Research

The Department’s research addresses the major global challenges relating to the agri-food and environmental systems, combining scientific, technological and economic competence within an integrated framework.

Activities are carried out in line with the objectives of the Departmental Strategic Plan, through progressive tasks and annual Monitoring to ensure their effectiveness and quality.

Thanks to a strongly multidisciplinary approach and an extensive network of collaborations with organisations and businesses, DISTAL promotes sustainable innovation and the optimal use of natural resources. Recognised as a Department of excellence for two consecutive cycles, it is now an international reference point for the quality and impact of its research.

Find out more about our research

DISTAL’s research activities cover the entire agri-food supply chain — from farm to fork — and range from agronomy to agricultural engineering, from microbiology to food science and technology, right through to agri-food economics.

To encourage collaborative work amongst researchers in different fields, 8 Thematic Research Groups (TRGs) have been established, acting as strategic hubs for the department’s research. The TRGs support projects with a high scientific, technological and environmental impact, including in collaboration with national and international partners.

Research project

With over 150 active competitive projects, DISTAL plays a leading role in national and European initiatives. It coordinates and participates in projects on agricultural resilience, the bioeconomy, water resource management, climate change and food innovation, helping to shape policies and solutions for a more sustainable future.Find out about the projects currently underway

Research laboratories

DISTAL’s laboratories are centres for research and innovation where theory and practice come together. Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, they support activities ranging from soil analysis to plant genetics, from food microbiology to precision agriculture, right through to the processing and value-adding of agri-food products.The laboratories’ activities

The PhD programme at DISTAL

The PhD programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences and Technologies is distinguished by its high academic standard, its strong international outreach and its collaboration with public bodies and private companies, which co-fund study grants and applied research projects.The PhD programme in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences and Technologies

Scientific pubblication

DISTAL’s scientific output reflects the breadth and quality of the department’s research. Articles, books and conference proceedings disseminate research results and promote international collaboration across all fields of agricultural, environmental and food sciences.

Publications by the department's researchers