09-12-2025
The ninth edition of this flagship event opens a space for innovation in the field of bioactive compounds science
On November 20th, the Nutrition and Food Safety Institute (INSA-UB) held the 9th edition of its Annual Workshop, an event that brought together researchers, professionals, and experts in the field of bioactive science. The session served as a key meeting point for updating knowledge and showcasing cutting-edge projects in nutrition, health, and science.
Knowledge, innovation and results
The Workshop kicked off with great success, with the auditorium filled to capacity and several areas of the building prepared to follow the presentations via streaming. Attendance was massive, creating a dynamic atmosphere that fostered knowledge exchange and networking among participants.
The inauguration was led by Cristina Andrés Lacueva, who opened the event with a lecture on biomarkers, metabolomics, and the link between precision nutrition and health. A brilliant start that set the tone for a very packed day.
During the morning, the results of several projects within the INTERACT and FRI INSA-UB 2023 programs were presented. Some of the most notable projects included:
– SLEPT-Project, presented by Maria Izquierdo, which explored the relationship between sleep quality during menopause, the microbiota, and dietary fiber.
– ORG&Hep, presented by Isabel Costafreda, which showcased the use of intestinal organoids to study the entry of foodborne hepatitis viruses.
– PREDIALGAE, presented by Sara Ramos, which investigated the potential of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in preventing prediabetes.
– IDAODRUG, presented by Rache Iduriaga, who explained how certain drugs can inhibit the DAO enzyme and its impact on digestive health.
– In addition, the attendees had the opportunity to learn about other projects, such as those focused on the bioavailability of polyphenols in quinoa and post-harvest treatments aimed to improve tomato quality.
The morning concluded with a coffee break, providing an ideal setting for conversations and exchanges among attendees. The poster presentations, made for a more approachable space for networking among scientists.
Opening Horizons with Citizen Science
In the afternoon, the Citizen Science roundtable brought together four leading experts to discuss how science can (and should) be conducted not just for the public, but together with them.
Rosa Solà, from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, opened the discussion by highlighting one of the fundamental pillars of citizen science: community involvement in research. According to Solà, this active participation not only enriches the research but also significantly improves the effectiveness of studies and adherence to research protocols, as it fosters a stronger connection with the participants and their own interests.
Isabelle Bonhoure, a professor at the University of Barcelona, explained how new technologies can open up opportunities to engage a broader and more diverse audience. Bonhoure emphasized that digitalization, along with the use of chatbots and other digital tools, not only allows for more efficient data collection but also gives a voice to often overlooked stories, such as those of people with mental health challenges, creating social support networks through the very same technological platforms.
Salvador Ferré, from the company EDUSCOPI, shared his hands-on experience, demonstrating how citizen science can generate real impact. Ferré explained that working alongside the public not only facilitates the collection of more relevant data but also allows projects to have a tangible and practical impact on the communities involved, providing a direct return of knowledge.
Finally, Marina Pérez-Llorca, a researcher at INSA-UB, focused her talk on how collaboration with farmers can transform research. She emphasized the importance of working closely with farmers to identify real regional and societal needs, an approach that allows for the design of more applied research with a direct impact on local challenges, such as those related to organic farming and food safety.
Overall, the roundtable highlighted the power of citizen science as a driver of social change—a change that can only be achieved when research is conducted inclusively and collaboratively, fully integrating society into all its processes.
Awards and Recognitions
The event concluded with the traditional awards ceremony. The winners of the INSA-UB 2025 Workshop Awards were:
– Anna Tresserra Award for Best Article: Rosa Casas
– Award for Best Oral Presentation: Sergi Casanova
– Award for Best Poster: Polina Galkina
With this edition, the INSA-UB Workshop is further established as one of the leading platforms for scientific dissemination and knowledge exchange in the fields of nutrition, food, and health. Once again, the event served to build community, promote research, and highlight the potential of bioactive compounds in our everyday lives.
Download the Abstracts Book
For those wishing to explore this research in greater depth, the abstracts book is available for download on the workshop’s official website.
