FoodigIT

Meet Maria Gaitanidou, team member of the foodigIT project.
Maria is a researcher in the fields of molecular biology, microbiome science, and computational biology. She holds an MSc in Applied Bioinformatics and Data Analysis and has research experience at internationally recognised institutions, including European Molecular Biology Laboratory and Emory University. Through her work in bioinformatics, microbiome research, and computational modelling, she contributes her expertise to foodigIT’s interdisciplinary research activities.

🔗 https://foodigit.eu/about-us/?popup=team-member--2605

Research drives innovation and at foodigIT, it helps shape the future of food systems through sustainability, digital transformation, and computational food science.
In our Research section, you can explore scientific publications and studies on:
🍽️ Computational Food Science
🤖 AI in food systems
📊 Predictive modelling & data analysis
🌱 Sustainability & food innovation
🧪 Food safety & quality
More research insights and publications are coming soon as the foodigIT research community continues to grow.
📚 Find more here: https://foodigit.eu/research/?

FoodigΙΤ participated in SkillsCamp Kozani 2026, a dynamic program dedicated to communicating sustainability and the green transition.
As part of the event, Leonardos Stathas, a member of the FoodigIT research team, delivered a highly engaging talk on food safety and sustainability, a topic that affects all of us, perhaps more than we realize in our everyday lives.

For us at FoodigIT, this conversation is at the core of what we do. We believe that food safety is not just about inspections, but also about data, prediction, and understanding.

Our participation in SkillsCamp confirms our commitment to bridging science with real-world applications and contributing to a more sustainable and safer food system.

This weekend, the FoodigIT team hit the streets of Thessaloniki for the 20th Alexander the Great Marathon! 🏃‍♂️
Smiles, sweat, and amazing team spirit carried us all the way to the finish line.
We’re incredibly proud of everyone who participated! 👏
Congratulations to all the runners and organizers for creating such an unforgettable event!

The foodigIT Project was recently presented at Agrotica Expo 2026, one of the leading agricultural exhibitions in Southeast Europe.
The project was showcased at the stand of the School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), where visitors had the opportunity to learn how computational tools and predictive modelling can support data-driven decision-making in the food industry.
🔗 Read more here:
https://foodigit.eu/blog/foodigit-at-agrotica-2026/

The foodigIT workshop “Making Sense of Data – A Primer for Life Scientists” concluded today at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Over four days, participants explored statistical methods, modelling and data analysis tools that support research in the life sciences, guided by Prof. József Baranyi.
🔗Learn more here: https://foodigit.eu/blog/workshop-making-sense-of-data-a-primer-for-life-scientists/

🚜foodigIT at Agrotica Expo 2026 (12–15 March 2026)!
Visit us at Pavilion 2 throughout the exhibition and meet our team to learn more about how computational food science, AI and data analytics are transforming agri-food systems.
🎤 foodigIT also contributes to the official conference programme.
On Saturday, 14 March 2026, our team member Agapi Doulgeraki, Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, AUTH will participate in:
#5 Thematic Session – Digital tools and challenges in Agricultural Science and Agri-Food
🕝 14:30–16:00
📍 “Nikolaos Germanos” Conference Center – Hall A

We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet Alexios Loukas, Postdoctoral Bioinformatics Researcher of the foodigIT project.
Alexios works on applying machine learning and large language models (LLMs) to biological and food-related data. With a PhD in Bioinformatics from AUTh and experience in metagenomics and climate-related research at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, he brings strong expertise in computational biology and data analysis to foodigIT’s AI-driven research activities.

🔗 Learn more here: https://foodigit.eu/about-us/?popup=team-member--2518

We are happy to introduce Daniel Marin, Senior AI Engineer of the foodigIT project.
With over 25 years of experience in AI, data science, and system architecture, Daniel leads the technical vision of foodigIT’s AI initiatives. Former Lead IT Architect of ComBase, he brings deep expertise in building reliable computational systems for food safety.
🔗 https://foodigit.eu/about-us/?popup=team-member--2550

At the New Year’s cake cutting event of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), held on Friday, February 13, the floor was given to early-career researchers.
Each team shared its experience of conducting research at KEDEK, and the foodigIT team presented its ongoing work and activities. Although we did not win the lucky coin, we had a wonderful opportunity to connect with other research teams and meet inspiring fellow researchers.

Following the project meeting, the foodigIT team joined the PreMiSS Science Café, an engaging event focused on open dialogue, storytelling, and the exchange of ideas.
Centered around the theme “Links, Connections, Networks and Transitions”, early-stage researchers and invited speakers shared perspectives spanning microbial networks, biological systems, artificial intelligence, and collective thinking. The short, dynamic talks sparked lively discussions, creating space for reflection and meaningful connections across disciplines.