Research Projects

Abstract

ViroiDoc is an international doctoral network uniting academic institutions and industry partners from Slovenia, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Czechia, Poland, the United States, and Argentina. It provides an interdisciplinary research and training environment for 10 PhD candidates, focusing on career development in agriculture, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The network addresses the challenges posed by viroids, contributing to sustainable crop production and food security in line with the European Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy. Funded by the EU Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks programme.

Importance for the development of science

The ViroiDoc project is a unique opportunity to develop excellent and innovative scientific and educational approaches that will become part of the permanent curricula of the participating institutions. Through this project, researchers will contribute to European research excellence, foster technology transfer, and raise awareness about viroids as emerging plant pathogens. The project aims to enhance food safety and promote sustainable agriculture both in Europe and globally. The project promotes cross-sectoral networking with industrial partners in plant breeding, plant pathogen diagnostics and crop protection product development.

Importance for the development of Slovenia:

Viroids are the smallest plant pathogens that cause tens of millions of euros worth of crop losses every year, affecting yield and crop quality worldwide. Climate change is allowing viroids to invade new geographic regions and hosts, threatening global food security. Participation in the ViroiDoc project enables Slovenian researchers to collaborate with leading experts, institutes, and laboratories, positioning Slovenia as an active contributor to the global viroid research community. Importantly, coordinating this European project also serves as a recognition of scientific excellence for the University of Ljubljana and its Biotechnical Faculty.