Dr Foteini Pavli is an academic staff member of the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Malta with expertise in Food Science and Food Microbiology. She obtained her BSc in Food Science and Human Nutrition (Integrated MSc) from the Agricultural University of Athens, where she also completed her PhD. Her doctoral research, entitled 'In vitro probiotic attributes of lactic acid bacteria and their spoilage potential in meat products' focused on microbial functionality and food safety. Before joining academia, Dr Pavli gained valuable professional experience in the dairy industry, strengthening her practical knowledge of food production, quality control and product innovation. This industrial background continues to inform her applied research and teaching. She has been actively engaged in several research projects both in Greece and Malta, contributing as a researcher and also serving as a Principal Investigator. Her work has largely centred on probiotic bacteria, functional foods, and non-thermal processing technologies, with an emphasis on bridging laboratory research and real-world applications. She has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, mentoring the next generation of food scientists. In addition, she plays an active role in various initiatives within the university, supporting its mission to advance research, education and community engagement.
HSL5001 - Corporate Social Responsibility in Healthcare
Research Projects as a PI: Project FunPack - 'Functional and bioactive packaging solutions to improve the quality of traditional Maltese cheeselets' is financed by Xjenza Malta through the FUSION: R&I Research Excellence Programme (2023-2025)
Project UltraTech – 'Ultrasound Technology Combined with Other Disinfection Methods to Enhance Food Safety' is financed by Xjenza Malta through the FUSION: R&I Research Excellence Programme(2024-2026)
Awards: EU TalentOn award in 'SOIL DEAL FOR EUROPE' Mission Arena Leiden, The Netherlands, 14-18th September 2022
Memberships: Member of the Malta Chamber of Scientists Member of the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP) Member of ISEKI FOOD ASSOCIATION
MC Member of COST Actions: COST Action CA20128, Promoting Innovation of ferMENTed fOods (PIMENTO) COST Action CA22105, BEekeeping products valorization and biomonitoring for the SAFEty of BEEs and HONEY (BeSafeBeeHoney) COST Action CA24132, Accelerating Innovation and Development of European Microbial Foods (Mic2Food) COST Action CA24145, International Food Techno-functionality - Data (INFOTECH-DATA)
