The research activity is aimed at the qualitative, technological and nutritional enhancement of agri-food products. New knowledge is produced using highly innovative research methods such as the metabolomic approach, which aims to characterise all the possible metabolites produced by the plant (metabolome). The study of the metabolome is oriented towards supporting the production of plants with a positive impact on quality of life and human health.

The research strategies are based on the combined use of cutting edge multiple analytical technologies in order to identify a large number of primary and secondary metabolites simultaneously and with a high level of efficiency and accuracy. The data produced are processed

using bioinformatics and integrated with genomics.

This data-driven approach make it possible to carry out fundamental studies, aimed at a better understanding of plant metabolism and the association between metabolites and genes. The programme thus contributes towards the development of plants and food and encourages the progress of humankind, primarily in the field of nutrition, but also in terms of energy and the environment.

New study methods and applications are developed regarding nutritionally and sensorially significant compounds. This is used to improve our understanding of the impact of diet on human health and for the design of food products with added value.

The division collaborates with national and EC institutions, providing fundamental scientific and technological support.