The SEASONED project is a Twinning action designed to address research and innovation disparities in CEE by targeting the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences (UPWr). Historically, UPWr faced weaknesses such as a modest international publication record, limited industry ties, and restricted resources for implementing advanced sensory science methodologies.
The overall aim is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of UPWr's research staff in the field of sensory evaluation of food and consumer behaviour, specifically focusing on newly designed innovative processed food products with pro-health properties and administrative in technical competencies like project management, finance management or english. The ultimate objective is to transform UPWr into the leading Centre of Excellence in sensory evaluation and consumer research in the CEE region. This transformation culminates in the long-term establishment of a financially autonomous Consumer Behaviour Centre (CBC).
The role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines is fundamental, as they bridge the gap between technological food innovation and successful societal and market adoption. SSH components ensure that food product development is consumer-centric and addresses major societal needs. SSH integration is implemented through:
1. Consumer Science and Behaviour: Incorporating methods to understand consumer preferences and needs to maximize product concept fit and market success, complementing sensory analysis.
2. Addressing Societal Challenges: Using sensory and consumer science methods to address societal challenges such as the necessary transition towards healthy and sustainable diets.
3. Inclusivity and Ethics: Integrating insights to ensure food design promotes social inclusion and addresses the needs of vulnerable groups. The project mandates adherence to ethical procedures for working with human participants.
The project's expected impact is wide-ranging, aiming for short- to long-term societal, scientific, and economic growth. Outcomes contribute significantly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Economically, the work lays the groundwork for institutional transition to a service-oriented model (SSF/CBC), offering high-quality services to industry, thereby fostering innovation-based growth in the region.
