In-House ddPCR eDNA Platform & Living Lab Host for Invasive Species & Biodiversity Monitoring

We are a specialized Field Herpetology and Ecological Monitoring Research Group based in Serbia. We bring extensive in-situ field experience, advanced molecular diagnostics, and access to a critical non-EU geographical region to highly competitive RIA proposals for the 2027 Cluster 6 BIODIV calls.

We are actively seeking to join consortiums targeting:

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-04: Living Labs for the eradication and/or management of invasive alien species.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-01: Integrating Remote Sensing and in-situ observations of Biodiversity.

Core Technical Assets & Expertise:

1. In-House ddPCR eDNA Platform: We operate a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) platform providing ultra-sensitive, absolute quantification of low-copy environmental DNA in water samples.

2. For BIODIV-04 (Focused Invasive Species Management): We focus specifically on the Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta) as a highly effective model organism to test our eDNA early-detection protocols and physical trapping strategies within our proposed regional Living Labs.

3. For BIODIV-01 (Broad Biodiversity Ground-Truthing): We provide extensive in-situ field observations of native and  non-native herpetofauna communities, coupled with targeted ddPCR eDNA profiling for key indicator and  invasive species. These high-resolution datasets serve as critical ground-truthing validation to train AI-assisted ecosystem and habitat mapping models, supporting data integration "from genome to space" under FAIR-by-design principles.

4. Field Herpetology: Proven track record in rigorous in-situ field sampling, species identification, trapping protocols, and ecological monitoring across terrestrial, freshwater, wetland, and riverine habitats.

Strategic Geographic Added Value: The Balkan Corridor

1. Closing a Critical Biosecurity Gap: While certain invasive species like Trachemys scripta may be under various stages of management within the EU, the non-EU South-Eastern Europe region (specifically the Sava and Danube river basins) remains largely unmanaged. This area acts as a primary, unregulated entry and migration corridor, a true "biosecurity blind spot" that acts as a reservoir for continuous re-invasion into Central Europe.

2. Transboundary Living Lab Host: We offer a ready-made regional hub capable of hosting 10 to 20 experimental Living Lab testing sites in Serbia. By positioning a Living Lab in this frontline corridor, your consortium can test detection and eradication strategies exactly where the invasion threat is highest, directly preventing spillover into EU Member States.

What We Offer to Your Consortium (Roles)

1. BIODIV-04 WP/Task Leader & Living Lab Host: Operational management of 10–20 test sites, execution of field trapping/control methods, running eDNA diagnostics, and facilitating co-creation with local stakeholders (land managers, NGOs) in a multi-actor approach. We are experienced in managing cascading sub-grants (FSTP).

2. BIODIV-01 Ground-Truthing Partner: Delivering high-resolution in-situ and molecular validation data to complement remote sensing efforts.

We are ready for bilateral meetings to discuss how our specialized niche can strengthen your proposal.