Projects

Project leader: Dr. Ivana Klun

Project collaborators: Dr. Duško Ćirović, Dr. Oliver Tošković, Dr. Aleksandra Penezić, Dr. Stanislav Simin, Dr. Aleksandra Uzelac, Vladimir Ćirković, Dragana Miličić, Nikola Betić, Neda Bogdanović, Ilija Pantelić

Project number: 2424

Duration of the project: 2024-2026.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Collaborating institutions: Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology

Description of the project:

The increasing prevalence of food and waterborne parasitoses in humans and animals in Europe calls for the need for holistic surveillance to detect emerging threats and identify reservoirs of infection, so that public health authorities can be alerted in a timely manner. Systematic monitoring programs for most of the parasites which cause these diseases do not exist and most parasitoses are not notifiable, thus it is upon the scientific community to gather evidence of these silent epidemics, raise awareness and advocate for innovative and improved food safety measures to reduce disease burden.

PARASITE HUNTER aims to incorporate One Health principles in food safety, with a strong emphasis on environmental matrices, as the 21st century is characterized by significantly perturbed ecosystems due to anthropogenic disturbances. The impact of ecosystem health and wildlife on food safety will be evaluated and communication with stakeholders will be established. Standardized parasitological methods [sedimentation, (Mini)FLOTAC] and validated molecular techniques (multiplex qPCR, nested PCR) will be applied to detect, quantify, and assess viability (staining and in vitro culture) of food and waterborne parasites (FWP) of public health significance in various human and animal foods, water and soil in which the food is produced. This project aims to establish a data driven surveillance framework for FWP to improve food safety beyond the current standard by including monitoring of vulnerable groups (humans and animals) not covered by the current food safety legislation. Stakeholders will be engaged through questionnaires to assess the level of awareness regarding FWP and help draft a white paper with proposals to reduce/control the FWP burden. As a result of the project activities, a sustainable, state of the art FWP surveillance program for timely identification of emerging threats to public health, and stakeholder approved measures to improve food safety are expected.

Project leader: Dr. Aleksandra Uzelac

Project collaborators: Dr. Katarina Breka, Dr. Jelena Karanović, Dr. Nikola Betić, Dr. Milica Kuručki, Dr. Tijana Kukurić

Project number: 10841

Duration of the project: 2024-2026.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Collaborating institutions: Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad

Description of the project:

Analysis of the population genetics of Echinococcus is an ongoing effort in some parts of Europe, while the Balkans represent a significant knowledge gap. This project proposes to comprehensively survey the entire transmission cycle consisting of intermediate and definitive animal hosts and the environment using sample processing and analytical methods which have been standardized, validated and harmonized at the EU level to obtain high quality population genetics data via mitochondrial gene (cox1 and nad1) sequencing and characterization of the EmsB microsatellite from single eggs, larvae and adults. Specifically, this approach allows for the survey of as of yet underexplored reservoirs with a potentially high transmission capacity to humans. The population genetics data along with GPS coordinates of identified infected hosts will be systematized and graphically displayed through an interactive bioinformatics database, WormProfiler, to help identify transmission foci and ultimately model transmission dynamics. WormProfiler’s user interface will be specifically tailored to veterinarians and physicians, who are key stakeholders for transmission prevention, in order to facilitate education of the public and raise awareness of echinococcosis. Ultimately, the project’s goal is to create a software supported framework for systematic surveillance of  Echinococcus to aid in the development of targeted transmission control actions to reduce echinococcosis case burden.

Project leader: Dr. Marija Knez

Project collaborators: Dr. Jelena Milešević, Petar Jovanović

Project number: CA22146

Duration of the project: October 2023-September 2027.

Leading institution: University College Dublin, Ireland

Description of the project:

With population growing rapidly and within the context of agro-climatic changes, there is an increased demand to sustainably produce nutritious food. In Europe, many nutrient-dense foods are not widely grown and consumed, despite their suitability to European climates and environments, and viability for sustainable production with lower inputs. Underutilised crops that are stress resilient such as rye and legumes, have the potential to supply key nutrients and improve diets and risk of diet-related diseases. Such crops have a long history of cultivation across the continent and are part of the national historic food identity of different European countries yet are underutilised due to several complex reasons. DIVERSICROP addresses these challenges using an innovative, cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach by analysing the deep history of underutilised crops in Europe, understanding the genetic diversity and adaptation to climate change of crop germplasm, analysing current regional trends in the consumption of food products and by involving national and EU policymakers and key stakeholders to revive diverse crop production and maximise the impact of Europe’s agricultural sustainability. DIVERSICROP aims to harmonise fragmented data and develop strategies for the sustainable cultivation of target crops, striking a balance between agricultural sustainability and human nutritional value. DIVERSICROP brings together a skilled and interdisciplinary network to identify climate-resilient crop lines, and potential nutritional and health benefits of their consumption to rethink our food systems. DIVERSICROP will strengthen the Farm to Fork and the Biodiversity strategies under the European Green Deal to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Project leader: Dr. Jelena Milešević

Project advisor: Dr. med. sci. Mirjana Gurinović

Project number: 101136361

Duration of the project: 2024-2026.

Leading institution: Agence nationale de la recherche, Paris, France

Description of the project:

The vision of FutureFoodS is to collectively achieve environmentally friendly, socially secure, fair and economically viable healthy and safe Food Systems (FS) for Europe. FutureFoodS gather 87 partners from 22 EU Member States, 6 Associated Countries and 1 third country. FutureFoodS includes public and private actors, policy makers, foundations, locally, sub-nationally, nationally, EU-widely. All these FutureFoodS partners are fully aligned on the vision for the Partnership and the methodology for its implementation in line with SDG17 and EU Green Deal components. This vision has been broken down into general (GO), specific (SO) and operational (OO) objectives applying across the 4 R&I areas and 4 transversal activities identified by the FutureFoods consortium in its stable draft Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) which constitutes the strategic backbone of the project. The four GO cover: GO1 – Functioning of FS; GO2 – System approaches; GO3 – Inclusive government; GO4 – Co-creation cases. These GO have then been translated into SO prioritised in line with the timescale and resources of the Partnership: SO1 – Change the way we eat; SO2- Change the way we process and supply food, SO3 – Change the way we connect with FSs and SO4 – Change the way we govern FS. In addition, 6 interconnected OO have been set: OO1- Pooling R&I resources and programming; OO2 – Operational FS Observatory; OO3 – Active FS knowledge Hub of FS Labs; OO4 – Functioning knowledge sharing and scaling mechanisms; OO5- Revisiting the SRIA; OO6 – Promoting, supporting, widening & gathering FS various communities. The objectives implemented in the 8 WPs of FutureFoodS will exert impact directly or indirectly in most of the destinations of Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6 2023-2024 work programme and particularly for the topic destination ‘Fair, healthy and environment-friendly FS from primary production to consumption’ echoing to the main EU and World FS policies & strategies.

Project leader: Dr. Jelena Milešević

Project collaborators: Dr. Marija Knez, Dr. Ivana Šarac

Project number: 101137127

Duration of the project: January 2024-December 2028.

Leading institution: University College Cork, National University of Ireland

Description of the project:

Micronutrient (MN) deficiency is a form of malnutrition that occurs due to low intake and/or absorption of minerals and vitamins, with adverse consequences for human development and health. Children, adolescents, women of reproductive age (including pregnancy) and older adults (representing ~70% of European society) as well as immigrant/ethnic minority groups and those affected by social inequality or poverty, are at risk of MN deficiencies. While addressing this public health problem is a priority, it is not possible until data on the prevalence of MN deficiencies across the EU population and the causes for these deficiencies is available to predict and identify those most at risk. Without this information, discussions on how to meet dietary requirements for the priority MNs of public health concern, and improve their status, take place in a vacuum. The Zero_HiddenHunger_EU project aims to 1) provide estimates of the true prevalence of MN deficiencies, based on priority biomarker and MN intake data in European populations and their associated health costs, focused on high-risk population subgroups, and 2) provide the best possible evidence to develop context-specific, tailored food-focused solutions to ensure adequate supply of vitamins and minerals from diets from sustainable sources. The consortium will focus the research effort around existing high-quality data resources and biobanks from diverse and representative population groups around Europe, supplemented by targeted studies in under-represented groups, maximizing research investment and adding value. Using high-throughput biomarker and advanced data analytical and modelling techniques, Zero_HiddenHunger_EU will deliver credible evidence enabling policymakers and food system actors to deliver food-focused strategies to eradicate MN deficiencies from Europe.

Project leader: Dr. Snežana Tomanović

Project collaborators: Dr. Ratko Sukara, Dr. Dušan Škiljević, Dr. Dragana Marković, Dr. Gorana Veinović, Dr. Valentina Ćirković, Dr. Jasmina Poluga, Dr. Elizabeta Ristanović, Dr. Korana Kocić, Dr. Kaja Damnjanović, Dr. Jovan Malinić, Dr. Darko Mihaljica, Dr. Milica Kuručki

Duration of the project: 2023-2026.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Collaborating institutions: Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

TalkToTick (Tailoring Management of Tick-Borne Diseases Based on Diversity of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens) is a research project funded through the PRIZMA Programme of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia. The project aims to improve our understanding of the risks that ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose to human health. It addresses the apparent discrepancy between the remarkable diversity of ticks and the pathogens they carry and the relatively small number of clinically confirmed cases of tick-borne diseases. Through an integrated approach combining investigations of tick and pathogen diversity, molecular characterisation of pathogens, and analyses of clinical and epidemiological data, the project seeks to determine to what extent tick-borne diseases in Serbia remain unrecognised or are misdiagnosed.

A particular focus of the project is to identify the factors influencing the occurrence and clinical outcomes of tick-borne infections, including differences in the virulence of locally circulating pathogen strains, limitations of current diagnostic methods, and the level of awareness of tick-borne diseases. The findings are expected to contribute to improved diagnostics, more accurate risk assessment, and the development of more effective strategies for the surveillance, prevention, and management of tick-borne diseases in Serbia.

Project leader: Dr. Andrea Vranić, Dr. Jovana Bjekić

Project collaborators: Dr. Jovana Bjekić

Duration of the project: 2020-2024.

Leading institution: Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of Klagenfurt, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Department of Physiotherapy, Professional Centre for Methodology and Healthcare, University of Miskolc, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Montenegro, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana.

Description of the project:

Project leader: Dr. Sharon Armon-Lotem, Dr. Jasmina Vuksanović

Project collaborators: Dr. Jovana Bjekić, Dr. Marko Živanović

Project number: IS0804

Duration of the project: 2012-2015.

Leading institution: Bar Ilan University, University of Amsterdam, University of Zagreb, University of Cyprus, Cyprus university of technology, Aalborg University, University of Oulu, University of Helsinki, University of Tours, François Rabelais University, Goethe-University, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics, University College Cork, Tel Aviv University, University of Siena, University of Padova, Vytautas Magnus University, University of Luxembourg Campus Walferdange, University of Malta, University of Bergen, Bredtvet Resource Centre, University of Warsaw, Institute of Psychology – Jagiellonian University, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas – Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Ministério da Educação /Gabinete do Secretário de Estado Adjunto e da Educação, Intercommunitary Development Association EURONEST / Asociatia de Dezvoltare Intercomunitara EURONEST, University „Al.I. Cuza”, Institute of Medical Research – University of Belgrade, Faculty of Education Bratislava, Presov University in Presov – Philosophical Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, University Jaume I Riu Sec, Lund University, Stockholm University, Bogazici university, Newcastle University, Istanbul Medipol University, University of Reading – Department of Clinical Language Sciences, School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Zagreb, Universitaire du Pont de Bois, Universite de tours, University of Education Heidelberg, University of Bremen, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, Vytautas Magnus University, Afdeling Neerlandistiek, Faculty of Psychology – Warsaw University, Skane University Hospital, St.Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Universite Saint Joseph, Academy of Albanian Studies – Institute of Linguistics and Literature, University of Minnesota, Arizona State University, Stellenbosch University, University of Alberta, The Promise Foundation

Description of the project: