14–20 June 2026 | University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Registration is required via the link: Summer school
The Summer School “Metabolic Response of Horticultural Plants to Stress Factors” is designed for PhD students and early-stage researchers in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, biology, biotechnology, food science and related life sciences.
The programme is worth 3 ECTS credits and offers intensive training in plant metabolomics connected to plant physiological response and produce quality.
The summer school is organised within the ERA Chair Foodomics project and brings together experts in horticulture, plant physiology, metabolomics, analytical chemistry, and data interpretation. Participants will gain insight into the complete research workflow, from experimental design and plant sampling to metabolite extraction, instrumental analysis, and interpretation of complex datasets.
The experimental component focuses on two model systems: salinity stress in hydroponically grown basil and drought stress in container-grown blueberries.
A central part of the programme is training in advanced analytical techniques, where participants will be familiarised with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Participants will investigate changes in primary and secondary metabolites, including sugars, organic acids, phenolics, pigments, and volatile compounds, and learn how to analyse and interpret complex metabolomic datasets.
The summer school offers participants:
- 3 ECTS credits,
- hands-on training in plant metabolomics,
- experience with state-of-the-art analytical techniques,
- deepen knowledge of plant responses to environmental stress
- skills in data analysis and interpretation,
- opportunities to interact with international researchers and fellow PhD students.