We invite you to join the Summer School "Metabolic Response of Horticultural Plants to Stress Factors," designed for PhD students and early-stage researchers working in the fields of horticulture, agronomy, biology, biotechnology, food science, and related life sciences. The program offers 3 ECTS credits and provides intensive training in plant metabolomics, with a focus on the physiological responses of plants to environmental stress factors and crop quality. Organized within the ERA Chair Foodomics project, the summer school brings together experts in horticulture, plant physiology, metabolomics, analytical chemistry, and data interpretation.

ERA Chair Foodomics is organizing a comprehensive 3-day workshop designed for researchers, looking to enhance their project management and academic writing skills. This interactive and hands-on event will provide participants with valuable insights, practical tools, and expert guidance to efficiently manage projects and create high-quality academic papers.

Dr. Sébastien Roca will join the Biotechnical Faculty at the University of Ljubljana as an Assistant Professor in March 2026, where he will be part of the ERA Chair Foodomics project. With a PhD in Biomolecular Engineering from the Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBBM), Montpellier, France, and postdoctoral research in areas such as historical dye synthesis, LC-MS analysis, and metabolomics, Dr. Roca specializes in advanced analytical techniques for the characterization of chemical compounds. His research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the correlation between chemical composition and color in synthesized colorants, utilizing advanced data analysis techniques like PLS regression in RStudio. Furthermore, he has developed innovative protocols for non-invasive pigment analysis of historical manuscripts and for Taylor Dispersion Analysis. Dr. Roca’s work has been published in renowned scientific journals such as Analytical Chemistry and ChemPlusChem. Outside of his research, Sebastien is passionate about rugby, where he is an active referee in France, as well as music and photography. He is also excited to explore Slovenia’s rich natural beauty and contribute to innovative research projects in the country. With a long-term goal of becoming an associate professor in France, Dr. Roca is committed to furthering his career internationally and to advancing cutting-edge research in bioinformatics and metabolomics.

The Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana is announcing a 3 Young Researcher Positions within the ERA Chair Foodomics project. This is an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated researchers who wish to join an international and multidisciplinary research team led by Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek. One of the requirements is that candidates have not previously been employed at the University of Ljubljana. ONLY applications sent to ks@bf.uni-lj.si will be qualified for selection and considered as correctly submitted!!!

2. Newsletter: ERA Chair Foodomics

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matija Milanič is a distinguished researcher focused on developing advanced imaging methods to enhance the understanding of biological tissues, with applications in oncology, dermatology, and rheumatology. His work combines physics, cutting-edge technologies, and clinical applications to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Dr. Evgen Benedik is a clinical nutritionist and academic with over 14 years of experience in pediatric nutrition, gastroenterology, and neonatology. His research focuses on human development from pre-conception to early childhood, with a special emphasis on human milk composition, fatty acids, and their impact on infant health and microbiota. He has contributed significantly to understanding the role of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in maternal and infant health. Dr. Benedik currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Ljubljana and as a clinical dietitian at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. He has played a key role in establishing Slovenia's first human milk bank and integrates cutting-edge research techniques with clinical practice to deliver evidence-based nutritional interventions. With a Master's and PhD in Food Science and Technology, Dr. Benedik is an active member of national and international nutrition organizations. He has authored over 30 scientific publications and is dedicated to advancing pediatric nutrition to improve child health worldwide. Future Goals: Dr. Benedik aims to continue developing innovative nutrition interventions in pediatrics, collaborate with industry leaders, and ultimately reach a leadership role to influence strategic decisions in clinical nutrition.

The Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana is announcing a Senior Research Position within the ERA Chair Foodomics project. This is an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated researchers who wish to join an international and multidisciplinary research team led by Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek. One of the requirements is that candidates have not previously

The Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana is announcing a Postdoc Position within the ERA Chair Foodomics project. This is an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated researchers who wish to join an international and multidisciplinary research team led by Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek. One of the requirements is that candidates have not previously been employed at the University of Ljubljana. ONLY applications sent to ks@bf.uni-lj.si will be qualified for selection and considered as correctly submitted!!!

🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄

3 researchers from the ERA Chair Foodomics project have been recognized as some of the most cited scientists in their respective fields, ranking among the top 2% of the most influential scientists globally. This prestigious recognition comes from the latest list compiled by Elsevier in collaboration with Stanford University. The list highlights the world’s leading scientists whose research has significantly advanced knowledge and innovation in their areas of expertise.

Job Announcement: Postdoctoral Position – Bioinformatics - within the ERA Chair Foodomics Project - ONLY applications sent to ks@bf.uni-lj.si will be qualified for selection and considered as correctly submitted.

Job Announcement: Research Position – Metabolomics - within the ERA Chair Foodomics Project - ONLY  applications sent to ks@bf.uni-lj.si will be qualified for selection and considered as correctly submitted!!!

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Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek is leading one of most promising project to tackle...

About Prof. Dr. Nataša Poklar Ulrih Prof. dr. Nataša Poklar Ulrih is a full Professor of Biochemistry at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, where she has held various leadership roles Dean if Biotechnical Faculty. Her research focuses on biophysical chemistry, protein-ligand interactions, extremophilic microorganisms, and polyphenols on encapsulation techniques. Throughout her career,

In the AGRA SRIP HRANA event, where our ERA Chair holder Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek presented EU HORIZON sponsored project ERA Chair Foodomics, initiative for a future Centre for Food and Nutrition Metabolomics, to be established at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana.

The authentication of high-value spices such as paprika and cinnamon is critical due to increasing food fraud. This study explored the potential of a multi-analytical approach, combined with chemometric tools, to differentiate 45 paprika and 46 cinnamon samples from the Slovenian market based on their geographic origin, production methods, and possible adulteration. The applied

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, representatives of the Centre for Metabolomics in Food and Nutrition at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, prof. dr. Nataša Poklar Ulrih, participated in the 32nd Bitenčevi Food Days held at the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana.

Written by: Anja Kršlin, MA in Comparative Literature Reviewed by: Dr. Prof. Nataša Poklar Ulrih  Metabolomics is a field that studies small molecules called metabolites in various organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. These molecules include amino acids, sugars, lipids, vitamins, plant secondary metabolites, and other compounds produced or consumed during cellular activity. They

Researchers and company representatives from 18 countries on Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and a Clean Environment for a Healthy Life