Diana Patricia Molina Delgado | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diana Patricia Molina Delgado | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Innovation Technician at Federació de Cooperatives Agràries de Catalunya (FCAC), Spain📖

Diana Molina Delgado is an experienced professional focused on optimizing organizations and processes through innovative, sustainable, and practical solutions. With a background in agricultural sciences and business administration, she has worked in various roles, from postharvest management to research and development in the agribusiness sector. Diana has a strong commitment to sustainability and cooperation, and she has participated in numerous international projects and congresses.

Profile

Scopus Profile

Education Background🎓

  • Master in Business Administration (MBA) – IMF Business School (2020-2023), specializing in business administration principles in the agrifood sector.
  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Science and Food Technology – Universitat de Lleida (2001-2008), focusing on optimizing harvest dates and maintaining apple quality using non-destructive techniques.
  • Agricultural Engineer – Universidad Nacional de Colombia (1991-1998), where she worked on optimizing agricultural processes.
  • Social Science Bachelor – Universidad Distrital (1987-1994), focusing on evaluating social processes.

Professional Experience🌱

  • Federació de Cooperatives Agràries de Catalunya (July 2021-Present): Leading projects and managing grants while supporting R&D and innovation for cooperatives.
  • IRTA – Mas Badia (Sept 2017-Dec 2019): Postharvest Management Advisor, focusing on postharvest process optimization for the apple industry in Girona and coordinating Agrofresh® application services.
  • ACTEL GRUP (March 2009-Aug 2017): Fruit Production Advisor, advising producers on technical and administrative management in fruit production.
  • Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture d’Angers (Jan-Jun 2007): Invited Researcher, conducting consumer quality assessment in French apple varieties.
  • Universitat de Lleida / IRTA (Sept 2004-Dec 2008): PhD Researcher, optimizing postharvest protocols and transferring technology to the agribusiness sector.
  • Jardiland (Oct 2001-Aug 2004): Greenhouse Manager, managing staff and overseeing seasonal marketing and stock control.
  • Universidad Central (Oct 2000-Feb 2001): Associated Professor in Business Administration, teaching Mathematics and Statistics.
Research Interests🔬

Diana’s research focuses on optimizing agricultural processes, particularly in the agrifood sector, with an emphasis on postharvest technology, quality evaluation, and sustainability. Her work involves non-destructive techniques for quality assessment, with applications in fruit and vegetable sectors, aiming to improve product quality, storage, and consumer satisfaction.

Author Metrics

Diana has contributed significantly to scientific literature with over 17 publications, including articles in journals such as Biosystems Engineering, Food Science and Technology International, and Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Her work addresses advancements in postharvest technology, non-destructive techniques for measuring fruit quality, and consumer preference studies, among other topics.

Publications Top Notes 📄

1. Antioxidant Activity Determines On-Tree Maturation in ‘Golden Smootheé’ Apples

  • Authors: Molina-Delgado, D., Larrigaudière, C., Recasens, I.
  • Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
  • Year: 2009
  • Volume: 89
  • Issue: 7
  • Pages: 1207-1212
  • DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.3529
  • Citations: 11
  • Summary: This paper examines how antioxidant activity impacts the maturation process of ‘Golden Smootheé’ apples, with an emphasis on postharvest quality.

2. Relationship Between Acoustic Firmness and Magness Taylor Firmness in Royal Gala and Golden Smoothee Apples

  • Authors: Molina-Delgado, D., Alegre, S., Puy, J., Recasens, I.
  • Journal: Food Science and Technology International
  • Year: 2009
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 31-40
  • DOI: 10.1177/1082013208101797
  • Citations: 21
  • Summary: This study explores the relationship between acoustic firmness and the traditional Magness Taylor test for firmness in apples, offering insight into non-destructive testing methods.

3. Addressing Potential Sources of Variation in Several Non-Destructive Techniques for Measuring Firmness in Apples

  • Authors: Molina-Delgado, D., Alegre, S., Barreiro, P., Ruiz-Altisent, M., Recasens, I.
  • Journal: Biosystems Engineering
  • Year: 2009
  • Volume: 104
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 33-46
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2009.01.004
  • Citations: 27
  • Summary: The paper addresses the sources of variation found in non-destructive firmness measurement techniques, focusing on improving the reliability and accuracy of these methods.

4. A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on the Use of Digital Technologies in European Organic and Agroecological Farming Systems

  • Authors: Giagnocavo, C., Duque-Acevedo, M., Terán-Yépez, E., Van Nieuwenhove, T., Volpi, I.
  • Journal: Technology in Society
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 81
  • Article Number: 102763
  • DOI: Link is disabled (currently inaccessible)
  • Citations: 0 (as of now)
  • Type: Open Access Article
  • Summary: This article examines the use of digital technologies in organic and agroecological farming systems across Europe, exploring the diverse perspectives of various stakeholders involved in this transformative approach.

Conclusion

Dr. Diana Molina Delgado exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher. Her contributions to the optimization of agricultural processes, especially in postharvest technology, have practical implications that benefit the agrifood industry, sustainability efforts, and consumer satisfaction. With a clear commitment to advancing innovative solutions, her work stands out as both impactful and practical. The areas for improvement highlighted are relatively minor in comparison to her extensive body of work and accomplishments.

Given her expertise, innovative contributions, and commitment to sustainability, I strongly recommend Dr. Diana Molina Delgado for the Best Researcher Award. Her continued work has the potential to shape the future of agricultural sciences and sustainability practices globally.