The ERA Chair FOODOMICS project aims to establish a sustainable and internationally recognised Centre of metabolomics for food and nutrition at the University of Ljubljana. The Centre will promote scientific excellence through the development of innovative analytical methods and measurement services relevant to plants, animals, humans, and cell models.
FOODOMICS will broaden the application of metabolomics into nutritional studies, enabling deeper understanding of bioactive compounds, human-microbial co-metabolism, and the discovery of health-related biomarkers. These advances will support efforts to improve human health, particularly in areas like obesity and diabetes, and contribute to personalised nutrition and higher-quality food production.
The ERA Chair will also build critical research infrastructure and foster open science practices, ensuring wide accessibility and transfer of scientific knowledge. Led by prof. dr. Urška Vrhovšek, the project is structured into targeted work packages focused on management, capacity building, education, knowledge transfer, and communication.
Era Chair Holder and Era Chair Coordinator
Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek
ERA Chair Holder
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty
Slovenia
Fondazione Emdund Mach
Italy
urska.vrhovsek@bf.uni-lj.si
Prof. Dr. Nataša Poklar Ulrih
ERA Chair Coordinator
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty
Slovenia
natasa.poklar@bf.uni-lj.si
+386 1 3203 780
Project Administrative
Anja Kršlin, MA in Comparative Literature
Project Administrator
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty
Slovenia
The international Association of Hyperpolyglots – HYPIA
anja.krslin@bf.uni-lj.si
+386 1 320 37 78
Advisory Board
Dr. Blaža Nahtigal
Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO and WFP
Italy
Project Board Members
Prof. Dr. Tadej Battelino
University of Ljubljana,
Faculty of Medicine,Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism,
Slovenia
assoc. prof. dr. Matija Milanič
University of Ljubljana,
Faculty of Matematics and Physics,Department of Physics
Slovenia
Prof. Dr. Robert Veberič
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,Department of Agronomy,
Slovenia
Sr. Research Fellow Bojana Bogovič Matijašić
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,Institute of Dairy Science and Probiotics,
Slovenia
Prof. Dr. Tomaž Polak
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,Department of Food Science and Technology,
Slovenia
Assist. Prof. Dr. Evgen Benedik
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,
Department of Food Science and Technology,
Slovenia
Faculty Support
Prof. Dr. Barbka Jeršek
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,Department of Food Science and Technology,
Slovenia
Assist. Prof. Dr. Iztok Prislan
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,Department of Food Science and Technology,
Slovenia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mojca Korošec
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,Department of Food Science and Technology,
Slovenia
Assist. Prof. Dr. Mihaela Skrt
University of Ljubljana,
Biotechnical Faculty,Department of Food Science and Technology,
Slovenia
