On 23 March 2026, Mara Antonia Gagliano successfully defended her doctoral thesis at the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna in Cesena, entitled “Combining analytical approach to evaluate and characterize the quality of foods of animal origin”. The PhD study was funded by the INTAQT project and was conducted under the supervision of Professor Enrico Valli (supervisor) and Professors Francesca Soglia and Francesca Patrignani (co-supervisors).

The aim of the thesis was to evaluate the quality traits of different foods of animal origin from different farming systems and considering both intrinsic and extrinsic quality. A multi-analytical approach was adopted, integrating instrumental, sensory, and microbiological analyses to support evidence-based decision-making for policymakers, industry stakeholders, farmers, and consumers, in line with the “One Quality” concept.

The research was structured into 4 case studies focusing on different food matrices: beef, UHT milk, and two Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano and Torta del Casar. The work emphasised the need for a product-specific, processing-aware, and question-driven integration of methods. Across the different case studies, the objective was not to apply multiple techniques but understand how method selection and integration should be adapted to the biological characteristics of each product, the level of processing, and the specific quality question being addressed. Instrumental analyses were used to identify measurable intrinsic differences, while descriptive sensory methods translated these into perceptual attributes. Consumer tests assessed their relevance, and, where appropriate, emotional and informational analyses clarified the role of extrinsic drivers.

The overall contribution of this research demonstrates that effective evaluation of food quality must be adaptive, proportionate to biological variability and technological transformation, and aligned with the intended application, whether related to grading systems, product differentiation, authentication, or consumer communication. For foods of animal origin, which are strongly linked to farming systems and characterised by varying degrees of processing, an integrative approach is essential to bridge primary production practices and quality as ultimately perceived by the consumer, thereby supporting a more transparent and value-oriented agri-food system. The research has resulted in three published articles, with future submissions on dairy product quality and beef in open access journals. The methodologies and findings are already being implemented by INTAQT consortium members within Work Package 3 (WP3).

PhD defence of Mara Antonia Gagliano at the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Cesena) | 23 March 2026.