MSc. Robert Waraczewski,
3rd year of the Doctoral School
Food and Nutrition Technology
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)

From December 7, 2023 to February 7, 2024, MSc. Robert Waraczewski participated in an international internship at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) in Budapest. Thanks to the fact that MATE University has been cooperating with the University of Life Sciences in Lublin for a long time, the internship went smoothly and without any problems.

During the internship, the PhD student examined the physicochemical properties of water gels prepared using gelatin and starches innovative in the food industry – arrowroot and kudzu. The research was carried out at the MATE physics department, where NIRS equipment was mainly used. This is modern equipment that allows for very precise indication of differences between samples, differentiating the composition of a product, or recognizing food adulteration. Thanks to high precision, it was possible to build models of the tested gels, which will allow predicting the physicochemical properties of the gel before the actual gelation process. This is extremely valuable information in food industry because starch gelatinization is an irreversible process. Estimating the characteristics of the final product will help ensure quality and reduce errors.

Moreover, during the internship, the antioxidant properties of the obtained gels were analyzed using the DPPH method. In addition to the analysis itself, a model for the NIRS equipment was created, which will help to conduct similar analyzes in the future. Testing antioxidant properties is an essential element of working with food.

The internship was also a great opportunity to visit the capital of Hungary – Budapest. During the Christmas period, the city center is decorated with thematic elements, there are stalls where Christmas tree decorations, themed porcelain, sweets and mulled wine can be bought. An interesting attraction are the trams – decorated with Christmas lights.

Budapest also offers many cultural attractions. In the center you can come across various sculptures, monuments, parks and memorials. Moreover, there are numerous museums, clubs, restaurants, saunas and thermal bats, and when traveling to the outskirts of the city you can visit the zoo.

The internship at MATE was a very valuable experience, the research was a challenge due to its innovation, but the results obtained will be used to create scientific articles and expand knowledge about the nature of gels and hydrocolloids. Moreover, the trip was a great opportunity to build cooperation with a friendly university and improve social skills and English.