• Location 

Pisa, Italy 

  • Organization Profile  

Knowledge Research Center 

  • Organisation Information 

The University of Pisa (UNIPI) is one of the most renowned educational institutions in Italy, comprising 20 departments and high-level research centres in various sectors.  

FOLOU project will be supported by the Pisa Agricultural Economics (PAGE) group, which is a group of researchers from three different departments of the University of Pisa. Within it, we share an interest in socio-economic research in agriculture, food and rural development. We also collaborate in various research, teaching and outreach activities. The members of the research unit have an excellent track record in leading and coordinating complex international projects.  

Prof. Gianluca Brunori from UNIPI possesses extensive experience in EU and national project management, recognised in the international research scene. He has coordinated the TRUC project (FP5), served as the scientific coordinator of the successful GLAMUR project (FP7), was the coordinator of the DESIRA project (H2020), currently coordinates the CODECS project (HE), has participated as Principal Investigator in 18 EU projects, and holds the same role in other active projects.  

UNIPI expertise in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Sciences includes Farm Management, Socio-ecological Systems, Process Modelling, Environmental, Economic and Social Assessment, System Dynamics, Multicriteria Assessment, Policy Analysis, Policy Design, and ICT. Additionally, it has significant experience in conducting participatory and action-research. Through its integration into local communities and national networks, UNIPI effectively engages local stakeholders in its projects.  

Consequently, UNIPI generally undertakes tasks such as coordination, conceptualisation and methodology development, analysis and reporting, facilitation, and DECO activities.  

Through our research, and related higher education and advisory work, we support the transition to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. Our vision is based on an intimate understanding of the   

– multidimensionality of agriculture and food;   

– diversity of social needs; and   

– existing societal challenges.   

We take a problem-based approach, linking these different spheres in a social and ecological systems perspective, and building on multiple theories. We use various qualitative and quantitative research methods and collaborate with researchers from a wide range of disciplines. Already for some time, we have transcended academia to do research with actors in policy and practice. Over time, we have learnt how to meaningfully engage with the actors ‘in the field’ and ‘co-design’ and ‘co-innovate’. In all our work, we follow the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation.   

  • Drivers for participating in the FOLOU TWRP 

– To learn a methodology for food loss quantification 

– To have an exchange with other experts working on the topic 

– To receive support in understanding food loss drivers and to quantify food loss in the first stages of food production.  

  • Relevant Links: 

https://page.agr.unipi.it