TOPICS for XXXIII Cycle
1 - Research topic: DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL MODELS SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN EUROPE
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Gianni Gilioli; co-tutor Prof. Lara Maistrello
Development and use of mathematical models in crop protection is becoming an important field of research and application for the implementation of the Directive 2009/128/EC. Model development is a complex procedure and requires knowledge in various sectors (e.g., plant and pest biology, applied ecology, population dynamics and epidemiology, mathematics etc.): Model characteristics have to be suitable for the development of practical solutions in sustainable agriculture.
PhD Student will focus on some of aspect of modelling to support sustainable pest management. This will include mechanistic models development and parametrization, use of the plant and environmental information to model the pest population dynamics, use of model in the context of Decision Support Systems (DSS). The research will also consider methods to evaluate and quantify cost/benefit analysis associated to the use of DSS in sustainable pest management.
2 - Research topic: COMPARATIVE LABORATORY TECHNIQUES FOR ANALYTICAL DETERMINATION ON DIFFERENT FOODS SAMPLES
1 (one) position without grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Andrea Pulvirenti
3 - Research topic: QUANTITATIVE MODELS SUPPORTING RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE FOOD CHAIN
1 (one) position without grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Gianni Gilioli; co-tutor Prof. Andrea Pulvirenti
Statistical and / or mathematical models can contribute in all the phases of risk assessment: hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment, risk characterization. The aim of the research is to develop, analyze and evaluate options for implementation of quantitative approaches to risk assessment in the food chain.
PhD Student will focus on some of the current criticalities of quantitative approaches including the proper consideration of the variability of the analyzed processes, the use of different information sources, the elaboration and presentation of the model results to be easily interpreted by end users, the integration of these models with other approaches used in the risk analysis.
4 - Research topic: SEARCH FOR NEW INGREDIENTS AND FOOD ADDITIVES TO IMPROVE FOOD SHELF LIFE
1 (one) industry-financed position
Scientific tutor: Prof. Andrea Pulvirenti
5 - Research topic: ECOLOGY AND FUNCTION OF GUT MICROBIOTA
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Maddalena Rossi; co-tutor Prof. Stefano Raimondi
6 - Research topic: CHARACTERIZATION AND WINEMAKING OF ANCIENT GRAPE CULTIVARS
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Andrea Antonelli
In Italy many ancient cvs are neglected or not fully exploited despite they have high potentiality. The cv composition (manly flavours and polyphenols) and the best technological approach will be the aim of this study with the involvement of different concerns operating in oenological field.
7 - Research topic: BACTERIAL CELLULOSE SYNTHESIS BY ACETIC ACID BACTERIA
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Maria Gullo
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an extracellular polysaccharide produced by bacteria of different genera, the most known of which are acetic acid bacteria. BC is a highly pure form of cellulose with the same chemical structure as plant cellulose, but it exhibits superior physical and chemical properties (e.g. high mechanical tensile strength, strong stability at high temperature, purity, biodegradability and water holding capacity).
The aim of this project is to select new acetic acid bacteria strains for BC synthesis and to enhance BC productivity. The approach will include microbiology, molecular biology and analytical tools.
Key steps of the project are: the evaluation of synthetic media and byproducts of food industry as substrates enhancing BC yield; genome sequencing of the best BC producers as well as the analysis of the gene regions involved in BC synthesis; scale-up of BC production by the best strains.
Required skills: working in a team, academic writing, critical thinking, recognizing research problems. Essential Background: microbiology, molecular biology and biological data management.
8 - Research topic: INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG HALYOMORPHA HALYS, AN INVASIVE PEST OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN SOUTHERN EUROPE
1 (one) position with grant
Scientific tutor: Prof. Lara Maistrello
The invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is a serious pest of many agricultural crops and also a household nuisance, that is rapidly spreading in Italy and many European countries. The project aims to develop innovative sustainable solutions for its improved management both in the field and in urban contexts. The PhD student will focus on the insect-plants relationships, explore the potential of native biocontrol agents, investigate the stimuli to be used in behavioral manipulation strategies.
Required skills
Degree in Biology, Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences or similar. Background and experience in insect rearing, behavioral studies and field trials with insects, skills in statistical analysis.