The Workshop was designed with a scientific format strongly oriented toward dialogue and knowledge exchange, combining a carefully selected series of keynote lectures with ample opportunities for short presentations, poster sessions, and plenary discussions. This methodological choice aimed to foster open and constructive dialogue on the main topics of the meeting, in particular:

• Non-thermal processes for higher-quality food;
• Effects of non-thermal treatments on food structure and functionality;
• Applications of non-thermal technologies for a more sustainable food industry.

This approach was further reinforced in the Workshop’s final session, dedicated to current applications of non-thermal technologies, which involved all stakeholders across the value chain: technology suppliers, industrial users, researchers, consumer associations, large-scale retail buyers, and EFSA. Following the presentation of accumulated experiences, participants engaged in a detailed debate aimed at highlighting the complexities, challenges, and future opportunities to explore.

The scientific program opened with a general overview and a systemic introduction, before delving into the fundamental concepts and physical principles underlying non-thermal technologies. Specific focus areas were then developed on technological aspects, current industrial applications, and emerging applications, with particular attention to regulatory considerations.

The main topics addressed included:

• Non-thermal processes for higher-quality food, covering food safety and quality, nutrition and health, hurdle technologies, and predictive modeling;
• Effects of non-thermal treatments on food structure and functionality, including enhanced mass transfer, biological, chemical, and structural modifications of food components, functional foods, and texturization;
• Non-thermal technologies for a more sustainable food industry, including valorization of agri-food waste, reduction of energy and water consumption, waste minimization, applications in biorefineries, and life cycle assessment (LCA);
• Successful applications and future perspectives, with particular focus on industrial-scale plants and processes, regulatory acceptance, commercialization of non-thermal technologies, and the development of new applications.

The Workshop’s scientific format was widely appreciated by participants, promoting intensive idea exchange and multidisciplinary discussion. The program included oral and flash presentations, one-to-one interactions supported by poster sessions, and plenary roundtables involving key international actors, including technology providers, industrial users, and the scientific community.