Research Unit of Food Science and Human Nutrition

The Institute of Food Science was established in 1971. Until 1986 it carried out its research and clinical activities in premises located at the S. Gallicano Hospital, Via della Lungaretta 60, Rome; from the academic year 1986–87 to the present day the Institute has been located on the ground floor of the Edificio di Fisiologia umana – Chimica biologica (Human Physiology – Biochemistry building). From 1971 to 1986 it was directed by Prof. Luigi Travia, and from 1987 to 2006 by Prof. Carlo Cannela.
In 2006 the Institute was incorporated into the Department of Medical Pathophysiology as the Section of Food Science. In 2010 it became the Research Unit of Food Science and Human Nutrition of the Department of Experimental Medicine (Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology).
The Research Unit is currently based in the Human Physiology – Biochemistry building, within Sapienza University’s Città Universitaria campus.
The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Dietetics (1st cycle course) and the Specialization School in Food Science and Human Nutrition are both hosted by the Section of Food Science.
A library dedicated to Food Science is present, with material (books and journals) focused on nutrients and foods, metabolism, body composition, nutritional status, clinical nutrition, and diet therapy.
Research activities focus in particular on nutrients and foods, nutritional epidemiological investigations, nutrition education, nutritional status, eating behavior, malnutrition (overnutrition and undernutrition), and collective catering (institutional food service).
The Unit also organizes and participates in congresses, seminars, and public outreach events.
Research and/or teaching activities of the Institute are carried out in collaboration with important national and international Institutions operating in the field of nutrition.