The list of international projects SAS
Institute of Parasitology
The beaver's legacy: A look at ecosystem impacts in Italy and Slovakia
Dedičstvo bobra: vplyvy na ekosystém v Taliansku a na Slovensku
Small Mammals and Parasites: Emerging zoonotic and tick-borne pathogens in the era of global changes.
Drobné cicavce a parazity: Novo sa objavujúce zoonózne a kliešťami prenášané patogény v ére globálnych zmien.
Nematode Excellence in X-Disciplinary Unified Solutions
Excelentnosť vo výskume nematód v interdisciplinárnych jednotných riešeniach
| Duration: |
22.10.2026 - 21.10.2030 |
| Program: |
COST |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Čerevková Andrea PhD. |
| Annotation: | Nematodes, with an estimated million species, represent approximately 80% of individual animals on Earth and have adapted to nearly every ecosystem. This diversity significantly impacts human societies. In agriculture, nematodes are notorious plant pests but also serve as important indicators of soil health and help manage insect pests. In medicine and veterinary science, they are common vertebrate parasites, posing acute threats to human health. In scientific research, Caenorhabditis elegans has led to groundbreaking discoveries in development, cellular physiology, aging, and behavior, profoundly advancing our understanding of biological processes.
Despite significant technological advancements, their application in nematode research remains limited to a few European laboratories. Moreover, distinct nematode communities exist yet operate with minimal interaction among them. These lead to a fragmented research landscape. The NEXUS project (Nematode Excellence in Cross-Disciplinary Unified Solutions) aims to tackle these challenges by integrating cutting-edge technologies into nematode research and fostering collaboration across different nematode communities. NEXUS seeks to connect researchers studying C. elegans and parasitic nematodes in human, animal, and plant systems with technology experts and industry partners.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a variety of integrative activities, NEXUS will accelerate the dissemination of advanced technologies, promote their rapid adoption, and develop innovative solutions for health and agricultural challenges. The project’s ultimate goal is to unify and elevate nematode research across Europe, ensuring a more connected, impactful, and sustainable future for addressing global challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. |
Assessing parasite diversity and host-parasite relationships in crustacean hosts to control bioinvasion and ensure environmental and public health.
Hodnotenie diverzity parazitov a vzťahov medzi hostiteľom a parazitom u kôrovcov s cieľom kontrolovať bioinváziu a zabezpečiť ochranu životného prostredia a verejného zdravia.
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2028 |
| Program: |
Seal of Excelence |
| Project leader: |
prof. HDR. MSc. Sarabeev Volodimir PhD. |
| Annotation: | Rising levels of transportation, increased globalization, and ongoing climate change have dramatically accelerated the global spread of species, with no indication of this trend abating. The main current challenge associated with alien species is the lack of comprehensive data to explain resistance or recovery from bioinvasions. The project will provide the theoretical basis to struggle against bioinvasions by using nature's tools that will open a new way of ecosystem management. The research centres on both invasive and native higher freshwater crustaceans in Slovakia, specifically gammarids (scuds) and decapods (crayfish). There are two-fold aims: a) to assess diversity of parasites and zoonotic agents in crustaceans using both morphological and molecular methodologies; b) to evaluate the influence of parasites on the structure of wildlife communities through the application of the macroecological framework. The specific objectives are as follows: a) to sample native and invasive populations of gammarids and decapods from Slovakian waters and screen these specimens for parasitic infections; b) to provide well-documented records of identified crustacean parasites based on an integration of morphological and molecular data; c) to conduct molecular screening for zoonotic pathogens; d) to develop host-parasite and parasite-host databases; e) to perform comparative analyses of the resulting data using a macroecological framework to elucidate host-parasite relationships within invaded ecosystems. A key outcome of the project will be a comprehensive inventory of the current parasite diversity among native and invasive crustacean hosts, utilising modern microscopic and molecular techniques. By screening crustaceans for zoonotic agents, the project will investigate their potential role in disseminating human pathogens within aquatic environments. This research is fully aligned with the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which emphasises the management of invasive alien species. |
National Centre for Biotechnology in Veterinary Medicine
Národné Centrum Biotechnológií vo Veterinárnej Medicíne
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
Other |
| Project leader: |
prof. MVDr. Várady Marián DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to build a long-term base of applied research, through the concentration of research capacities of 7 research organizations in the field of biotechnology in veterinary medicine, animal production and related fields. The impact of the project is to ensure the sustainable production of quality and safe food of animal origin in terms of implementing policies to reduce antibiotic consumption, improve the welfare of farmed animals, maintain biodiversity in the landscape and the principles of circular economy. The results generated in the project in the form of new or innovative products or services should increase the competitiveness of the participating companies. During 6 years of the project min. 30 sub-projects is planned with expected min. 35 innovative outputs. |
Soil networks in novel communities driven by plant invasions
Pôdne siete v novoformovaných ekosystémoch ovplyvnených inváznymi druhmi rastlín.
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
Mobility Basic |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Čerevková Andrea PhD. |
| Annotation: | Current climate change and anthropogenic activities enable many plant species to establish outside their native range. In their new range, these plant species form novel communities that have never coexisted in evolutionary time, and it is evident that these communities also influence the communities of plant-associated organisms. However, it is much less clear if there are some general patterns behind these influences. Here, we use the recently developed Biotic Novelty Index and plant community data collected from
the Baltic and Carpathian regions in combination with soil community data to fill this knowledge gap. More specifically, we ask if the plant community's ability to support plant-associated organisms decreases with increasing novelty of the plant communities. We will focus on the dynamics of fungi and nematodes, as the performance of these organisms is directly linked to plants and use network analyses to estimate the dynamics of these soil organisms. Thereby, this collaborative effort offers a rare cross-regional perspective on the ecological footprint of novel plant communities on soil, strengthening scientific ties between the Baltic and Carpathian regions and advancing our understanding of soil biota responses to one of the most pressing ecological challenges. |
Tick-borne pathogens of horses in Poland and Slovakia
Vektormi prenášané patogény koní v Poľsku a na Slovensku
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
Mobility |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Víchová Bronislava PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims at the molecular study of the presence and diversity of vector-borne pathogens (Babesia, Theileria, Trypanosoma spp., and bacteria Hepatozoon, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Bartonella spp.) of horses in Poland and Slovakia. Comparison of the data and epizootiological situation between the neighboring countries with an intense social and economic interconnection. The aim of the study are molecular epidemiological survey and genetic analysis of vector-borne pathogens of horses in Poland and Slovakia, and thesewill be achieved through the following tasks:
1. Identification of the spectrum and evaluation of the prevalence of pathogens responsilbe for infections in horses. In particular, genomic DNA samples will be screened for the presence of protozoa of the genera Babesia, Theileria, Trypanosoma spp., and bacteria Hepatozoon, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Bartonella. The study will be conducted in crossborder area of both countries. Genetic variability of pathogens and/or strains will be evaluated.
|
Vector-borne pathogens affecting horses in Poland and Slovakia
Vektormi prenášané patogény Poľska a Slovenska
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
Bilateral - other |
| Project leader: |
MVDr. Zubriková Dana PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the molecular detection and characterization of vector-borne pathogens affecting horses in Poland and Slovakia. Target pathogens include protozoa (Babesia, Theileria, Trypanosoma spp.) and bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp.), which will be examined both in horses and in their ectoparasites (Tabanidae, Ixodidae, Hippoboscidae). Field sampling will be conducted in both European regions, with blood collected from horses and ectoparasites gathered near farms or directly from animals. Samples will be examined using molecular methods for the presence of pathogens and assessment of their genetic variability. Statistical tools will be used to evaluate species richness, infection rates, and correlations between ectoparasite and host infection data. Comparative analysis between both countries will provide insight into regional pathogen prevalence and diversity. |
Environmental impact of anthelmintics in livestock and alternatives to minimize their use (ENVIRANT)
Vplyv anthelmintík na životné prostredie v chovoch hospodárskych zvierat a alternatívy minimalizácie ich používania (ENVIRANT)
| Duration: |
10.10.2024 - 9.10.2028 |
| Program: |
COST |
| Project leader: |
prof. MVDr. Várady Marián DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Pasture-based animal production systems play a vital role in promoting sustainable farming practices in Europe. These systems rely on grass grazing as an affordable feed source on the farm. However, these systems have certain disadvantages, particularly concerning animal health since grazing livestock are very susceptible to infections caused by helminth parasites. These infections can impose a substantial economic burden on the food production system and the most commonly used method for their control is the administration of anthelmintic drugs. However, these drugs have been considered recently emerging contaminants because their presence in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems poses significant environmental risks. Under this context, the objective of ENVIRNAT is to advance, consolidate and disseminate research and knowledge on the environmental occurrence and ecological impact of anthelmintics administered to livestock and to propose more sustainable practices and methods to minimize their use in the control of helminth infections. This Action aims to (i) to monitor the sale, use and efficacy of anthelmintics in European livestock farming; (ii) to investigate factors related to farming practices, the environment and climatic conditions that favour the persistence of anthelmintics in the environment; (iii) to assess the impact of anthelmintic residues on ecosystems; (iv) to develop sustainable methods to reduce the use of anthelmintics in a variety of European settings; (v) to conduct socio-psychological research on barriers that may arise in the implementation of sustainable methods; (vi) to model the impact of anthelmintic use, considering both animal health benefits and ecosystem risks through benefit-risk assessment. |
The total number of projects: 9
