative technologies to regional stakeholders through cooperation with ERA Chair holder and his/her local and  international contacts.  The project will bring the main research outputs in the field of processing of agricultural products from local agri-food production, and food processing presented to the small producers. The aims will be achieved by attracting ERA Chair Holder with excellent research credentials and leadership competences, thus creating a research team with broad expertise and wide network for collaboration that will greatly improve the culture of research and research performance. ERA Chair holder will be a director of newly established Food Technology Centre and the position will be equal to heads of the faculty departments. In this position, the ERA Chair Holder will be a member of the Dean’s Board that co-decides on issues related to the operation and strategy of the Faculty. ERA Chair holder will analyse current PhD programmes and will advise on possible changes related to better fit to ERA and modern science in the field of food technology.