Dr. Ing. Lamia Ayed serves as an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT) and a Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LETMi). Leadership is provided for the research axis dedicated to the "Valorization of Bioactive Molecules and Functional Food Formulation." With an expertise centered on bioprocess engineering and the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, the primary focus remains the design of innovative functional beverages. This work includes the development of Kefir and Kombucha formulations utilizing local substrates such as whey, cactus juice, and date seeds. The scientific impact of these activities is reflected in 32 international publications and a 2022 National Patent (TN2022/0314) for a unique probiotic beverage combining goat milk with a date seed decoction.