The ERA Chair Foodomics project is embedded in the broader European effort to strengthen research and innovation capacity in widening countries while addressing major societal challenges related to food quality, safety, sustainability, and human health. Advances in omics technologies, particularly metabolomics, create new opportunities to understand food composition and its links to health. However, progress has been constrained by fragmented expertise, limited integration of analytical platforms, and insufficient interdisciplinary training, particularly at the University of Ljubljana.
To address these gaps, the project establishes a coordinated and interdisciplinary research framework that integrates metabolomics, bioinformatics, food science, and nutrition. Its core objective is to bridge the divide between analytical capacity, data interpretation, and practical application. This includes addressing key challenges such as food authenticity and traceability, development of functional foods, and improved understanding of diet-related diseases. Through these activities, the project aims to position the University of Ljubljana as a centre of excellence in foodomics.
The overall objective is to strengthen research and innovation capacity in metabolomics applied to food and nutrition, while improving institutional performance, visibility, and long-term sustainability. This will be achieved through: (i) establishment and operation of the Foodomics ERA Chair and Center of Metabolomics; (ii) integration of research infrastructure and expertise; (iii) enhancement of scientific output and competitiveness through collaborative projects; and (iv) development of advanced education and training programmes.
A central element of the project is the integration of advanced analytical technologies with data-driven approaches, enabling detailed characterization of food systems. It also develops shared infrastructure and data platforms aligned with FAIR principles, ensuring reproducibility, interoperability, and accessibility of research data. Strong emphasis is placed on human capital development through recruitment, interdisciplinary team building, and new educational programmes, including training in bioinformatics and metabolomics.
Expected impacts include advances in metabolomics research, development of innovative analytical tools, and strengthened institutional research capacity. Beyond academia, the project will contribute to improved public health, more sustainable food systems, and evidence-based policymaking. By aligning scientific innovation with societal needs, it is expected to generate lasting impact across research, industry, and policy.
