Salvatore Ciano: “If you enjoy asking questions and challenging preconceived ideas, you are already on the right path”

What led you to pursue a career in research?

I’ve always been driven by curiosity and by the desire to understand how things work, since I was a kid. I still remember (and I’m sure my mom remembers it as well) how I used to open, disassemble everything around me, to understand the inner secrets of objects and stuff. Then it was just a matter of making this a job.

What is your line of research?

I usually describe myself as a Food Scientist by education and an Analytical Chemist by passion, working at the intersection of chemistry, food science, and public health. My research focuses on food quality and safety assessment, with a strong emphasis on analytical chemistry applied to food, beverages, and food contact materials. Over the years, I’ve specialised in developing, optimising, and validating analytical methods to detect contaminants and additives in food and food packaging.

And what specific areas of focus does this research cover?

My research covers several interconnected areas. One important area is the evaluation of additives and contaminants in food and migrants from food packaging materials. To achieve this, it is important to develop and optimize analytical workflows, using advanced techniques such as chromatography, (high-resolution) mass spectrometry with targeted and untargeted approaches. My work is also related to exposure and risk assessment, because identifying a contaminant is not the end of the work. It’s important to evaluate how much consumers may be exposed to this chemical and whether that exposure could represent a health concern. Finally, environmental sustainability is an important component of my work. I’m particularly interested in the transition toward greener packaging alternatives and Life Cycle Assessment studies.

Is there a particular project you’ve worked on that stands out to you?

Several projects have been meaningful, but the project that stands out the most is definitely my current one, SAFE-GREENPACK. I’m leading a research line that is investigating the safety of “green” disposable food packaging, that are increasingly present on the market. However, in our necessary rush to replace single-use plastics with 'green' alternatives, we must ensure we aren't accidentally introducing new chemical risks to human health. The project combines market analysis, an untargeted-driven analytical workflow, and a final risk assessment. Working on this, under the supervision of experts like Professor Margarita Aznar and Professor Elena Canellas, makes it incredibly rewarding.

How do you see the future of your research area? What trends or challenges would you highlight?

From my humble point of view, the future of food safety research will be linked to untargeted analysis and big data: High‑resolution mass spectrometry is opening the door to detecting thousands of unknowns. The challenge will be standardizing these complex workflows, giving robustness and confidence to the analytical results, so that safety regulations can keep pace with rapid commercial innovation.

“In our necessary rush to replace single-use plastics, we must make sure that we are not introducing new chemical risks to human health”

What has receiving European backing meant for your work?

Receiving the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoc Fellowship is a major milestone, both professionally and personally. First, because it is a highly competitive and prestigious grant, it serves as an official validation of the quality and societal importance of this research. It also demonstrates a track record of being able to attract competitive funding, which is crucial for a lifelong career in research. On a personal level, because it is a mobility fellowship, it has given me the incredible opportunity to move to Spain, immerse myself in a new culture, and collaborate with the I3A at the University of Zaragoza, which hosts one of the top research groups globally for the untargeted characterization of food contact materials.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

What I enjoy most is the balance between intellectual stimulation and real-world utility. On the scientific side, I love the daily challenge of solving complex analytical puzzles using cutting-edge instruments. I also enjoy the multidisciplinary nature of my field (chemistry, food science, sustainability, statistics) there is always something new to learn. On the human side, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that my day-to-day work might impact public health directly. At the end of the day, it gives you a kind of sense of purpose.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in research?

My main advice would be to stay curious. Curiosity is the engine of research. If you enjoy asking questions and challenging assumptions, you’re already on the right path. Secondly, I would highly encourage them to embrace mobility. Stepping out of your comfort zone exposes you to different scientific cultures, distinct ways of thinking that can really broaden your perspective. Finally, I would say that communication skills are just as important as technical skills. Being able to explain your work clearly to other scientists, policymakers, or even the public, is becoming increasingly essential in research careers.