Dr. Federica Blando has a permanent position as a researcher at the Institute of Sciences of Food Production ISPA in Lecce (Apulia) / South of Italy. The ISPA institute is engaged in the research, innovation and technology transfer to improve the quality and safety of food products. Federica Blando received her Ph.D. degree at the University of Pisa studying in vitro regeneration and propagation of fruit tree crops. After a post-doc scholarship at the Fruit Tree Experimental Institute in Rome, she started researching in Lecce. She has spent short/long periods for research stages in several countries (Australia, Finland, Canada, and UK). Currently, at ISPA, her scientific activity is focused on the characterization of polyphenolic compounds (particularly anthocyanin) and antioxidant activity from red fruits (cherry, strawberry, grape, etc...), as well as other F&Veg, and processed products (ex. tomato products, wine, etc…).

Prof. Magan completed his BSc (Hons) Botany and MSc (Plant Pathology) at Exeter University. He completed his PhD at Rothamsted Research (external student Reading University) in 1982. He was awarded his DSc in 2013 for his work on mycotoxins in food chains. He holds the Chair in Applied Mycology at Cranfield University. He has carried out research on food security/safety and spoilage fungi for 35+ years. Current research includes molecular ecology and ecophysiology of spoilage and mycotoxigenic fungi in food production systems, especially the impact of climate change factors on mycotoxins in staple commodities and the development of minimisation and prevention strategies. These include physical approaches to minimising mycotoxin contamination and ecophysiology of biological control agents for improved efficacy against pests/fungal diseases. He has published widely in these research areas with 300+ peer-reviewed Journal papers. He has an H-index of 56 (Scopus) and 73 (Google scholar).

Professor Elhadi M. Yahia is Professor and Senior Research Scientist at the Autonomous University of Querétaro, Mexico. He is also a Courtesy Professor at the University of Florida, USA. Prof. Yahia has published 20 books in 3 languages and more than 300 book chapters and articles on post-harvest handling of fresh produce. He has worked at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) where he helped launch the Global Initiative on Food Loss and Waste Reduction. He has served as a consultant to many organizations such as the FAO, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO), USAID, USDA and ICARDA. He is member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, the New York Academy of Sciences, The Scientific Research Society (Sigma Xi) and The Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) of the World Food Logistics Organization.