The prestigious innovation, technology, and ingredients exhibition, Alimentaria FoodTech 2026, has recognized the work of the Professor of Microbiology at the University of Alicante (UA), Francis Mojica, with one of its Scientific Merit awards. The accolade, presented in the scientific project category, highlights his role in the discovery and characterization of the CRISPR gene-editing system.
Mojica is internationally renowned for identifying CRISPR genetic sequences as a natural defense system in bacteria and archaea against viruses. The Alimentaria FoodTech Scientific Committee has emphasized that the UA scientist's research has laid the groundwork for one of the most revolutionary gene-editing tools, with significant impact in fields such as health, biotechnology, and food.
The Alimentaria FoodTech 2026 awards have honored eight business projects for their contribution to the sector's competitiveness. In the Scientific Merit category, alongside Francis Mojica, Professor Buenaventura Guamis from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona also received an award.
The FoodTech Awards ceremony took place yesterday, October 6th, within the framework of Alimentaria FoodTech. This fair brings together over 330 exhibiting companies from 22 countries, occupying 15,000 m² at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Vía venue, solidifying its position as a key event for innovation in the European food industry.
