Antonio Francesco Logrieco and his wife Giuseppina Mule. [Photo/Xianghu Lab]

As Spring Festival approaches, festive lights glow across Hangzhou. Among those welcoming the Year of the Horse is Antonio Francesco Logrieco, chief scientist of the biotoxins team at Xianghu Laboratory, and a 2024 Qianjiang Friendship Envoy.

Since joining the lab in 2024, the Italian expert has focused on mycotoxin control and food biosafety, making this his second Spring Festival in the city.

Logrieco and his wife Giuseppina Mule described their holiday in Hangzhou as warm and memorable — from lantern-lit canals and lively markets to traditional treats like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and homemade buns shared by colleagues. He noted that China's Spring Festival and Italy's family-centered holidays share the same spirit of reunion, love, and hope for the new year.

In terms of research, his team has advanced studies on mycotoxin prevention and strengthened global academic cooperation, including helping host the 7th World Mycotoxin Forum and promoting international collaboration. In the coming year, Logrieco said the team will deepen cooperation with Italian research institutions, push forward key technologies, and translate scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions to safeguard food safety.

"Like the horse in Chinese culture, science requires perseverance and forward momentum," he said, wishing fellow researchers success and continued progress in agricultural and food technology.

The couple have a photo taken in front of laboratory signage. [Photo/Xianghu Lab]