Research themes

The centre research activities are divided into two research programs- 1) advanced process technologies and 2) emerging technologies in sensing and active/smart packaging, focussing on three thematic areas of healthier and safer foods, innovative processes and sensors for food quality and safety and active/smart packaging. Many of the projects are designed to cross over at least two of the three thematic areas.

Advanced Process Technologies

ATFM will build on the current understanding of the complex connections between food composition, nutrition, and health. This knowledge will be used to develop scientific methods to manage and monitor both physical and physiological functional quality attributes alongside traditional sensory and nutritional quality indices. The interdisciplinary collaboration of the ATFM will generate scientific knowledge and develop technological skills that will deliver predictive models that elucidate the effects and interactions of processing on the structure, sensory properties, and chemical, physiological, and nutritional functionalities of food products.

Emerging Technologies in Sensing and Active/Smart Packaging

Annually, one third of all food produced, equivalent to about 1.3 billion tonnes, is wasted or lost to postharvest spoilage. Modern sensing and packaging innovations play a pivotal role in addressing this excessive food loss. The ATFM is developing novel, multifunctional food packaging materials to minimise postharvest spoilage and maintain food quality, thereby extending shelf-life and storage ability. The centre is working with industry to ensure material design meets industry priorities, including microbial inhibition, humidity adsorption, and ethylene control to maintain quality indices in specific commodities.

Sensing technology incorporates nanotechnology and new bio-sensing molecules, either as a stand-alone technology or into packaging material. These new materials will inform consumers of changes in quality and safety parameters of the food product. Research into sensing and smart packaging will provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and training, especially in the fields of nanomaterials, biosensors, and chemical analysis.