Clara Valente

Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Clara Valente is a researcher at the intersection of sustainability science and agri-food systems, with a primary focus on life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) and the social implications of emerging technologies in the meat processing sector. Her work critically examines how automation, particularly autonomous robotic systems, can reshape environmental, economic, and social outcomes in industrial slaughterhouses. Valente’s most cited paper, “Life cycle sustainability assessment of a novel slaughter concept” (2020, 31 citations), provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the full sustainability profile of innovative meat processing methods. Her more recent study, “Social performance and impact assessment of an autonomous system in the meat processing sector” (2023), pioneers the assessment of social impacts—such as worker safety, job displacement, and community well-being—linked to robotics adoption. By integrating social indicators into traditional life cycle assessment, Valente offers a holistic view that informs ethical technology deployment. Her work is notable for bridging engineering, environmental science, and social research, making her a leading voice in responsible innovation for the food industry.