Less water in food production. WUEB project takes first place in Nestlé for Science 

A project carried out at the Wrocław University of Economics and Business has been included among the initiatives supported by Nestlé. This is an important signal that research developed at the university is recognised where practical relevance and a response to concrete challenges in the food sector matter. 

The project “WaterSmartFat: Ternary plant based emulgels and oleogels as a breakthrough strategy for reducing the water footprint in food production” took first place and received funding of PLN 40,000 in the second edition of the #NestleDlaNauki grant programme organised by Nestlé. 
 
What matters here is not only the funding decision itself. Equally important is the fact that Nestlé recognised the potential of a WUEB team working on a project rooted in a clearly practical challenge. It is a good example of applied research that goes beyond diagnosis and seeks solutions to issues connected with the future of food and the responsible management of resources. 
 
The project focuses on developing innovative plant based fat structures, namely emulgels and oleogels, which may support more efficient water use in food production. In simple terms, the team is looking for solutions that could help produce food in a way that places less pressure on water resources while supporting more sustainable food systems. 
 
The project will be carried out at the Wrocław University of Economics and Business by a team representing the Department of Biotechnology and Food Analysis, composed of Professor Joanna Harasym, scientific supervisor of the project, Oliwia Paroń, MSc Eng, doctoral researcher, and Szymon Juchniewicz, PhD Eng. 
 
The composition of the team is also worth noting. Alongside an experienced researcher, the project brings together team members representing different stages of a research career. This clearly shows that at WUEB the development of research with implementation potential is closely linked to mentoring, teamwork and collaboration within a diverse research team. 

badania.uew.pl – bo świat potrzebuje kompetentnych głosów, gdy hałas zagłusza rozsądek.

Author of the text: Justyna Morawska-Płoskonka