The main objective of REP-EAT is to build up a new and innovative research and training doctoral programme (DP) in the interdisciplinary domain of food and healthy diet to deepen the impact of food quality on reproductive Health (REP) and eating disorders (EAT). In compliance with the concept of “One Health”, REP-EAT DP will focus on the effect of diet determinants on both humans and animals thus implying a strict integration amongst food and life science research advances. REP-EAT is aimed at training a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs). The DP will rely on the joint efforts of qualified tutors involved in three pre-existing doctoral courses in Biotechnology, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine of the beneficiary institution, UniTE. REP-EAT is further strengthened by the partnership (9 EU and 2 USA academic and 23 EU non-academic partners) with qualified complementary groups that have fruitfully interacted in previous successful training and research programmes of UniTE. ESRs can undertake an independent and personalized training and research career development plans to be awarded a European double PhD degree from European University partners. ESRs will be exposed to research and entrepreneurial sectors in each phase of the DP (from selection to mentoring, training, research secondment and dissemination activities) to achieve a wide set of technical and transferable skills required to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit, to build up their future career perspectives. The regional authority, Abruzzo Region, will provide cofunding support consistently with the regional Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) using ESIF funds, in order to foster the development of qualified human resources in Agro-food area, a leading sector of regional economy in needs of continuous innovation in order to compete in the global market.

Biobanking under liquid nitrogen (LN) has satisfactory efficiency but it comes with many drawbacks (e.g. expensive, high carbon footprint, need dedicated facilities, trained personnel, and continuous monitoring and LN supply). Searching Nature for alternatives, long-term preservation there is done by drying rather than freezing. To date, however, mammalian cells do not survive the drying process. Even so, if somatic cells genetic and epigenetic load is maintained, drying can find an important role in biobanking, a fast growing global industry. We aim to elucidate the effects of drying on DNA structure and function, crucial aspects of long-term biobanking not investigated yet, using fibroblast as a model cell, and combining advanced freezing and drying techniques with state-of-the-art Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and latest genomic technologies. The expected outcomes are definitive data on effects of drying on genomic stability/function, and possible discovery of a protocol to protect the epi/genetic load during cell drying. The crossing between the Researcher’s scientific interest and experience in sperm biology, andrology, cryobiology and drying and the Supervisor’s expertise in embryology and SCNT creates an attractive and very solid background for this proposal, with mutual benefit to both Host and Researcher. While strengthening the Supervisor’s laboratory with his expertise, the Researcher will enhance his creative potential and further develop his interdisciplinary and communication skills by learning SCNT and whole genome analysis as well as mentoring students, participating in conferences, and communicating research results to targeted audiences (scientists, general public, students, stakeholders, policymakers), thus enhancing his scientific profile. This proposal is the perfect stepping stone for the Researcher to become an independent scientist and an expert in desiccation for biobanking, while contributing a competitive advantage to the Host.