AFEA: ICPMF 2025 - A Look Back at Three Days of Science, Ideas, Insights, and Connection

From 01–03 September 2025, the 13th International Conference on Predictive Modelling in Food (ICPMF 2025) brought together a diverse international community for three days of science, exchange, and collaboration at Technopolis City of Athens, Greece.

With a rich program of plenary lectures, oral sessions, workshops, and poster presentations, the conference offered a wide lens on the latest developments in predictive microbiology, microbial risk assessment, and data-driven food safety strategies. Key themes included the integration of AI and machine learning, blockchain technologies, omics-based prediction tools, and sustainable system design, reflecting the growing complexity of challenges and tools in the field.

Speakers such as József Baranyi, Gianni Panagiotou, Jan Van Impe, and Qingli Dong shared decades of expertise and perspective, while younger voices at the Y-ICPMF session reminded us just how much promise the next generation of researchers holds. The dedicated EU-funded project session also gave attendees insight into the collaborative initiatives shaping policy and practice across Europe and beyond.
But science wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. From lively conversations at the venue to the workshops at InnovAthens, the welcome reception, and the evening at Sounio, ICPMF 2025 created plenty of space for connection, both professional and personal — moments of face-to-face exchange that matter in a field often working behind the scenes.

As the official Professional Congress Organiser (PCO), AFEA Congress was proud to support the planning and delivery of this event. Working alongside the scientific leadership and local organizing team, our goal was to create a space where ideas could move freely, and we're grateful to have been part of it. 

We also had great pleasure in contributing to making Athens a hub of knowledge in the field of Predictive Modelling in Food Science these days.

A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed, from speakers and delegates to session chairs and sponsors. Special recognition goes to Prof. George-John Nychas, President of the Congress, together with Prof. Panagiotis Skandamis and Dr. Chrysoula Tassou, Co-Chairs, for their leadership in bringing ICPMF 2025 to life.

Looking back, it’s clear that ICPMF 2025 wasn’t just about sharing knowledge - it was about building momentum. We’re excited to see what grows from the connections made in Athens.