Chemistry that connects the world
The deep connection between health and nutrition finds its highest expression in functional nutrition: according to this approach food is considered not only as a support, but as a tool capable of promoting cellular regeneration, enhancing cognitive abilities, and supporting psychophysical balance.
This vision proposes a nutritional strategy that focuses on the choice and combination of foods, with the goal of protecting vital functions and harmonizing the entire body in its dynamic balance. Developing targeted menus, integrating nutrients and functional substances when necessary, becomes the path to preserving and strengthening well-being.
At an internationally prestigious event like the Chemistry Olympiad (IChO2028), the young finalists will be called upon to undertake long hours of study and practical tests. The commitment required inevitably brings with it moments of fatigue and stress. A well-balanced nutritional intake will provide them with constant energy, mental clarity, and the necessary serenity to face challenges with consistency and balance.
Dr. Farnetti, scientific director for functional nutrition at IChO2028, will personally develop a nutritional strategy for participants. Her work will take into account not only the balance of different nutrients and their interactions, but also the cultural and religious traditions of young people from around the world.
According to her vision, a conscious and targeted diet is the key for supporting concentration and maintaining the quality of intellectual and physical performance over time.
Thanks to menus designed according to the principles of functional nutrition, the IChO2028 finalists will be able to face the tests with mental clarity, constant energy, and a well-being that will allow them to best express their talent.
Dr. Sara Farnetti has got her graduation in Medicine and Surgery at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, she is specialized in Internal Medicine and earned a PhD in Pathophysiology of Nutrition and Metabolism. Since 2014, she has been a Visiting Professor at the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and since 2016, she has taught at LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome, where she teaches courses on performance and psychophysical well-being.
Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including the SIMI (Italian Society of Internal Medicine) Young Researcher Award, she has been included among the “100 Italian Excellences,” and she received an Honorary Doctorate in Chemical Sciences and Nutraceuticals from the University of Messina, “for her notable contributions to the study of Functional Nutrition, the prevention of metabolic diseases, and the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome.” In Washington, DC, she was also awarded the NIAF “Leonardo Award” for scientific merit.
The high scientific value of her research has led her to participate in two editions of TEDx: in 2011 with the symposium “Everything you know about food is false” and in 2016 with the speech “Functional nutrition: the key to life”.
In addition to her important scientific achievements, Dr. Farnetti stands out for her communication skills, sharing her knowledge with the community. She participates as an expert in Precision Medicine and Functional Nutrition in national and international scientific and media debates, collaborating with the Ministry of Health and contributing to the organization of major events, including EXPO Milan 2015. Her work also includes promoting the food industry, as evidenced by her presidency of Agronetwork, an association dedicated to promoting the Italian agribusiness.
Dr. Farnetti is particularly renowned for her specialization in precision medicine, with a focus on the prevention and treatment of Metabolic Syndrome and related diseases. She is a leader in Functional Nutrition research, studying the effect of foods on metabolism, hormonal balance, gene expression, and inflammatory processes in the human body.
