WG1 Leader
Faculty of Agronomy in Cacak, University of Kragujevac
Serbia
Scientific Expertise: Biotechnology (non-medical)
Motivation: I am highly motivated to join this COST Action due to my strong interest in promoting sustainable practices and informed decision-making within agri-food systems. As a researcher with a PhD in Pomology and experience in both academic and applied agricultural projects, I understand the critical need for reliable evidence to guide policy and practice in agriculture. My previous work on fruit production systems, particularly in the areas of water management and rootstock selection, has demonstrated the importance of robust, systematic research for driving sustainable agricultural outcomes.Joining this initiative offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate with international experts and contribute to advancing evidence synthesis (ES) methods. I am eager to be part of a network that enhances the efficiency of decision-making processes and supports the transition to more sustainable agri-food practices, while also expanding my own expertise in applying ES to real-world agricultural challenges.
Contribution: I plan to contribute to the Improving Competencies in Evidence Synthesis working group by leveraging my background in agricultural research, particularly in fruit production and sustainability. My experience in managing projects focused on water management, rootstock selection, and SME integration will help identify practical needs and challenges in applying evidence synthesis (ES) within the agri-food sector. I will support the development of ES competencies by connecting academic insights with real-world agricultural practices.For the Capacity Building with Decision and Policy Makers working group, I will contribute by facilitating the translation of research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders. My experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including SMEs and agricultural producers, allows me to understand their perspectives and promote the adoption of evidence-based, sustainable practices.Additionally, I am keen to assist in Community Building and Dissemination, helping to bridge communication gaps between academia, policymakers, and the agri-food community.
