western Sicily, Italy

MEDEA - MEditerranean diet, bioDivErsity and functionAl food

The MEDEA Summer School is designed to embark on a cultural, scientific, and sensory exploration across Sicily. Through lectures and field surveys, participants will delve into the cultivation, processing, and tasting of Mediterranean diet, all sourced from organic farming. The program will cover a variety of themes including wine, oil, salt, cheese, fish, and legumes production and transformation offering insights through visits to local producers. Lectures by university professors and industry professionals will provide a contemporary interpretation of how Italy's premium products have been fundamental to the Mediterranean diet. From their molecular and functional properties, through modern integrated cultivation and breeding methods, Mediterranean foods are today promoted as healthy and functional, supporting a quality lifestyle. By uniting diverse experts, the course aims to offer a comprehensive view, blending theory, practical experience, and hands-on practice. MEDEA aims to give participants the understanding of the importance of local products of the Mediterranean tradition for maintaining biodiversity and their importance as functional foods for our health by interacting with producers and university specialists. Additionally, it will examine the importance of organic farming for environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness, viewed from the perspective of the One Health concept will be explored.

Course leader

Prof. ssa Paola Palestini, UNIMIB - Italy

Target group

Student in Biological and Agricultural Science, Biologist, biotechnologist, professionals in food and agricultural technologies as well as doctor and specialist in nutrition.Student

Students and professionals with different backgrounds will be assessed on the basis of their curriculum.

Course aim

MEDEA aims to give participants the understanding of the importance of local products of the Mediterranean tradition for maintaining biodiversity and their importance as functional foods for our health by interacting with producers and university specialists. Additionally, it will examine the importance of organic farming for environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness, viewed from the perspective of the One Health concept will be explored.

Fee info

EUR 500: THE FEE COVERS ALL COURSE ACTIVITY. LUNCHES AND DINNERS

TRAVEL ACCOMODATION AND OTHER LIVING EXPENSES (es local train to ERICE) ARE NOT INCLUDED