Sorina Adam. The Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Cluj-Napoca, România)
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Anca Baniță. Communication Specialist, Trainer & Coach, co-founder Let’s Do It Romania!
Anca Baniță is a communication specialist, trainer, and coach with over 15 years of experience in strategic communication, personal branding and community building.
She is the co-founder of Let’s Do It, Romania!, one of the largest civic movements in Romania, where she played a key role in developing a national campaign that mobilized over 2.6 million volunteers and brought together NGOs, public authorities, companies, media and opinion leaders around a shared cause.
In parallel, she delivers personal branding courses and workshops attended by over 700 professionals. She works with entrepreneurs, specialists, and leaders to clarify their positioning, communicate more authentically and build personal brands that are credible, relevant and memorable.
Her approach combines strategic rigor with authenticity, offering practical, actionable tools to increase visibility, influence and professional impact.
Rareș Candrea. The Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Cluj-Napoca, România)
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Carmen Chifiriuc, PhD., Professor of Microbiology and Immunology. The University of Bucharest, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies and Biology, Vice-rector for Research. Corresponding member of the Romanian Academy (România).
Dr. Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc begun her research career in 1997, as a biologist in the Vibrio laboratory of Cantacuzino Institute, Bucharest, Romania. She was a fellow of the International Network of Pasteur Institutes of Paris and Bangui.
From 2001 to 2009, she was the National Data Manager for Romania, within the European Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS). In 2003 she started her teaching career at the University of Bucharest, where she is currently Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, PhD supervisor in the field of Biology, coordinator of the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest and Vice-Rector for Research. She was the principal investigator / key member of > 25 and a team member in > 50 national and international research projects. She has published > 500 papers, 15 books, 45 book chapters and holds 14 patents.
Dr. Chifiriuc’s research directions focus on investigation of virulence and antibiotic resistance in the clinical and environmental reservoirs; host-infectious agents crosstalk; the roles of human microbiota in various pathologies and of anti-infective immunity; development of rapid microbiological diagnosis methods and development and evaluation of new antimicrobial strategies, with applications in the biomedical field and in ecology.
Agata Chmurzynska, ME, PhD. Professor, Poznan University of Life Sciences (Poland).
Agata Chmurzyńska works within the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Poznan University of Life Sciences.
She is a professor of medical and health sciences, with PhD in Genetics (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan).
Board member of the Poznan branch of the Polish Society of Nutritional Sciences. Member of the Board of Directors of the International Society of Nutrigenetics & Nutrigenomics. Member of the Human Nutrition Committee and the Committee for Food and Nutrition Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences. Member of the scientific council of the Polish Federation of Food Industry. Chair of the Ethics Committee and chair of the Teaching Quality Committee for dietetics studies, Poznan University of Life Sciences. Founder of the Molecular Metabolism Laboratory.
Principal investigator in several scientific projects, recipient of national grants. Research interests: determination of body mass and lipid metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, fetal programming, taste and food choices, nutrigenetics.
Dana-Maria Copolovici, Ph.D. The Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad (România)
Dana-Maria Copolovici is a tenured professor whose interdisciplinary research integrates chemistry, biology, food science, environmental, and biomedical sciences.
She has authored 71 Web of Science-indexed publications, has one international patent, three books, and multiple book chapters and other scientific papers.
She is actively involved in research leadership, editorial activity, and national and international academic networks.
Mihai Covasa, PhD. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont University, Nashville, TN, USA; Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, România; Vice President, Romanian Society for Nutritional Sciences (România)
Dr. Covașă is a specialist in Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Physiology, with doctoral training in Physiology and Nutrition from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, and postdoctoral training in Neuroscience at Washington State University, USA.
He has held academic and research positions at Washington State University and Pennsylvania State University, and served as Director of Research in the Human Nutrition Division at the Micalis Institute (INRA, Paris), where he led the Laboratory of Metagenomics and Physiology. He has also served as a PhD supervisor and faculty member at Sorbonne University and AgroParisTech, Paris.
Dr. Covașă has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and delivered more than 150 conference presentations. He serves as a grant reviewer for international funding agencies and as an editor and reviewer for multiple scientific journals.
His research focuses on the gut–brain–microbiota axis and its role in ingestive behavior, with implications for obesity and metabolic diseases. He has led multiple research projects, including studies on microbiota in type 2 diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Romania. He also established the Metagenomics Laboratory at “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava.
He currently serves as Professor of Physiology at Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Belmont University, USA and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences at “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava.
Daniela Cîrnațu, MD, PhD, Western University “Vasile Goldiş”, Arad (Romania)
She graduated from UMF Victor Babeș in Timișoara (1999). She is a primary health care physician from 2011, doctor of medicine (2012) with a doctoral thesis in the field of medicine – the topic “Research on the food safety of the use of genetically modified organisms in the feed of broilers”, at the University of West Vasile Goldiș in Arad, specialization in food safety at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest in 2008. Currently, she is the head of the Hygiene discipline at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of West Vasile Goldiș in Arad. Dr. Cîrnațu is also the resident coordinator for the “Hygiene” specialization in the Arad University Center. Since 2020, she has been a primary care physician at the National Institute of Public Health – Timișoara Regional Public Health Center. After 18 years of professional experience in the field of public health and food safety (of which 7 years in the Arad Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Directorate, and 8 years in the Arad Public Health Directorate) she is particularly focused on food supplements and foods with added vitamins and minerals. Dr. Cîrnațu is currently a member of the Hygiene Consultative Commission of the Ministry of Health and the secretary of the Hygiene Commission of the Romanian College of Physicians.
Denisa Eglantina Duță, PhD. National Institute of Research and Development for Food Bioresources IBA (Bucharest, Romania)
Denisa Duță is Scientific Director at IBA, and corresponding member of The Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (ASAS). She has 30 years’ experience in food technologies.
Her research focuses on the development of new healthy food products, investigating the health benefits of bioactive
compounds, valorizing by-products, and linking food science and technology with nutritional sciences and consumer preferences.
Laura Gavrilaș, PhD, RD. The Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Cluj-Napoca, România)
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Anca Ignat-Sâncrăian, RD, Casa Ignat (Romania)
Anca-Ignat Sâncrăian is a registered dietitian from Cluj-Napoca and a member of the first generation of dietitians in Romania. After graduating from The “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (class of 2011), she embarked on an extensive career in the field of nutrition. With over 6,000 hours of nutritional counselling experience, Anca specializes in addressing metabolic, digestive, oncological, and neurological disorders.
In addition to her counselling services, Anca has delivered over 100 conferences and webinars and developed a variety of programs aimed at both individuals and groups. Notable initiatives include the “10-10” (a 10-week group educational weight loss program for overweight and obese patients), “Applied Nutrition” (a one-on-one personalized nutritional therapy program), “Nutrition For All”, formely “Sufletrit” (a free public program that feature Q&As in the field of nutrition). She has also offered internship opportunities for students in the field. In 2016, Anca developed and notified a food supplement called “Brain Proficiency”, aimed at enhancing intellectual capacities.
What sets Anca apart in her practice is her personalized approach, using advanced tools such as nutrigenetic and microbiome testing, combined with a multidisciplinary perspective. As a dedicated professional, she has participated in various congresses and conferences, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the field of nutrition and ensuring continuous education.
Anca holds certifications from various institutions such as University of Melbourne, Monash University, Biogena, ISNN, The American Nutrition Association, and Advanced Nutrigenomics. She is SCOPE Certified (Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education, European Association for the Study of Obesity – EASO).
Petru Jitaru, MSc, PhD. Head of unit the Trace elements and nanomaterials of the Laboratory for food safety, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES, France)
Petru is a chemist with extensive experience in environmental and analytical chemistry. Since January 2016, he is the Head of the Trace Elements and nanomaterials unit at the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) in France, where he leads research on trace elements & nanoparticles and their impact on health and the environment.
His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Physics (1991–1996) and a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry (1996–1997) from the University “Al. I. Cuza” in Iasi, Romania. He obtained his Ph.D. in Sciences from the University of Antwerp, Belgium (2000–2004), focusing on ultra-trace mercury speciation in environmental systems. In 2021, he obtained his HDR (Accreditation to Supervise Research) with a thesis on elemental trace speciation in environmental, bio-inorganic, and food chemistry.
Petru has held teaching and research positions across Europe, including associate professorships at the University “Al. I. Cuza” and the Institut LaSalle Beauvais (France), and postdoctoral roles at the Institute for the Dynamics of Environmental Processes in Venice and the National Metrology Laboratory in Paris.
His work combines academic research, public health expertise, and scientific leadership in trace element analysis.
Andrei Lobiuc, PhD, Professor of Biology and Vice Dean for Research. Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, România.
Dr. Andrei Lobiuc is a researcher and professor at the “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, with a primary background in molecular biology and biochemistry. His work centers on the intersection of human microbiota, clinical nutrition, and metabolic health, investigating how dietary factors and environmental exposures shape microbial ecosystems.
Within the field of nutritional sciences, Dr. Lobiuc’s research examines diet-microbiota interactions and the use of salivary and intestinal biomarkers to assess nutritional status. His work analyzes how specific dietary components and probiotics modulate the gut microbiome and, consequently, impact systemic health. Recent publications focus on the antioxidant mechanisms of probiotics in inflammation-associated conditions, and the role of gut microbiota in mediating or mitigating the toxicological effects of heavy metal exposure. His research also addresses clinical and therapeutic approaches to microbiome modulation. Furthermore, his translational research evaluates microbial dysbiosis in prolonged systemic inflammatory states, documenting the gut and oral microbiota’s involvement in conditions like Long COVID-19 and ankylosing spondylitis.
Dr. Lobiuc has co-authored over 70 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, maintaining a focus on applied biochemistry, host-microbiome interactions, and molecular pathology. He currently directs and collaborates on multiple funded research grants that integrate molecular diagnostics, microbiome surveillance, and the environmental factors impacting human health.
Maria Mareși, RD. Casa Ignat pentru Sănătate (România)
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Irina Mateieș, MD, RD, Amethyst Radiotherapy Center Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
Dr. Mateies is a family medicine physician who graduated from UMF Târgu Mureș in 2005. She is also a registered dietitian, having earned her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from UMF Cluj-Napoca in 2012.
For the past decade, she has been working at Amethyst Radiotherapy Cancer Center in the Department of Oncology Nutrition. Her primary focus is supporting cancer patients in managing the nutritional side effects of oncology treatments, addressing malnutrition, and dispelling the many pervasive myths surrounding cancer nutrition.
In addition to her role at Amethyst Clinic, Dr. Mateies has conducted oncology nutrition courses for healthcare professionals and cancer patients. She has collaborated with non-profit organizations to provide nutritional education to a broader audience of cancer patients and their families. Furthermore, she has developed a blog and a YouTube channel to offer Romanian cancer patients free access to accurate nutritional information in their native language. She is also dedicated to mentoring dietetics students who are interested in pursuing a career in oncology nutrition.
Irina Mătran, PhD, Eng, MS. The George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology (Târgu-Mureș, România)
Irina Matran is tenured associate professor in the Community Nutrition and Food Hygiene Discipline.
With 18 years of experience in the food industry, Irina has specialized in research and development, technology and technical quality control of food, food safety (implementation and certification of the integrated system), risk management and information security, nutrivigilance, research projects, and projects that include the construction of industrial buildings and their reception with the responsible authorities, and the provision of equipment.
From a research point of view, Irina has developed technologies or products (foods for special nutritional conditions), such as: prevention of gastroesophageal reflux disease and dental erosions, prevention/improvement of chronic constipation, treatment of anal fissures, prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, anti-inflammatory foods, foods for emergency situations (for the general population and the military), and foods for astronauts or people who will go on space trips.
Irina was Partner P1 Responsible in a project related to Technological Transfer of Industrial Property, in partnership with the “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj and funded by UEFSCDI. She is currently Project Director of a Collective Research Grant funded by the “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology in Targu Mures, and is a member of 5 national, bilateral and international projects. She was also a member of another international project and submitted as Project Director, a number of two research projects funded by the University of Targu Mures, where she obtained scores of 83 and 85 points, two national projects for which she received scores of 75 and 48.8 points. As a project member, she submitted a national project for which she received 78 points.
Irina was awarded the 3rd Prize for Research in Digestive Pathology, poster section, at the National Congress of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Endoscopy in 2017 and the 2nd Prize for E-poster: Nutrivigilance in gastroenterology, at the National Congress of Neurogastroenterology in 2022.
Irina is also the main inventor of two Invention Patents and eight Invention Patent Applications. These were awarded Gold/Silver/Bronze Medals at International Invention Fairs in the country (e.g. Euroinvent and Inventica in Iasi, Proinvent in Cluj, “Traian Vuia” in Timisoara, Inventcor in Deva) between 2018 and 2025, as well as at Invention Fairs abroad (e.g. KIWIE – International Women’s Invention Fair, South Korea in 2020 and AsianInvent Singapore IPITEx in 2021).
Starting with 2023, Irina mentored eight students in Bachelor’s or Dissertation Theses. Of this number, 3 Bachelor’s Theses were completed with Invention Patent Applications. She was also a Mentor of two students who submitted Research Initiation Grants. A student won a Grant in 2004, after which they published a scientific article indexed BDI together, funded by the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” in Targu Mures, within the JRA – Junior Researchers Academy. The second student obtained 76 points. Also under Irina’s Mentorship, following their participation in the Marisiensis Congress in 2024 and 2025, they were awarded the 2nd and 1st Prizes.
Monica Neagu, Eng, Director, Directorate for Food Safety of Non-Animal Origin, The National Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Authority – ANSVSA (Romania)
Food Industry Engineer, Director of the Directorate for Food Safety of Non-Animal Origin within the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, with over 20 years of experience in central public administration, working in the field of regulating and implementing the European and national legislative framework on food safety. Monica Neagu serves as the National Contact Point for the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), responsible for coordinating this system at the national level, as well as acting as the contact point for emergencies within the Administrative Assistance and Cooperation System.
She is also the Codex Alimentarius Contact Point for Romania and has coordinated the activities of the working group on food contaminants during the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (2019), presided over coordination meetings in Brussels for formulating and supporting the EU’s position at international plenary meetings.
Eng. Monica Neagu has been a team member and project manager in various projects funded by the European Commission (EC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the areas of crisis management and national food consumption. She is a member of the EFSA Advisory Forum, advising EFSA on scientific matters, activity programs, and their prioritization, particularly regarding the assessment and communication of existing and emerging risks.
Petre Nicolae, PhD. Business Coach, Leadership & Organizational Transformation Expert, CBC Romania.
Petre Nicolae is an expert in business coaching, leadership, and organizational transformation, with over 18 years of experience in leading and developing large-scale companies at both national and international levels.
He has held top management roles in companies such as Coca-Cola, European Drinks, and Interbrands, and currently serves as General Manager of a training and consulting company, where he supports entrepreneurs and leaders in restructuring and strengthening their businesses through validated professional methods and tools.
He holds a PhD in Economics, is a certified business coach and a specialist in the PRP® (People Reconstruction Process) methodology, being recognized for his in-depth approach to personal and professional reconstruction of leaders and organizations.
Throughout his career, he has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, managers, and executive teams, contributing to performance growth, decision-making clarity, and the development of strong and sustainable leadership structures.
In his presentation, he approaches mindset as an internal operating system that directly influences success or failure, daily decisions, the quality of relationships and the level of performance in both business and life.
Mihai Niculescu, MD, PhD, Advanced Nutrigenomics (U.S.A.). Honorary President of The Society for Nutritional Sciences (Romania)
Dr. Mihai Niculescu is an expert in nutrigenetics and nutritional epigenetics. Between 2008 and 2015, having his own laboratory at the Nutrition Research Institute (UNC Chapel Hill), his scientific activity focused on the relationship between nutrients and the genetic and epigenetic terrain, as well as the impact that nutrition has on epigenetic inheritance (epigenetic transgenerational inheritance). In 2015 Dr. Niculescu founded the company Advanced Nutrigenomics. In 2016, he became director of the NUTRIGEN project within UMF Timișoara, financed with 2 million euros from the European Union, through the Romanian government.
His current research activity is focused on the role of genetic variations in nutrition, within the Romanian population, and in the implementation of precision nutrition.
He is the Honorary President of The Society for Nutritional Sciences (Romania).
Andreea Nițescu, RD, MSc. VEXA Health Ltd. (London, UK)
Andreea Nițescu is a UK-registered dietitian and molecular biologist with a professional focus on personalized and precision nutrition, gut microbiome science, and data-driven dietary interventions.
She completed her training in Nutrition and Dietetics at “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca and holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from Staffordshire University, UK. She is a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the British Society for Research on Aging (BSRA).
Her work integrates clinical dietetic practice with the analysis and interpretation of complex biological data, including gut microbiome metagenomics, genetic testing, functional laboratory assessments, and metabolic biomarkers. She applies precision nutrition approaches to support patients across a range of metabolic and chronic health conditions, translating multi-layered biological insights into personalized dietary and lifestyle strategies.
Her research interests include interventions targeting lifespan extension, host–microbiome–environment interactions, and metabolic health. She currently works in the United Kingdom and is the founder of VEXA, a company focused on precision nutrition and longevity.
Maria Plăiaș, AFMHC. Maria Plăiaș Nutrition (Ireland)
Maria Plăiaș is a certified Nutritional Therapist and Advanced Functional Medicine Practitioner with extensive training in nutritional therapy, functional medicine, nutrigenomics, and functional immunology. She completed a 3.5-year Nutritional Therapy program at the International Institute for Nutrition and Health (Ireland) and has pursued advanced postgraduate education in functional medicine through the Kharrazian Institute, alongside multiple clinical trainings in gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmunity, microbiome health, and nutrigenomics.
Her clinical work focuses on identifying the root causes of chronic health conditions through a personalized, systems-based approach that integrates nutrition, lifestyle, environmental factors, and functional testing. Nutritional therapy in her practice includes detailed case history assessment, targeted laboratory investigations, and individualized dietary and supplement protocols designed to support long-term health and recovery.
Maria Plăiaș works primarily with complex and chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disturbances, using a functional medicine model that emphasizes collaboration with the client and a comprehensive understanding of biological, psychological, and environmental influences on health.
Her approach combines nutritional therapy, functional medicine, and trauma-informed perspectives, aiming to help patients regain physiological balance and improve quality of life through personalized, science-based interventions.
Oana Lelia Pop, Phd, Eng. Faculty of Food Science and Technology (USAMV Cluj-Napoca, România)
Oana Lelia Pop is associate professor and Vice-Dean for Research, Development and Innovation at USAMV in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
She has over 14 years of academic and research experience in the fields of food biotechnology and nanotechnology, with a focus on micro- and nanoencapsulation, delivery systems for probiotics and prebiotics, spray drying, simulated gastrointestinal models, antimicrobial activity, and the use of various biopolymers and biomaterials.
Her scientific activity includes over 15 book chapters published by international publishers, participation in more than 9 national and international research projects, and recognition through over 50 awards, including Gold Medals and Excellence Diplomas at the International Exhibition of Research, Innovation and Inventions PRO INVENT (2015–2025).
She has an h-index of 28 (Web of Science) and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Bulletin of USAMV Food Science and Technology, an internationally indexed journal.
Cătălina Poplicean, RD. Custom Nutrition, Center For Life Extension (România)
Cătălina Poplicean is a registered dietitian. She graduated in “Nutrition and Dietetics” from The Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timișoara in 2023. Her areas of interest include precision nutrition, nutrigenetics with a focus on evidence-based nutritional interventions in a wide range of pathologies, and improving quality of life through individualized, data-driven nutritional strategies and lifestyle optimization.
With more than a decade of prior experience in software engineering—during which she developed complex projects across multiple domains (financial, educational, and probabilistic modeling)—Cătălina Poplicean transitioned toward the study of nutritional sciences. She integrates her technical expertise and strong data analysis skills into understanding biological and nutritional mechanisms.
She is a founding member of The Society for Nutritional Sciences (Romania) and a member of School of Health, the largest health education program in Romania.
Sonia A. Socaci, MSc, PhD. Faculty of Food Science and Technology (USAMV Cluj-Napoca, România)
Sonia A. Socaci is a tenured professor at The USAMV Cluj-Napoca. She specializes in food biotechnologies, food chemistry, and waste valorization.
With extensive research experience, she serves as Head of Food Quality and Safety Research Laboratory, coordinating numerous national and international projects.
Her academic portfolio includes over 150 ISI scientific papers, and international book chapters. She is actively involved in international collaborations, editorial activities, and the advancement of sustainable food systems.
Andreea Spiridon, BSF. CEO, Center for Life Extension (România).
Andreea Spiridon is an entrepreneur, consultant and business advisor in the field of wellbeing and longevity, with over 17 years of experience in systems implementation, strategic positioning and professional education.
With a background in economics and an early career in media, she combines analytical thinking with advanced communication skills, having contributed to the training and development of hundreds of professionals to date.
Currently she is actively involved in business consulting and strategic repositioning for clinics and specialists that aim to adapt to emerging market trends and new client profiles.
Her work focuses on the intersection of science, technology and human behavior, with a particular interest in how digitalization, artificial intelligence and hyper-personalization are reshaping the relationship between professionals and their clients.
Daniela Stoian, MSc, PhD. CEO at Shape Divine Center (România)
With more than 20 years of experience in the research field of nutrition, microbiology and biotechnology, Daniela Stoian is deeply interested not only in science studies, but also in relaying the scientific messages to the public, through her video podcast series.
Daniela became a forensics expert in 2003 and she had researched bioterrorism, with focus on theoretical and practical aspects of bio-weapons and pathogenic agents on the human body. In 2007 she obtained her master degree in genetic sciences at The Biology Faculty, Bucharest University, Romania, with the thesis “Association of MTHFR gene polymorphism C677T with diabetes and its complications”. She obtained her PhD in criminal law in The Al. I. Cuza Police Academy, Bucharest, Romania, with the thesis “Penal treatment of genetic manipulation with negative effects”, foccusing on genetic manipulation and the effects of genetically modified microorganisms, toxins and biochemicals on the human body.
Within the Genetics National Institute, Daniela Stoian participated in studies and other various academic activities, publishing several articles on topics such as MTHFR, VEGF, LECAM1, TGFB1 gene polymorphisms and the risk of chronic renal failure with diabetes and its complications in diabetic and non-diabetic patients; MTHFR polymorphism influence in rectal cancer patients treated with Irinotecan; other studies on genetic polymorphisms in humans population: Lecam, Perlecam, MTHFR, ACE ID., and in other scientific projects & articles with main interest in permanent development of human nutrition from the perspective of genetics.
Carmina Mariana Stroia, PhD. Founder & Lead Scientist, CSBN Precision Health & Longevity (România)
Dr. Stroia is a nutrigeneticist specializing in Precision Nutrition, with research interests spanning nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, and gut microbiome science. She is the Founder and Lead Scientist of the CSBN Precision Health & Longevity research platform in Romania.
Dr. Stroia holds a PhD in Nutrigenetics and authored one of the first doctoral theses in Romania, integrating a multi-omics approach to personalized nutrition.
Her research focuses on genetic testing and the interpretation of gene–nutrient interactions. Her current work explores how genetic variability influences nutritional responses through multi-omics approaches integrating nutrigenetics, epigenetics, and gut microbiome analysis, with particular emphasis on genetic polymorphisms, gut microbiome architecture, and host–microbiome interactions involved in metabolic and inflammatory pathways.
Dr. Stroia was awarded First Prize for Young Scientist at international scientific congresses in Dubai for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025).
She holds Master’s degrees in Molecular Biotechnology and Clinical and Community Nutrition, and has extensive experience in clinical laboratory diagnostics as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist specialized in hematology.
Ramona Suharoschi, MD, PhD. Faculty of Food Science and Technology (USAMV Cluj-Napoca, România)
Ramona Suharoschi is a tenured professor whose research sits at the intersection of molecular nutrition, functional food science, and omics technologies. She applies transcriptomics, proteomics, and metaproteomics to investigate bioactive compounds, microbial diversity, and their role in human health — from gut microbiota modulation and probiotic encapsulation to the discovery of novel enzymes from underexplored microbial ecosystems.
A strong thread across her work is the valorization of agri-food side streams and local biodiversity as sources of functional bioactives, prebiotics, and sustainable ingredients.
Her interdisciplinary approach bridges food safety, nutrigenomics, and circular bioeconomy, with applications spanning personalized nutrition, edible coatings, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and cancer biomarker discovery.
Monica Sânpălean, RD. IntegraViva Medical Centre (România)
Monica Sânpălean is a registered dietitian from Târgu-Mureș, a graduate of the first generation of dietitians in Romania, with 13 years of experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics. She is co-founder of the multidisciplinary education program EduHub by IntegraViva and co-owner of the IntegraViva Medical Centre in Târgu-Mureș, where she coordinates nutrition programs, internships, and round tables for physicians and dietitians. Over the years, she has delivered lectures and presentations at
dozens of conferences and workshops aimed at both specialists and the general public. Specializing in working with adults, children and adolescents dealing with overweight, obesity and eating disorders, she advocates for the importance of nutritional intervention as part of a multidisciplinary approach.
Nicoleta Tupiță, MS, RD, Nestlé (Romania)
She graduated in “Nutrition and Dietetics” at UMF Cluj-Napoca, and obtained her master’s degree in “Sports Nutrition” at the University of Valencia. SHe subsequently followed several specialization courses in sports nutrition and in communication. She believes that nutritional education can save lives and has coordinated several initiatives in the field in Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Serbia. With over 10 years of experience in nutrition, Nicoleta Tupiță is the co-author of three nutrition books. Currently, she is the “Nutrition and Internal Communication” manager within Nestlé Romania, Bulgaria and the Adriatic Countries, where she is responsible for the internal coordination of two school nutrition projects (in partnership with the founding NGOs) that have reached over 400,000 children in Romania. Nicoleta also coordinated the development and launch of NutriPortia and VeggiePortia in 4 countries (Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria and Croatia), two guidelines for balanced family meals that in Romania alone reached more than 2 million parents through communication campaigns.
Dan Vodnar, MS, PhD. President of the Senate and professor, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
Dan Vodnar has been mostly involved within the fields of fermentation, immobilization of different strains using methods which are able to provide information about strains metabolites into different conditions. The research activity conducted so far resulted in the publication of a total of 161 scientific articles in representative ISI journals in the field, with a Hirsh index of 26 according to the web of science (approx. 2100 citations). More, the project leader received international recognition being awarded in 2014 with “Danubius Young Scientist Award” Vienna, Austria, for his international visibility and scientific achievements. In 2015 Dan Vodnar has been selected as semifinalist at the European Social Innovation Competition (30 semifinalists from 1408 application across Europe). Dan Vodnar is experienced in managing National projects (principal investigator of 4 innovation projects PNII and one Partnership Project PNII) and two academic grants (fermentative bioconversion, microencapsulation), one international project (JPI), scientific manager of the POC project. Dan Vodnar (http://danvodnar.objectis.net/) is the main author of 5 patents awarded with 7 Gold Medals and one bronze Medal at International Exposition of Inventors Proinvent 2013-2016. In 2014 he has been nominated in Top 100 “Romanians peoples”- Foreign Policy România for research activities. In 2015 he was awarded Technology and Innovation Award, by Aspen Institute Romania and also awarded the excellence diploma at “Young Researchers in Science and Technology competition. Professor Vodnar was awarded Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Invention, Geneva, in 2017. In 2018, professor Dan Vodnar was nominated as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons” from Romania.
Maria Vrânceanu, PhD. Lifestyle and Antiaging Medicine (România)
Maria Vrânceanu is a specialist in molecular biology with expertise in nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, and personalized nutrition, with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca. Her doctoral research focused on the genetics of obesity and personalized weight management, using a nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic approach to prevent and manage metabolic diseases.
She graduated from the Faculty of Biology at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iași (Romania) and later completed a Master’s Degree in Nutrigenomics at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. She also graduated from the Faculty of Human Nutrition Sciences at the University of Florence (Italy), and completed postgraduate studies in nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, and nutraceuticals at the University of Florence. In 2018, she graduated from the School of Preventive, Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine in Milan and obtained ILSA accreditation in Longevity Biology.
Her academic training is complemented by over 15 internationally recognized courses at Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Melbourne in genomics, epigenetics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
She has over 30 years of experience in the health sector, including more than 15 years in senior leadership and project management roles, managing multi-country and multidisciplinary teams and coordinating complex international health and genomics projects. She is currently the CEO of Eva Precision Nutrition, where she develops and implements personalized nutrition and nutrigenetic programs focused on the prevention and management of chronic diseases.
Her work focuses on the integration of nutrigenetics, microbiome research, and metabolomics into clinical practice, with a particular interest in inflammation, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular risk prevention through personalized medicine.
More speakers will be announced soon.