INFOTECH-DATA :standardize methods for evaluating the functional properties of food ingredients at the European level and organize future data

Background and objectives of the INFOTECH-DATA COST action

Measuring the techno-functional properties of food in a robust and reproducible manner is a major scientific hurdle in linking composition, molecular structure, processing, and food applications. This is especially true in the context of diversifying protein sources and the rise of alternative ingredients.
 

The INFOTECH-DATA initiative brings together early-career and experienced researchers, as well as engineers, to work towards the following key objectives:

• identifying existing methods for evaluating the functional properties of food ingredients (e.g. solubility, foaming, gelling and emulsification) and proposing harmonised frameworks to improve the comparability of results across laboratories;
• developing a shared vocabulary and structuring the data infrastructures associated with functional properties;
• facilitating the sharing and interoperability of experimental data at the European level.
   

Within this initiative, members of the BIA unit are leading Working Group1, which is dedicated to developing INFOTECH-DATA’s long-term scientific strategy.

The aim of this working group is to bring the European community together around three complementary areas:

(i) mapping data infrastructures, key laboratories, industrial partners and institutional stakeholders involved in characterising the functional properties of food ingredients;

(ii) identifying the needs and expectations of stakeholders regarding the adoption of standardised methods, in coordination with the methodological work of other working groups;

(iii) developing a European scientific roadmap that identifies priorities, methodological bottlenecks and future funding opportunities.

The unit also participates in Working Group 2, which aims to harmonise terminology, and Working Groups 3 and 4, which focus on the implementation of methods and the structuring of the database, respectively.

Opportunities for INRAE researchers and PhD students

Participation from the scientific community, particularly INRAE researchers and PhD students, is essential in order to contribute collectively to the definition of methodological frameworks, which will help to shape future practices in this field at European and international levels.

INFOTECH-DATA offers several programmes to support scientific mobility and European collaborations. These include:

• Research fellowships for stays at European partner laboratories;
• Participation in thematic schools and methodological workshops;
• Funding for scientific workshops and collaborative initiatives.

These programmes offer valuable opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to expand their networks, learn new experimental approaches and contribute to European efforts to standardise the functional properties of food ingredients.

Interested colleagues can join the working groups via the web interface: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA24145/.

Contact : Adeline Boire, Claire Berton-Carabin