Virna Cerne

After graduating in Food Science and Technology from the University of Udine in 1994, after an experimental research experience at the University of Gembloux in Belgium, she began her professional career in Berlin, Germany, as a project leader in research and development at Zuegg Frucht AG. In 1996, she returned to Italy and joined Dr. Schär, assuming responsibilities in Quality Control and Research and Development.

Since 2003 she has been managing the Dr. Schär R&D Center in the Area Science Park in Trieste and currently serves as Senior Director of Global Research & Development. In June 2026, she celebrated 30 years at Dr. Schär, during which he led Research and Development and contributed to the company's growth from a gluten-free specialist to a large multinational group active in specific nutrition. Her work focuses on the development of products, ingredients, and technologies for people with specific nutritional needs, from celiac disease and gluten-free options to clinical nutrition for kidney failure and drug-resistant epilepsy.

She is the author and inventor of 19 families of approved patents, which together comprise over 40 patents, and is co-inventor, together with Ombretta Polenghi, of a patented process for extracting proteins from corn with functional properties similar to those of gluten, which can be used to improve the structure, consistency, and sensory quality of gluten-free foods.

In July 2026, she represented the scientific and strategic vision of the Dr. Schär R&D Centre at the inauguration of a new digitalized R&D pilot plant in Trieste, equipped for artificial intelligence applications. The facility strengthens the link between research, formulation validation, and industrial-scale transfer, from gluten-free to medical nutrition .