Erasmus Mundus Approves Innovative Master's Program - Bio.Natural: Chemistry of Natural Bioactives

Erasmus Mundus has granted approval for an innovative Master's Degree program known as Bio.Natural - Chemistry of Natural Bioactives. This cutting-edge two-year international initiative is a collaborative effort involving distinguished institutions, including Lusófona University - COFAC/ULHT (Portugal), Università degli Studi di Siena - UNISI (Italy), Zagreb University - UniZG (Croatia), and Ruđer Bošković Institute - RBI (Croatia). Delivered entirely in English, the program aims to cultivate competitive specialists in natural products chemistry, focusing on the development and commercialization of bioactive products derived from natural sources, with applications in pharmaceuticals, dermocosmetics, medical devices, and dietary supplements.

Bio.Natural distinguishes itself through its unique multi-location study approach, allowing students to rotate between participating institutions. In the first semester at COFAC-ULHT (Portugal), students will immerse themselves in the study of natural product chemistry. The second semester at UNISI (Italy) will concentrate on computational studies and nanotechnology, while the third semester at UniZG (Croatia) will emphasize biological studies at the molecular level.

One of the program's highlights is the flexibility offered during the final semester, enabling students to choose an institution from the consortium or partner institutions to conduct their master's dissertation. This fosters cross-institutional collaboration and facilitates innovative research endeavors in the domain of natural bioactives.

Bio.Natural aspires to equip graduates with a comprehensive skill set in natural products chemistry, preparing them to contribute significantly to various industries and drive advancements in research and development. With Erasmus Mundus' endorsement, this program promises to be a transformative educational opportunity for aspiring specialists seeking to make a positive impact in the field of natural bioactives.