Biotechnologies

Domain

Natural and Life Sciences

Discipline

Biotechnologies

Speciality

Microbial Biotechnology

Applied Biotechnology and Microbiology

Environmental Biotechnology

Objective

This doctoral training in biotechnology, focused on the fields of microbial, environmental, and agricultural biotechnology, aims to train highly qualified experts capable of addressing the complex challenges related to key areas and national priorities such as food and energy security and citizen health. The focal objectives of this training are to develop skills that can support and improve the agri-food and agricultural sectors to ensure equitable and continuous access to nutritious and healthy food, thus contributing to the health and well-being of citizens.

By concentrating on food security and nutrition, this doctoral program prepares researchers to tackle crucial issues related to sustainable food production and the fight against malnutrition. Furthermore, this program integrates in-depth knowledge of renewable energies and bioremediation, preparing doctoral candidates to innovate in sustainable energy solutions that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while promoting environmental respect.

A particular emphasis is placed on the industrial application of these innovations, ensuring that scientific research translates into concrete practices that stimulate economic development while preserving environmental sustainability. However, the main contribution of this doctoral training lies in its ability to ensure the economic autonomy of doctoral candidates. By preparing them not only for fundamental research but also for entrepreneurship and business creation, this program equips doctoral students with the necessary tools to innovate and create their own startups, thus fostering financial autonomy and local and regional economic development.

Problematics

The proposed thesis topics align perfectly with national research priorities related to food security, energy security, and citizen health. They address these crucial issues from various angles, offering innovative and sustainable solutions.

In terms of food security, several theses aim to improve sustainable agricultural production, such as studying the effects of stress on citrus crops and the role of the microbiome in rehabilitating soil fertility, as well as enhancing chickpea varieties through plant biotechnology. Other theses focus on food quality and safety, such as using lactic acid bacteria to inhibit pathogenic germs in dairy production, optimizing the fermentation of yogurt and cheese made from local milk, and developing dietary supplements based on mushrooms.

Regarding energy security and environmental sustainability, some theses explore the optimization of biological treatment of refinery effluents, the design of microbial fuel cells, and the development of an integrated biotechnological system for the sustainable treatment of complex industrial effluents. These projects contribute to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

In the realm of citizen health, theses aimed at developing healthy, high-quality foods, such as yogurt and cheese made from local milk, as well as dietary supplements based on mushrooms, play a crucial role. Additionally, studying lactic acid bacteria that inhibit pathogenic germs in dairy production directly contributes to food safety and public health.

Moreover, valorizing local natural resources, such as apicultural biotechnology (honey and hive products) and exploiting active biomolecules from actinobacteria and macrofungi derived from olive ecosystems, offers opportunities for developing innovative, high-value products, thus stimulating the local economy.

Finally, these interdisciplinary theses foster innovation and the transfer of technologies to the industrial sector, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development and the creation of skilled jobs.

Research projects related to doctoral training

03

Number of teaching places offered to foreign students

03