CNR is the main Italian research organization with a network of more than 100 institutes over the Country. CNR-ISAFOM focused on study and analysis of the physical, chemical and biological processes that determine the functioning and dynamics of agro ecosystems in the Mediterranean climate, to improve the quality and quantity of productions, to optimize the use of natural resources, and for the valorisation of the functions of agricultural and forestry systems.

University of Murcia (UM) is a public university in the South of Spain. It has more than 30.000 students, with a teaching and researching staff of 2.643 people spread over 5 university campuses, with 21 faculties and 5 affiliated centres. UM offers top quality Degrees and innovative research (54 Degrees, 75 Master’s Degrees and 36 PhD Programmes). In 2020, UM was awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” quality seal by the EC recognising universities and institutions that generate and support a stimulating and favourable environment for research work. Since 2022, UM is part of EuniWell, the European University for Well-Being. UM has several offices giving support to research, dissemination and innovation. The European and International Research Project Office (OPERUM) offers support to proposal preparation, submission and management of international projects. UM has extensive experience in hosting international projects and promoting research excellence in a learning environment. During the last academic year, 76 projects were managed, 59 under the European Commission Programmes (H2020/HE) and 17 projects from other International Research Programmes. In addition to the participation in 20 COST Actions. These projects provide UM with a funding of more than 22 million euros. Moreover, the University joined 25 new European and International research projects, 19 of them belonging to the HE Programme and 6 to other international programmes.

CITA is a public research institution attached to the Government of Aragon region. CITA is devoted to research, development and technology transfer in the agricultural and food sectors to increase their competitiveness and social and environmental sustainability. It consists of more than 50 researchers plus associated workers. CITA’s general aims are: (1) to produce quality scientific agri-food, forestry and environmental research, (2) to foster innovation, technology development, training and knowledge sharing activities in the aforementioned fields; and (3) to offer accurate and useful scientific information to private sector stakeholders, government and the general public. CITA has maintained research and transfer activity in the truffle sector for more than 25 years. Among the specific aims of CITA’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026, the following stand out in relation to the TAIE proposal: (1) to align CITA’s research and innovation with European, national and regional public R+D+I policies and strategic plans, (2) to strengthen our partnerships with the agri-food and environmental sectors in response to economic, environmental and social challenges, (3) to internationalize our research activity and promote international cooperation and knowledge sharing, and (4) to strengthen dissemination of research outcomes to increase their impact on the design of agri-food policies.

Tarsus University, is public university, dating back to 1992 with the academic units affiliated with Mersin University, was established as a separate university on May 18, 2018. Tarsus University has one institute, seven faculties, one school and three vocational schools. Since its founding, Tarsus University has aimed to establish research partnerships and international collaborations through a number of initiatives in order to push the limits of TU’s performance on both national and international fronts. Many highly referenced articles in prestigious international journals are a result of the excellent scientific research activities and worldwide collaboration. TU began its proactive mobility strategy by obtaining ECHE Accreditation (Erasmus Charter for Higher Education) in 2018. Since then, its visibility and engagement in the European community have grown, and it is attempting to organize cooperation activities to support the university’s essential functions and have been accomplished to increase the visibility by being succussed in the H2020, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes in recently years. Food technology programme provides extraction of biological macromolecules and characterization of compounds and determination of biological activities. Moreover, it determines alternative packaging conditions and designs packaging materials for foods to prolong the shelf life, increasing sustainability of products while valorising food waste and by-products. Researching and bringing to market strategies in new product development (NPD), designs, engineering, and research processes for industrial applications.

Discover the diverse network of research institutions and universities participating in the TAIE project. Our interactive map highlights the strategic locations of our partners across the Mediterranean, showcasing their contributions to advancing truffle agroforestry. From Italy’s rich truffle landscapes to Spain’s innovative agricultural practices and Türkiye’s sustainable solutions, each partner plays a vital role in enhancing the productivity and resilience of truffle cultivation.