Raife Kotzaoglan

Raife Kotzaoglan is a dietitian with a Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition and extensive experience in clinical nutrition and research. Based in Kos, Greece, she has dedicated her career to exploring the interaction between nutrition and human health — with a particular focus on the Mediterranean diet and sustainable dietary practices.

She holds a Master's degree with research interests spanning healthy nutrition in older adults, consumer behaviour and health literacy, nutritional infodemics, and the role of nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Her work also extends to sustainability: as co-founder of Greenovators, she develops eco-friendly food system innovations such as the Sustainable University Cafeteria project.

With a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, Kotzaoglan has contributed to research exploring the relationship between health literacy and consumer understanding of processed foods.

She is currently part of a multidisciplinary research group conducting a quantitative study on food infodemics among health professionals. In addition, she is actively involved in implementing sustainable cafeteria initiatives through practical, local action.

As a member of the Olive Health Institute Expert Network, Kotzaoglan helps translate emerging scientific evidence into actionable insights for health professionals, educators, and the public — bridging Mediterranean tradition with modern clinical relevance.

Areas of Expertise

Mediterranean diet and prevention of non-communicable diseases

Healthy nutrition in older adults

Nutrition and public health

Nutritional infodemics

Consumer behaviour and knowledge

Contribution to the Olive Health Institute

Raife Kotzaoglan contributes to the Olive Health Institute through:

Collaborations in peer-reviewed research

Development of educational content (courses, webinars, expert articles)

Selected Publications

Recently published article:

"Exploring the Nexus Between Health Literacy and Understanding of Processed Foods in Consumers" – explores the relationship between consumers' understanding of processed foods and their level of health literacy.

🔗 [https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/4513353

Accepted article:

"Nutritional risk factors related to non-communicable diseases in the world" – a review discussing recent findings on the relationship between nutrition and non-communicable diseases.

Quote:

"Olive oil is the green gold of the Mediterranean diet; without it, Mediterranean culture and cuisine would lose their soul."

Ali Aboukila 

Ali is an agronomist, plant biologist & regenerative agriculture researcher in the olive sector

Ali founded his personal scientific and field practice in 2003

The affiliation with the Olive Health Institute is to be a educational collaborator & regenerative agriculture contributor

Ali Aboukila is a PhD-level agronomist and plant biologist with over 15 years of international experience in regenerative agriculture, soil fertility, and sustainable farming systems.

His work bridges science and practice — integrating circular fertilizers, biofertilizers, and innovative biostimulant solutions that enhance soil and plant health while reducing environmental impact.

Currently based in Granada, Spain, Ali leads R&D initiatives focused on sustainable olive and horticultural systems, collaborating with institutions and EU projects to promote climate-resilient agriculture.

His philosophy aligns closely with the Olive Health Institute's mission: to merge tradition, scientific rigor, and ecological responsibility in advancing the olive tree's role in human and planetary health.

Core Products & Practices:

Flagship Focus:

- Development of regenerative soil amendments and biofertilizers

- Assisted pollination and plant physiology research for olives and fruit trees

- Advisory and technical guidance for sustainable olive farming

Olive Varietals Used:

Arbequina, Picual, and native Mediterranean cultivars (Spain & Egypt)

Production Methods:

- Organic and regenerative farming

- Soil microbiome enhancement and biostimulant applications

- Polyphenol-oriented cultivation and harvesting strategies

Certifications:

- Experience with Organic EU standards and sustainability frameworks (FER-PLAY, Soilutions EU projects)

Contribution to the Olive Health Institute:

As a contributor to the Olive Health Institute, Ali supports the mission by:

- Sharing scientific and field expertise in regenerative olive farming

- Participating in educational content, workshops, and field research collaborations

- Providing technical insights on olive physiology, soil fertility, and circular biofertilizers

- Promoting sustainable innovation within Mediterranean agroecosystems

Innovation & Impact:

Ali is at the forefront of integrating plant physiology, soil health, and circular fertilizer design to build more resilient olive systems.

His research and fieldwork combine molecular biology, agronomy, and ecological design to deliver practical solutions that enhance both crop productivity and ecosystem vitality.

Quote:

"For me, working with olive trees means working with life itself — each tree is a bridge between tradition, science, and the health of our planet."

Bilge Çolak

Bilge Çolak is a dietitian and MSc candidate in Nutrition and Food Sciences at Hacettepe University. Based in Ankara, Türkiye, she is dedicated to advancing the understanding of public health nutrition, sustainable dietary behaviors, and the environmental impacts of food systems.

She holds a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics from Gazi University and is currently conducting her master's thesis on "Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Research Assistants on Nutrition and Water Footprint.".

Bilge has gained field and research experience through various public health and clinical nutrition internships. Most recently, she worked as a Field Survey Manager in the 2024 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey at Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, where she contributed to nationwide data collection on demographic and health indicators.

In addition to her professional training, she has participated in research and innovation projects, including the The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)-supported "Classification of Sugar and Sweetener Contents in Packaged Beverages" project and "The Eco Plan Project: Eco Plate for Eco Planet (Team Greenovators)" -an EIT Food- funded initiative promoting sustainable food systems.

Her research interests focus on the intersection of nutrition, sustainability, and public health. She is particularly interested in the Mediterranean diet and olive polyphenols, for their potential role in promoting human and planetary health.

Areas of Expertise

Nutrition and Public Health

Sustainable Diets and Food Systems

Health Communication and Education

Food Labeling and Packaged Food Composition

Human and Planetary Health

Bilge Çolak contributes to the Olive Health Institute through:

Peer-reviewed research collaborations (Conducting literature reviews, data analysis)

Educational content development (courses, webinars, expert articles, infographics)

Product validation guidance (food labeling, health claims, composition analysis)

Public speaking at Olive Health Institute events and global health forums (including events in Turkey)

Featured Work

Recent Article:

"Evaluation of Sugar and Sweetener Contents in Some Beverages Sold in Turkey" – This study analyzed the sugar and sweetener contents of 219 non alcoholic packaged beverages sold in Turkey.

🔗 https://lnkd.in/dNUa2_f8

Event Participation:

Showcased the "Greenovators- The Eco Plan Project" -focusing on sustainable food systems- at NextBite 2025, organized by EIT Food.

Quote:

"From the ancient olive tree, a gift flows- tiny drops of wellness that honor both body and Earth."

Silvia Bello

Silvia Bello is located in Galicia , Spain and has an important role in the Olive Sector: Communication and Education Expert — Mental Health, Sustainability & Wellness Awareness.

Affiliation with the Olive Health Institute: Educational Collaborator / Communication Contributor

Story & Philosophy:

Silvia is a communication and psychology professional based in Spain, dedicated to creating meaningful narratives that connect #health, #science, and human emotion. Her work focuses on promoting awareness around mental well-being, sustainable living, and the cultural significance of natural products such as extra virgin olive oil. With a background in both psychology and advertising communication, Silvia combines scientific understanding with creative storytelling to inspire people to make healthier and more conscious choices.

She shares the Olive Health Institute's values of transparency, authenticity, and education as pathways to global wellness. Her philosophy is rooted in empathy and connection — using communication as a bridge between knowledge and everyday behavior, to help individuals and communities live more harmoniously with nature.

Core Products & Practices Flagship Product(s): Educational content (articles, podcasts, and social media storytelling) focused on:

• The role of #olive oil in physical and mental health
• Emotional #wellbeing and sustainable living
• Accessible scientific communication Olive varietals used: - Production Methods:
• Evidence-based communication strategies
• Educational storytelling through digital platforms
• Collaborative projects promoting EVOO and #polyphenol education Certifications:
• B.A. in Psychology
• Master's in Advertising Communication
• Expert in Mental Health Awareness

Contribution to the Olive Health Institute.

As a valued contributor to the OHI Silvia supports the mission by:

• Creating educational materials, articles, and multimedia content
• Participating in webinars or interviews related to communication, education, and health
• Helping translate scientific knowledge into engaging narratives for broader audiences
• Promoting awareness of #EVOO's health benefits through storytelling and community engagement Innovation & Impact Silvia's work bridges science, communication, and emotion. She applies storytelling as a tool for transformation — making complex scientific and health information relatable and inspiring. Her interdisciplinary perspective, merging psychology and communication, helps the Olive Health Institute connect with diverse audiences in meaningful ways. .

Quote "Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit."