Sofia Panzani

Supervisors: Prof. Francesca Venturi, Prof. Chiara Sanmartin

Research Field: Food Science and Technology

Keywords: Food technologies, Shelf Life, Sensory Analysis, Spices and Herbs, Packaging

Headquarters address: DAFE, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto n°80, 56124 – Pisa – (IT)

sofia.panzani@phd.unipi.it

Sofia Panzani earned a Master’s degree in Biosecurity and Food Quality in 2024 with a thesis entitled “Chemical and Sensory Characterization of Chestnut Flour as a Function of the Production Process”. She’s a qualified sensory judge and she’s a member of the DAFE Sensory Panel, with which she regularly conducts sensory analysis sessions on different food matrices.

She’s attending the PhD in Agriculture, Food and Environment (XL cycle). Her PhD project falls within the scientific-disciplinary field, and it’s focused on the in-depth study of the chemical and sensorial characterization about some spices and herbs.

In particular, her research pays attention to the evaluation of the shelf-life of spices, through a multidisciplinary approach, combining chemical analysis and sensory techniques, with the aim of improving the preservation processes.

The Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-environmental Sciences at the University of Pisa, the oldest Agricultural School in Italy, is dedicated to addressing the challenges of the future. Agricultural Sciences are essential for community well-being and economic development, despite the small workforce in the primary sector in developed countries. With a focus on food security, a circular economy, quality of life, and environmental conservation, the department plays a pivotal role in establishing sustainable agri-food production systems. Through impactful research, high-quality education, and community services, the department generates technological innovations for socio-economic advancement. The department’s study programs equip students with specialized knowledge, practical skills, and critical awareness. By combining theoretical and practical approaches, students are prepared for job opportunities and personal growth. Faculty members conduct interdisciplinary research and collaborate with local and international partners to foster innovation and address agricultural challenges.