IFSTI 53rd Annual Conference

Keynote speakers

Prof Olivia McAuliffe

Topic: Technology Driven Food Innovation: Science, Consumer and Health

Principal Scientist at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark and Pillar Lead for Circular Food System at the Teagasc Climate Centre.

Prof McAuliffe’s research explores how microbial biodiversity can transform food production, enabling resilient, sustainable, and functional food systems through fermentation and biotransformation.

Manuel Lopez Vernaza

Agricultural Inspector (AI) - Research, Bioeconomy & CODEX Division

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am a food and plant science specialist with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture research within the Irish public sector. My expertise bridges food safety, crop biotechnology, and molecular plant–microbe interactions, with a strong focus on developing science-based solutions to enhance food quality, traceability, and sustainability. I had contributed to nationally funded projects supporting resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

Dr Catherine Barry Ryan

Topic: Closing the Loop, Circular Bioeconomy and Regulatory Frameworks

Senior lecturer in Food & Drink product development in the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Director of the Food Innovation and Health Research Centre.

Dr Barry-Ryan’s research projects are funded and supported from National and European sources, in research & development for the Food & Drink Industries, with special interest in the development of novel functional ingredients, in particular from alternative & by-product sources form the industry.

Prof Brian Carson

Brian is a Professor at the University of Limerick in Ireland where his research focuses on the interaction between exercise and nutrition in support of metabolic adaptation with a  particular focus on human skeletal muscle for health and human performance. Brian employs a combination of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experimental models to establish the impact of various protein sources in combination with exercise on mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis. His research has been supported by funding from the national technology centre Food for Health Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the Marine Institute, as well as several industry partnerships. At the University of Limerick he is chair of the Physical Education and Sport Sciences Research committee and a member of the Food, Diet and Nutrition Research Priority of the Health Research Institute. In addition to his academic role, Brian is the Head of Science and Innovation at the lifestyle supplement company Whole Supp, and has also held performance lead roles with elite Gaelic football teams including Clare and Limerick.