Meet our Young Investigators: Yara Awad, INRAE

Yara is a second-year PhD student, involved in the Work Package 3 of the GIANT LEAPS project. The main goal of this WP is the assessment of the safety of the alternative proteins provided, with a focus on the allergenicity risk evaluation. Her academic background includes a PharmD degree and a Master's in Toxicology.

What is the main focus of your research? 

My thesis focuses on developing innovative and novel tools to assess the allergenic risks of emerging protein sources, particularly evaluating the risk of IgE cross-reactivity between novel food proteins and known allergenic food sources. This includes creating a multiplex IgE cross-reactivity assay using Luminex technology and evaluating the immunoreactivity of potential food allergens in in vivo digesta obtained through human trials conducted by our GIANT LEAPS partners. I recently contributed to the writing of a review regarding “New Dietary Trends and Alternative Proteins: The Emergence of Novel Food Allergens.”

Where are you based? What do you enjoy about your university? Does it foster your interest in alternative proteins? Is there a local community that inspires your work?

I am working in the Food Immuno-Allergy Team of a joint CEA-INRAE Research Unit based in the University Paris-Saclay environment in France. This setting provides opportunities to collaborate with other research laboratories and experts in the fields of nutrition, immunodetection, and immunoanalyses, fostering valuable exchanges of ideas that continually inspire and shape my research.

What sparked your personal interest in the topic of dietary shifts?

My interest in this topic began with my PharmD thesis on food allergies, which influenced my choice of Master’s internship. During this internship, I worked with my current lab and supervisors to develop multiplex tests for the detection of IgE cross-reactivity. This experience introduced me to the subject of dietary shifts and the importance of novel food proteins, confirming my decision to continue my journey with the GIANT LEAPS project as a PhD candidate.

What are your aspirations for the future, and how do you hope your work will make an impact?

My aspirations center on supporting the transition to sustainable and inclusive food systems through the safe integration of alternative proteins. I deeply value the opportunities provided by this project and aim to apply the experience gained to future endeavors. Through dedicated research and meaningful collaborations, I hope to make a positive impact, whether modest or significant, on public health policies, foster consumer trust in alternative proteins, and contribute to the advancement of food safety science.