ResearchGroup

Description: The Advances in Enology and Food Technologies research group (AENOLTEC) is composed of 4 permanent members (professors in the area of food technology) and eventually other members hired for the development of research projects or carrying out PhD theses or other research work. The group's research is focused on the study of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds, microencapsulation of polyphenolic substances, improvement of winemaking technologies, valorization of winemaking by-products and application of rapid sensory methods in the new products development. In the oenological sector, the group has relationships with companies (bodegas Ochoa, bodegas Viña Zorzal, bodegas Inurrieta, Biolaffort), other international research groups (USC Œnologie de l’Université Bordeaux Ségalen, Francia) and the Viticulture and Oenology Research Institute of Navarre (EVENA). More information: https://acortar.link/pUnYNR

ResearchLine

Description: In the oenological industry, fermentation lees are a deposit made up mainly of components of yeast cells removed after alcoholic fermentation. Fermentation lees are considered a winemaking waste but they could be a source of added-value products due to the high interest in yeast derivate products in the oenological and food industry. This PhD project aims to extract rich-protein, mannoprotein or peptide fractions from fermentation lees using enzymatic hydrolysis and other new technologies as High-Pressure Processing (HPP). The putative fractions will be evaluated as technological aids or new ingredients for the oenological and food industries assessing the technological efficiency and the impact on the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics.

Others

Description: Reducing food waste is one of the topics covered in the Green Deal strategy. The EU has been working on augmenting and improving the quantification of food waste levels. The revised Waste Framework Directive adopted on 30 May 2018 requires Member States to reduce food waste. The issue of agri-food waste is generally well recognized by the EU and the relevant initiatives, and authorities and stakeholders understand both the economic cost and the environmental impacts. Considering the relevance of oenology at the European level, a PhD thesis dealing with sustainability and circular economy within oenology will contribute to this and fully align with MSCA Green Charter objectives by promoting environmentally responsible practices. This PhD research promotes Eco-innovation reducing food waste and managing waste efficiently. It also encourages the development of new products, transforming food waste into added-value products for the oenology industry. Regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by the UN member states to responsible consumption and production, industry, innovation and infrastructure for all, this PhD will contribute towards the 9 and 11 SDGs. The research group follows the principles of the Green Charter, for example: recycling laboratory waste is implemented; providing green material purchases and promoting teleconferencing by subscription the University to Zoom platform. Before entering the laboratory, new researchers are trained in the principles of laboratory waste management and are made aware of the environmental impact of the laboratory policy.

CareerDevelopment

Objectives

• International mobility
• Building collaborative networks
• Trainings to enhance career opportunities
• Application of postdoctoral grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
• Application for projects and funding (Horizon Europe, national plans, etc.)
• Involvement in teaching, supervision, or mentoring

Expected Outputs

• PhD defense
• Publication of articles
• Developing new products, solutions, or services
• Attendance to international conferences

Training Skills

• Project Management
• Time Management
• Communication to the civil society and public engagement
• Open Science
• Gender and diversity dimension of research
• Ethics and Research Integrity
• Supervision
• Research Valorization
• Entrepreneurship
• Training for job interviews, CV writing
• Spanish