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Doctoral Training in Ruminant Microbiome Science:Developing Evidence-Based Interventions for Sustainable Food Production and Climate Change Mitigation

Objective

RUMEN-INNOVATE will establish a pioneering Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network that advances sustainable ruminant agriculture through microbiome-based innovations. Building on extensive existing datasets, this network will train the next generation of scientists to revolutionise direct-fed microbial applications and sustainable ruminant production.

The programme operates through three integrated pillars: Discovery & Prediction using machine learning and multi-omics to identify key microbiome-host interactions; Validation & Mechanistic Understanding through controlled studies and synthetic microbial community design; and Translation & Implementation developing real-world diagnostic tools, delivery systems, and on-farm technologies.

RUMEN-INNOVATE will train doctoral candidates across European institutions with industry partnerships spanning nutrition companies, dairy, and meat sectors. Researchers will gain expertise in computational biology, experimental validation, and commercial application—creating versatile scientists capable of bridging laboratory discovery with agricultural implementation.

The network addresses critical global challenges: feeding a growing population sustainably, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, and developing alternatives to antibiotics in animal agriculture. By advancing microbiome-based solutions, RUMEN-INNOVATE will deliver innovations that enhance animal health, improve production efficiency, and support environmental sustainability.

Through international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral collaboration, the network will produce breakthrough technologies, highly skilled researchers, and direct pathways for microbiomics innovations to reach farmers and consumers, positioning Europe as the global leader in ruminant microbiome science.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01

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Coordinator

THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST
Net EU contribution
€ 1 046 214,36
Address
UNIVERSITY ROAD LANYON BUILDING
BT7 1NN BELFAST
United Kingdom
Region
Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Belfast
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (10)

Partners (19)