Latest News
Advanced Course: Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Pathobiome Dynamics
The BiomeHealth Project is organizing an Advanced Course on "Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Pathobiome Dynamics", designed to explore both conceptual and practical approaches for studying microbial communities associated with plant diseases.
The course combines online lectures delivered by international experts with a hands-on laboratory session, offering participants insights into cutting-edge technologies used in microbiome and aerobiome research.
Online Sessions
The online sessions will take place on 26 and 27 March 2026 (WET) and will cover key topics including sequencing technologies, diagnostic tools, and metabarcoding approaches for microbial community analysis.
Session 1 – 26 March (14:00–16:00 WET)
Kevin King and Patrick McClean (Rothamsted Research, UK)
minION sequencing and other diagnostic technologies: applied uses in monitoring the fungal aerobiome
Bart Fraaije (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands)
Aerobiome sampling techniques
Session 2 – 27 March (10:00–12:00 WET)
Catarina Leal (REQUIMTE / University of Porto, Portugal)
DNA Metabarcoding: Principles and Applications for Microbial Community Analysis
Viola Kurm (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands)
Metabarcode sequencing
In-Person Laboratory Session
An in-person laboratory session will be held on 30 March 2026 at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (FCUP) in Porto, Portugal.
Participants will take part in hands-on activities, including:
> In silico approaches for metabarcoding analysis
> Microbial characterization using IR-Biotyper technology
Participation
Free of charge
Limited number of participants
Registration here:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo6I70HPAB-tXnIgco-GqI1Np-XboaQVHbuPFN0ZwhudEJKw/viewform?usp=dialog
Biomehealth Project Opens Research Fellowship in Phytopathogen Diagnosis
The Biomehealth project is pleased to announce the opening of a Research Fellowship focused on phytopathogen diagnosis, offering an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers (MSc) interested in plant health, molecular diagnostics, and sustainable agriculture.
The selected fellow will carry out research activities at REQUIMTE / University of Porto, with collaboration and scientific exchange involving Wageningen University & Research.
Research Focus
The fellowship will contribute to advancing innovative approaches for the detection and diagnosis of phytopathogens, supporting the development of tools that improve plant disease monitoring and management. This work is part of the broader Biomehealth project, which aims to promote healthier agricultural ecosystems and sustainable crop production.
What the Fellowship Offers
Participation in an international research collaboration
Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and expertise
Opportunities to work with leading scientists in plant pathology and diagnostics
Experience within a multidisciplinary European research environment
Who Should Apply
The call is open to motivated researchers with a strong background in biological sciences, particularly those interested in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can find full details about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines at the official Euraxess call:
👉 https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/413703
We encourage qualified candidates to apply and join the Biomehealth project in advancing innovative solutions for plant health and sustainable agriculture.
Biomehealth Researcher Participates in Advanced Horizon Europe Proposal Writing Course
Nuno Mariz-Ponte, a researcher involved in the Biomehealth project at REQUIMTE / University of Porto, recently attended the Advanced Course on the "Master of Proposal Writing in Horizon Europe", an intensive training focused on strengthening skills for developing competitive research proposals under the Horizon Europe framework programme.
The course was led by expert proposal writer Jelena Kajganović and took place in Brussels, Belgium, on 17–18 February 2026.
The event brought together participants from several European institutions, fostering networking and knowledge exchange among organizations engaged in research, innovation, and policy development. Participants represented institutions including:
Neutralus klimatui Vilnius
The Open University
Munster Technological University
Sitra
KNAW Humanities Cluster
National Technical University of Athens
Università degli Studi di Padova
WestBIC
REQUIMTE
NorthDenmark EU-Office
Sciensano
Throughout the training, participants learned how to align innovative research ideas with the appropriate Horizon Europe call topics, ensuring proposals meet all programme requirements. The course also addressed key elements of successful applications, including cross-cutting priorities, expected impact, evaluation criteria, and submission procedures.
For the Biomehealth consortium, this advanced training represents an important step in strengthening the team's capacity to develop competitive European research proposals. The knowledge acquired during the course will support the consortium in identifying new funding opportunities, shaping future project ideas, and expanding international collaboration.
This experience reinforces Biomehealth's commitment to continuous capacity building and strategic engagement with European research and innovation programmes.
Laura Regalado Attends Prestigious Workshop on Genomics (Evomics) in Český Krumlov, Czechia
PhD candidate Laura Regalado, a member of the REQUIMTE research team, recently participated in the internationally renowned Evomics' Workshop on Genomics, held at Český Krumlov, Czechia from 11–24 January 2026.
The Evomics workshops are widely recognized for providing intensive, hands-on training in evolutionary and population genomics, bringing together researchers and students from around the world. During the two-week program, participants engage in lectures, computational training, and collaborative problem-solving sessions focused on modern genomic analysis methods.
Laura's participation represented an important capacity-building opportunity for the REQUIMTE team, strengthening expertise in genomic data analysis and advanced bioinformatics approaches. The knowledge gained during the workshop will directly contribute to ongoing research activities within the project, particularly the genomic analysis of the plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora, the bacterium responsible for fire blight disease in fruit trees.
By participating in this prestigious training initiative, Laura further reinforces the project's commitment to scientific excellence, international collaboration, and advanced training in genomics, supporting the development of innovative approaches for phytopathogen research.
BiomeHealth Researchers Gather at WUR for First Advanced Training Course
The first BiomeHealth advanced course, "Theoretical and practical aspects of LAMP, Luminex, RT-PCR, NGS, DAS-ELISA, Fluorescence/Confocal Microscopy to aid in pathogen detection and identification," took place at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands from 24–27 November 2025.
Teachers from WUR welcomed participants from UP/REQUIMTE (Portugal), UNIBO (Italy) and WUR for four days of intensive, hands-on learning. The course explored the science behind key diagnostic tools used at WUR—such as ELISA, Luminex and molecular assays—and offered a deep dive into loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and fungicide resistance detection.
During the workshop sessions, participants practiced selecting target genes, designing LAMP primers and running a full LAMP assay for Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. An interactive demonstration also showcased how fungicide resistance can be tested using both molecular and microbiological approaches.
The course marked an exciting start to BiomeHealth's training programme, strengthening collaboration and building skills for the next generation of plant pathogen researchers.
NEW Training Course December 2025/January 2026 at Porto (Portugal) - Application is now open!!
-> Genetic and Phenotypic Analysis on Phytopathogens
- Course Description
This course offers a comprehensive overview on detection, and genetic/phenotypic characterization of plant pathogens. Within online lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions, participants will explore modern diagnostic tools, molecular and genomic approaches, and learn how genomics supports early detection and disease management. Practical sessions include diagnosis and detection of plant pathogens using molecular approaches (e.g., LAMP, TaqMan, etc.). Characterizarion of pathogens' phenotype, e.g., virulence (Hypersensitive response) and corbon sources and biochemical sensivities (e.g., BIOLOG).
Scientific team:
- Bart Fraaije (WUR, Netherlands)
- Conceição Santos (REQUIMTE/FCUP, Portugal)
- Iris Bergervoet (WUR, Netherlands)
- João Pedro Marques (CIBIO/FCUP, Portugal)
- Laura Regalado (REQUIMTE/FCUP, Portugal)
- Nuno Mariz-Ponte (REQUIMTE/FCUP, Portugal)
- Viola Kurm (WUR, Netherlands)
- When/Where
Till 10 hours online (live) theorical-pratical lectures (December, 5th, 10th and 11th, 2025) and 14 hours of pratical (Lab) classes at Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (FCUP) (January 15-16th, 2026).
- Application
Application deadline extended by November 14th
here --> https://forms.gle/5VYWwEyYPjn4tbXy7
Upcoming Advanced Course on Molecular Detection Techniques – November 2025
- Course Title
Theoretical and practical aspects of LAMP, Luminex, RT-PCR, NGS, DAS-ELISA, Fluorescence/Confocal laser microscopy to aid in pathogen detection and identification
- Course Description
This course offers a comprehensive overview of various molecular and microscopic detection techniques applied to different matrices, with a strong focus on both theoretical background and hands-on experience. Participants will explore methods for detecting resistance genes using LAMP, and learn about primer design, sequence alignment, and in silico evaluation during computer practicals. Practical sessions include counting and pipetting spores, conducting LAMP assays, and analyzing fungicide resistance test results. The course combines lectures, practical lab work, and computer-based assignments to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the detection tools.
- When/Where
From 24 till 27 November, at the campus of Wageningen University and Research (the Netherlands)
A BIOEHEALTH Researcher, Nuno Mariz-Ponte, attended an Advanced Course on the Molecular Characterization of Fungi at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Given the high diversity of fungi and their specific requirements for species-level identification, our consortium benefited from high-quality training to address the challenges of fungal identification in this project. These newly acquired tools will enhance our ability to isolate and detect Stemphylium vesicarium and to identify potential biocontrol agents.
Seeking solutions to combat pathogens in pear trees!
Researchers from REQUIMTE/UP involved in the BIOMEHEALTH project were in the Azores to isolate Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its "killer" virus to fight against Erwinia amylovora and Stenphylium vesicarium – Novel toxin's solutions are expected soon...
follow this in @laqvrequimte - link
New UPDATE!!
Researchers from REQUIMTE/UP involved in the BIOMEHEALTH project carried out fieldwork in August in the Oeste region of Portugal to collect plant material from pear trees and soil. – A step forward in the characterization and control of Erwinia amylovora and Stenphylium vesicarium –
follow this in @laqvrequimte - link
1st Staff-visit at WUR took place in July 2025.
Coordination, sharing of project progress, technical demonstration of methodologies, and visits to orchards and facilities were the focus of this meeting.
The BIOMEHEALTH project is announcing the opening of two Post-Doc fellowship opportunities. Below are the links for potential applicants:
The project's first kickoff meeting took place on 14 January 2025!!