Collaboration Between Science and Industry as a Driver of Innovation in the Food Industry

At the Faculty of Agriculture at Goce Delchev University – Štip, the public defense of the master’s thesis by candidate Nadica Bajraktarova was held. The thesis was entitled “Development of New Dietary Meat Products Intended for Children.” „Развој на нови диететски производи од месо наменети за деца“.

This significant scientific research represents a successful example of cooperation between science and industry, with a common goal – the development of higher-quality, safer, and nutritionally improved products for the youngest consumers.

The evaluation and defense committee consisted of Prof. Dr. Fidanka Ilieva as Chair, Prof. Dr. Aco Kuzelov as Mentor, and Prof. Dr. Dimitar Nakov as a Member, all full professors at the Faculty of Agriculture. Following the successful defense of her thesis, candidate Nadica Bajraktarova was awarded the degree of Master of Agricultural Sciences – Food Safety.

The aim of the research was to develop and evaluate new dietary meat products intended for children’s nutrition, with improved nutritional composition and functional characteristics. As part of the research, dietary sausages and pâtés were developed and subjected to chemical, functional, microbiological, sensory, and statistical analyses. The results showed that the developed products represent a safe and nutritionally improved alternative, with potential applications in children’s diets. MIK Sveti Nikole actively supported the implementation of this research by providing practical knowledge, many years of experience, and professional expertise from the meat industry. This cooperation represents another confirmation of our commitment to connecting scientific research with the real needs of the industry and creating products based on modern scientific knowledge.