The Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) is the largest Greek University exclusively dedicated to research and educational activities covering all aspects of agriculture and food sciences. AUA has an excellent research infrastructure, employing more than 500 people on a tenured position. The Faculty of Food Science, Biotechnology and Development has a staff of 68 professors and more than 150 administrative & research personnel. It is the leading Greek academic body in teaching and research activities in the field of food science and technology, including agriculture and food production, plant and animal science, genetics, microbiology, cell culture, enzyme technology and diagnostic technologies. The Laboratory of Food Quality Control and Hygiene and the Laboratory of Cell Technology (LCT) are key players in the global food safety research, in particular the development of predictive models, smart packaging systems and advanced biosensors for food pathogen monitoring. They have jointly participated in more than 50 European, international and national research projects, having the role of coordinator in at least half of them. The ArtiSaneFood project’s objectives fall well within the mission and expertise of both the Agricultural University of Athens, the Faculty and the two involved Laboratories, given, in particular, their close and prolific interaction with the regional and European agrifood industry and SMEs, as well as their contribution to the design of strategic intervention in food safety through the participation of key members (Prof. Skandamis) in central European advisory and legislatory bodies (EFSA).
