The project manager, DULF Francisc, PhD is employed from 2005 at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, where his current position is associate professor. As an active member of the carotenoids and natural compounds research group, their main field of research is related to the chemistry and biochemistry of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. The competences include: spectroscopic (UV-VIS, MS), analytical techniques (TLC, HPLC, and GC) and general biochemistry.

The mentor of project leader is TOŞA MONICA IOANA, PhD. The most important arguments sustaining the autonomy of the research activity developed by the mentor are:

• The number of 42 scientific articles in ISI-qouted journals as principal author (6) or coauthor (36), with 208 citations and 141 independent citations;

• The management of one project obtained by competition and participation as membre in the research team in more projects, two of them running projects; Co-organizer of an international scientific conference: Teaching and learning Biochemistry and Bioanalysis, Babes-Bolyai University, June 2003, Cluj;

• The research stages in Germany, founded by DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst);

• The research and teaching laboratory developed in the last years (Enzymology, Biocatalysis, Biotechnology, Chiral analysis) in the Department of Biochemistry and Biochemical Engineering.