̽»¨ÊÓƵ

As global population growth intensifies the demand for healthy, sustainable and affordable foods, the agri-food sector faces an unprecedented challenge: to innovate responsibly while ensuring that food remains both accessible and environmentally sound. At the Universidade Cat¨®lica Portuguesa, we believe that scientific excellence and education can be integrated to effectively address this challenge. Through the THRIVE project, we are reimagining how food is designed, produced and valued, connecting knowledge, innovation and social responsibility.

Hosted by the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) within the Faculty of Biotechnology , THRIVE establishes an ERA Chair in Sustainable Food Structuring Technologies, under the leadership of Professor L¨ªlia Ahrn¨¦, a globally recognised authority in food structuring and process engineering. As the ERA Chair Holder, she leads the project¡¯s scientific vision and oversees the creation of an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to developing innovative approaches to food design and structuring. As Coordinator, I ensure that this vision is embedded in a dynamic institutional framework that fosters collaboration, scientific excellence and lasting impact across academia, industry and society.

THRIVE pioneers a ¡°fork-to-farm¡± approach, reversing traditional innovation models by starting with consumer needs and working backward along the food value chain, from retailers and producers to suppliers and policymakers. This participatory method encourages co-creation, ensuring that innovations are technically viable, environmentally sustainable and socially meaningful.

Beyond research, THRIVE represents a long-term commitment to institutional transformation. It embraces the European Charter and Code for Researchers, strengthens research management, and promotes open science, equality and Living Lab engagement models.

Running from January 2025 to December 2029, with €2.49 million in funding from the European Commission¡¯s Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence programme, THRIVE reinforces the mission of Universidade Cat¨®lica Portuguesa to link education, science and innovation in service of society. It positions CBQF, Faculty of Biotechnology, and Universidade Cat¨®lica Portuguesa as European leaders in sustainable food research and talent development.

Ultimately, THRIVE reflects the spirit of our University, where academic excellence, international collaboration and human values converge to create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

More information: 

By Manuela Pintado, Coordinator and Principal Investigator of THRIVE, and Director of the , Universidade Cat¨®lica Portuguesa