Food innovationNature-inspired nutrition
Postdoctoral researcher · editor · mentor
Research without borders.
Impact beyond the lab.
I’m Dr. Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh, a food scientist working on functional foods, food safety, sustainable processing and innovation. I connect research with teaching, industry and international collaboration.
Bio Health & nutritionEco Sustainable systemsEd Editorial leadership
Debrecen, Hungary · working globallyScroll to discover ↓
Circular thinkingIdeas shaped together
Sustainable systemsBetter food for all
01 About
Research that moves from the laboratory to real life.
My work sits at the intersection of functional foods, food safety, sustainable processing and product development. I investigate bioactive compounds, bee products, medicinal plants, food packaging and green technologies—with a focus on research that can become useful products and healthier food systems.
Based at the University of Debrecen’s Institute of Food Science, I also teach, supervise students, serve international journals and build research partnerships across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
EHL
Industry-facing research
Food and Well-being Trend Report 2025
Research assistance for EHL Hospitality Business School’s report on food, health, sustainability and the future of hospitality.
FAO · World Food Forum
Reports for a more inclusive food future.
Contributions to international reports connecting youth perspectives, digital innovation and evidence-led agrifood-systems transformation.
Published through FAO and FAO-hosted global initiatives
2024 · Young Scientists Group
Digital technologies for multidimensional youth engagement in agrifood systems transformation
Examining how access, skills and inclusive digital participation can help young people contribute to stronger and more sustainable agrifood systems.
Read the FAO report ↗Global stakeholder contributionIndependent Stakeholders’ Report
A global stakeholder contribution to food-systems dialogue, listing Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh with the University of Debrecen and World Food Forum–FAO.
Open the official report ↗Consulting & advisory work
Turning food-science knowledge into practical strategy.
I contribute as a Food Science Expert with Strategic Alliance Services, supporting knowledge-driven work where research, sustainable agriculture, food innovation and international collaboration meet.
Explore Strategic Alliance Services ↗
SAS
Strategic Alliance ServicesFood Science Expert
The UK-based organisation works across agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare and wellness, connecting organisations with global opportunities and sustainable solutions.
Food innovationSustainable agricultureResearch translationGlobal collaboration
02 Research
Six connected paths to meaningful food innovation.
From molecular insight to applied prototypes, my research connects human health, food quality and sustainability.
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Functional foods
Nutraceuticals, bioactive ingredients and evidence-led product concepts for different life stages.
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Bee products
Biofortified bee feed, green-walnut applications and enhanced functional bee products.
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Sustainable processing
Green extraction, ultrasound and the valorisation of agricultural and food-processing by-products.
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Food safety
Quality, authenticity, contaminants, antimicrobial activity and safer food systems.
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Packaging
Biobased films, nanotechnology and emerging preservation systems for better shelf life.
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AI in food science
AI-supported research, data-informed decisions and digital transformation across food systems.
European research networks
EU Projects
Active participation across COST Actions connecting sustainable foods, circular bioeconomy, data standards and future proteins.
CA24145 · 2025–2029
INFOTECH-DATA
International Food Techno-functionality – Data: harmonising methods and building reusable, open-access food-functionality data.
Core Group · WG1 Co-LeaderOfficial project website ↗ CA24111 · 2025–2029ENFiber
Valorising food-processing waste into sustainable fibres through green extraction, characterisation and product development.
View COST Action ↗ CA24132 · 2025–2029Mic2Food
Accelerating innovation and development of European microbial foods for sustainable protein and food applications.
View COST Action ↗ CA22134 · 2023–2027FoodWaStop
Preventing, quantifying, managing and valorising agrifood loss and waste across the food value chain.
View COST Action ↗ CA22146 · 2023–2027DIVERSICROP
Harnessing underutilised crops to strengthen climate resilience, nutrition and sustainable European food production.
View COST Action ↗03 Work in progress
Research in motion
Current projects and international visits.
Life-stage nutrition prototypes
Developing nutrient-rich food concepts for children, adults, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Green walnut and enhanced bee products
Studying bioactive ingredients, bee-feed strategies and practical routes from laboratory evidence to useful products.
Food by-products and biobased packaging
Exploring green extraction, edible films and the use of agricultural residues in safer, lower-waste food systems.
University of Melbourne
Visiting research activity through the ENFIBRE network, focused on food innovation and international scientific exchange.
CNPEM Visit, Campinas
A visit to CNPEM and the Sirius research infrastructure alongside participation in the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on FoodOmics at UNICAMP.
IMDEA Nutrition, Madrid
International training and knowledge exchange in gut microbiome research and nutrition.
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
Summer training, academic exchange and international learning in food science and sustainable innovation in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Projects and visits can be updated securely through the private website editor.
Innovation & commercialisation
ZingBee
A research-led food innovation venture translating biofortified bee-feed technology and enhanced bee products into practical, market-oriented solutions.
Visit zingbee.eu ↗
BeeLabFieldFoodResearch
to impact
to impact
03 Editorial leadership
Helping shape the scientific conversation.
Editorial service across food, agriculture, nutrition, sustainability and veterinary science—connecting rigorous research with the questions that matter now.
Academic Editor
WILEY
International Journal of Food Science
Academic Editor · Editorial Board
View Wiley editorial board ↗ Journal Editor DG De Gruyter BrillOpen Agriculture
Editor · Food Science
View journal & editorial board ↗ Guest Editor Springer NatureSustainable Food Engineering
Guest Editor · Special Collection
Explore the collection ↗
Foods · MDPI · Special Issue 01
Green and Emerging Technologies for Food Preservation, Packaging, and Safety
Guest Editor with Dr. Harsh Kumar · Deadline: 20 April 2027
View the official Special Issue ↗
Foods · MDPI · Special Issue 02
Microbial Fermentation and Processing for Functional Foods
Guest Editor with Dr. Shubham Mandliya · Deadline: 20 April 2027
View the official Special Issue ↗
in Nutrition
Functional Foods & Type 2 Diabetes
Guest Editor · Research Topic
Explore the special issue ↗
Editorial Board
Academic Editor · Editorial Board Member
View editorial board ↗FNDSFood · Nutrition · Diet ScienceEditorial Board
Editorial Board Member
View the official editorial team ↗
Recent webinar · 8 October 2026
Functional Food: A Way Ahead
Dr. Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh joined the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, New Delhi, as the international speaker for this webinar under Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026.
The session explored functional food and its role in nutrition, health and forward-looking food innovation. The institute operates under the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
View the organizer’s social-media announcement ↗
Past webinar · 22 May 2026
Integrating Technology, Digital Innovation and AI for Inclusive and Youth-Driven Agrifood Systems Transformation
Dr. Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh participated as a speaker in this international webinar with the 4Better Global Coalition and Edukasa, Indonesia.
The discussion focused on technology, digital innovation and AI in inclusive agrifood systems, with an emphasis on youth participation. The event brought together international speakers in the context of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
View the LinkedIn announcement ↗
Past webinar · 27 September 2025
Settling into PhD life in Hungary
Dr. Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh joined the DOSZ Webinar Series as a speaker and DOSZ Ambassador for India for “How to settle down as PhD students in Hungary?”
The online session focused on settling into life as a doctoral student in Hungary. Fellow speakers were Zairagul Zhaketay of Semmelweis University, DOSZ Ambassador for Kazakhstan, and Yafea Mohsen of the University of Pécs, DOSZ Ambassador for Yemen.
View the webinar poster ↗
03 News, talks & recognition
Ideas shared. Work recognised.
Selected institutional coverage, talks and milestones—with direct source links.
Invited speaker · Online · 2–3 November 2026
Functional Foods in Cancer Nutrition
Dr. Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh joined the International Conference on Integrative Oncology, Phytopharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Cancer Research online as a distinguished invited speaker.
His presentation, “Functional Foods in Cancer Nutrition,” shared findings from previous related research studies and considered the role of functional foods within cancer nutrition. The event was organised by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Uttar Pradesh State Branch, jointly with Metro College of Health Sciences & Research and in association with Metro Group of Hospitals.
The conference management committee also felicitated Dr. Shaikh. As he participated online, Dr. Puneet Gupta received the honour in person on his behalf.
Research recognition · 18 October 2026
Listed in Scholarly Index’s Top1000 Scholar 2026
Dr. Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh, University of Debrecen, is listed in six topic rankings in the Scholarly Index 2026 edition. His highest position is world #254 in “Nuts composition and effects”, with Hungary rank #2 within that topic’s published world Top 1000.
| Research topic | World | Hungary* |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts composition and effects | #254 | #2 |
| Hibiscus Plant Research Studies | #271 | #2 |
| African Botany and Ecology Studies | #429 | #4 |
| Botanical Research and Applications | #465 | #4 |
| Agriculture and Rural Development Research | #776 | #4 |
| Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies | #843 | #3 |
*Hungary positions are within each published world Top 1000 topic list. Scholarly Index Public Beta; topic-specific rankings for 2021–2025, verified against the publisher’s profile on 18 October 2026.
Joining the Core Group and WG1 leadership
Appointed to the INFOTECH-DATA Core Group and as a Co-Leader of Working Group 1, supporting validation, external connections and the Action’s long-term strategy.
Explore INFOTECH-DATA ↗ Alumni Network Hungary · 2026From Debrecen to the World
An interview on building an international research career, the role of AI in food systems and the journey from India to Hungary.
Read interview ↗Stipendium Hungaricum · 2026From Data to Dinner
Featured webinar on how artificial intelligence is changing food science and agriculture.
View event ↗University of Debrecen · 2023Selected for the FAO-linked WFF panel
Chosen for the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group supporting agrifood-systems transformation.
Read coverage ↗World Food Forum · 2023Young Scientists Group
Named in the 16-member international 2023–2025 cohort providing scientific evidence to WFF initiatives.
View announcement ↗Young Scientists Group: Sustainable Agriculture Solutions
Ayaz Shaikh joins Ram Neupane and Ambrogio Zanzi to discuss how young scientists are addressing challenges in sustainable agriculture. Ayaz shares his journey in food systems and the connection between food science, nutrition and environmental sustainability.
First place research presentation
Won the food and plant science subsection for work on green-walnut extract and bee products.
See results ↗University of Debrecen · 2023Author of the Year
Recognised by the Faculty of Agriculture, Food Science and Environmental Management.
Read announcement ↗GiLE Foundation · MentorshipFood Impact Lab mentor
Mentoring young innovators as they shape practical ideas for fairer, more sustainable and community-focused food systems.
Visit GiLE Foundation ↗ World Food Forum · 2024 activitiesContributing to the WFF flagship event in Rome
The WFF results report records Ayaz’s participation in the Global Youth Forum panel at the closing ceremony, a Gates Ag One science discussion and the evaluation of artwork developed with the Young Scientists Group.
Read the official results report (PDF) ↗ DOSZ · 2024/2025 academic yearRepresenting India as a DOSZ Ambassador
The official ambassador announcement lists Ayaz as India’s representative, supporting international doctoral communities and scientific connections in Hungary.
View the official ambassador announcement ↗ Stipendium Hungaricum · 15 December 2022Featured among Hungary’s international alumni volunteers
An interview on Ayaz’s studies, community service and food innovation journey, including his team’s Best Product Award during an Erasmus+ training programme in Sibiu, Romania.
Read the volunteer profile ↗ Stipendium Hungaricum · 20 December 2021Sharing the scholarship experience with new students
A featured interview from the Stipendium Hungaricum Welcome Event, discussing Ayaz’s studies in Hungary and his academic and personal development.
Watch the interview ↗ Tempus Public Foundation · 20 May 2020Developing millet-based foods through international collaboration
Tempus highlighted Ayaz and Roshni’s development of 21 millet-based products, their research connections in Debrecen and the entrepreneurial recognition earned by the Mrida concept.
Read the research and innovation feature ↗ Alumni Network Hungary · 10 December 2018Mrida and FreeFrom Hungary establish an innovation partnership
Coverage featuring Ayaz’s work in food innovation as Mrida and FreeFrom Hungary signed an MoU to explore joint research and development of millet- and amaranth-based “free-from” foods.
Read the partnership news ↗ University of Debrecen · 2017Second place at ECOTROPHELIA Hungary
Ayaz was a member of the KUPAMA team, whose functional dried-pasta concept combined Hungarian and Indian traditions and earned second place at the ECOTROPHELIA Hungary 2017 student food innovation competition.
Read the university’s competition report ↗ HAON · 12 May 2023Young scientist contributing to global food systems
Hungarian regional coverage of Ayaz’s selection from 500 applicants for the 16-member World Food Forum Young Scientists Group, serving during 2023–2025.
Read the Hungarian article ↗ Alumni Network Hungary · 20 September 2019Sharing food innovation at India’s first Alumni Hungary meeting
Joining the Delhi meeting on 3 September 2019 by video call, Ayaz introduced the award-winning Mrida project and its millet-based “free-from” food concepts, opening conversations about future cooperation.
Read the alumni meeting report ↗Team Mrida wins EIT Health Gold Title
Co-founded by Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh and Roshni Ashok Kadam, Team Mrida won the Gold Title for best pitch and startup idea at the EIT Health Venture weekend, held in Budapest on 22–24 June 2018. The concept centred on nutritious millet-based cookies.
Read the Gold Title story ↗ Related: University of Debrecen alumni page ↗From millet-based innovation to a startup opportunity
The university reported on Ayaz and Roshni’s winning Mrida product concept and business plan at the EIT Health Venture Competition, alongside interest from potential investors and an invitation to further entrepreneurship training.
Read the university article ↗Work · news · social
Beyond the laboratory.
06 Impact
Evidence, service and global exchange.
My work connects scientific research with teaching, editorial service, mentoring and international partnerships—building useful knowledge and helping ideas move beyond the laboratory.
Research collaborationEditorial serviceTeaching & mentoringInternational exchange
05 Academic journey
B.Tech Food Science & Technology
India
MSc Food Safety & Quality Engineering
University of Debrecen · Special Honours
PhD in Food Science
University of Debrecen · cum laude
Postdoctoral research & global collaboration
Functional foods · sustainable innovation · education
Let’s work together
Have a research question worth pursuing?
I welcome conversations around research collaboration, academic exchange, invited talks, editorial initiatives and responsible food innovation.
ayaz.shaikh@agr.unideb.hu ↗