University of Donja Gorica (UDG) - Centre of Excellence (FoodHub)
Name of the organization
University of Donja Gorica (UDG) - Centre of Excellence (FoodHub)
Purpose
The UDG Centre of Excellence (FoodHub) is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions and risk management within food supply chains. As a key part of Montenegrin Smart Specialisation Strategy, FoodHub integrates various business sectors, including sustainable agriculture, food value chains, energy, and environmental sustainability.
One of our primary goals is to cultivate a robust culture of food safety. This involves a broad spectrum of initiatives, from educating and raising consumer awareness about food quality to promoting organic production. Additionally, we are committed to embedding the principles of the circular economy within the food value chain and advancing green logistics practices.
Our work aligns with global sustainability goals, ensuring that the future of food in Montenegro is both safe and sustainable.
Address
Oktoih 1, Donja Gorica
Postal
81000
Municipality
Podgorica
Email (do not appear online)
Contacter par mail
Web site
https://foodhub.udg.edu.me/en/
Year of creation
2007
Missions (in general)
At the core of our mission is to foster innovations in the food sector by combining research, knowledge transfer, and the enhancement of traditional food products and agricultural practices. We aim to boost food safety, food quality, and sustainability by developing advanced, science-based solutions. This aligns with global trends and EU policies, ensuring that Montenegro remains competitive on international markets.
Field of activity
- Agriculture and agroecology
- Research
- Renewable or sustainable energy
- Technology and engineering
- Digital transformation
Number of workers
300
The team
listefiches
Aleksandra Martinovic
Aleksandra Martinovic
First Name
Aleksandra
Last name
Martinovic
Your profession
I am a Full Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Food Technology, Food Safety, and Ecology at the University of Donja Gorica, managing academic and research activities focused on food quality and safety. I also direct the Centre of Excellence for Digitali
Your skills
- Local food system management
- Data analysis
- Multi-actor project management
- Public authority support
- Communication
Examples of experiences
I have extensive experience in both academia and project management. As the Dean and Full Professor at the Faculty of Food Technology, Food Safety, and Ecology at the University of Donja Gorica, I manage academic programs, research initiatives, and faculty development. I also lead the Centre of Excellence for Digitalization of Microbial Food Safety Risk Assessment, where I direct projects focused on advancing food authenticity certification and risk assessment methodologies.
In addition to my academic roles, I have worked as a National Consultant on Nutrition for the UN FAO, where I manage country-level activities aimed at addressing nutrition challenges in Montenegro. My role with the UNDP involves advising on agro-environmental policies to promote sustainable and biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.
Throughout my career, I have managed various international research projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring the successful implementation of project deliverables. I am also proud to have contributed to numerous publications and co-edited the book "Ensuring Global Food Safety," which explores global harmonization efforts in the food industry. My work is deeply rooted in promoting sustainable food systems, improving food safety standards, and fostering innovation in research and policy development.
In addition to my academic roles, I have worked as a National Consultant on Nutrition for the UN FAO, where I manage country-level activities aimed at addressing nutrition challenges in Montenegro. My role with the UNDP involves advising on agro-environmental policies to promote sustainable and biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.
Throughout my career, I have managed various international research projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring the successful implementation of project deliverables. I am also proud to have contributed to numerous publications and co-edited the book "Ensuring Global Food Safety," which explores global harmonization efforts in the food industry. My work is deeply rooted in promoting sustainable food systems, improving food safety standards, and fostering innovation in research and policy development.
Your presentation
My name is Aleksandra Martinovic, and I have dedicated my career to advancing food safety, sustainability, and innovation in the agricultural and food industries. I hold two PhDs: one in Nutritional Technology Science from the University of Belgrade, and another in Food Molecular Microbiology from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. These advanced studies have provided me with a strong foundation in food safety and microbiology, which I apply in both my academic and professional roles. Currently, I serve as the Dean and Full Professor at the Faculty of Food Technology, Food Safety, and Ecology at the University of Donja Gorica. In this role, I manage academic programs, lead research initiatives, and guide the development of future leaders in the food technology sector.
As the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Digitalization of Microbial Food Safety Risk Assessment, I lead pioneering research focused on improving food authenticity certification and safety through cutting-edge digital tools. My work has also extended to the global stage, where I serve as a National Consultant for the UN FAO, addressing critical issues related to nutrition and food systems in Montenegro. Additionally, I work with the UNDP to help shape sustainable agricultural policies, ensuring that biodiversity and environmental concerns are integrated into Montenegro's agricultural development.
Throughout my career, I have managed numerous international research projects, published extensively, and co-edited key works like "Ensuring Global Food Safety." My focus has always been on creating solutions that enhance food safety, promote sustainability, and encourage collaboration across disciplines and borders. I am passionate about using my expertise to make a lasting impact on both national and global food systems.CV Aleksandra Martinovic.pdf (0.7MB)
As the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Digitalization of Microbial Food Safety Risk Assessment, I lead pioneering research focused on improving food authenticity certification and safety through cutting-edge digital tools. My work has also extended to the global stage, where I serve as a National Consultant for the UN FAO, addressing critical issues related to nutrition and food systems in Montenegro. Additionally, I work with the UNDP to help shape sustainable agricultural policies, ensuring that biodiversity and environmental concerns are integrated into Montenegro's agricultural development.
Throughout my career, I have managed numerous international research projects, published extensively, and co-edited key works like "Ensuring Global Food Safety." My focus has always been on creating solutions that enhance food safety, promote sustainability, and encourage collaboration across disciplines and borders. I am passionate about using my expertise to make a lasting impact on both national and global food systems.CV Aleksandra Martinovic.pdf (0.7MB)
LinkedIn profile
https://me.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-martinovic-81b01129
City
Podgorica
Data sharing
- I authorise the publication of my work email, work phone and LinkedIn profile
Amil Orahovac
Amil Orahovac
First Name
Amil
Last name
Orahovac
Your profession
Food Safety; Sustainability; Food Technology; Risk Assessment; Research.
Your skills
- Local food system management
- Data analysis
- Multi-actor project management
- Public authority support
- Communication
Examples of experiences
- Young Researcher at Centre of Excellence (FoodHub) – Specializing in microbial food safety and digital risk assessment for food authenticity certification.
- Teaching Assistant at the University of Donja Gorica – Focused on food safety and nutrition in the food production process.
- PhD Candidate at TU Wien – Researching food safety risk assessment and contaminant exposure in the Montenegrin food supply chain.
- Involved in international projects on sustainable food production, foodborne contamination, and new product development.
- Supervised national dietary surveys in Montenegro for both children and adults, ensuring compliance with EU food safety standards.
Your presentation
I have earned a Master's degree in Sanitary Engineering with a focus on the food sector from the Faculty of Food Technology, Food Safety, and Ecology at the University of Donja Gorica. Currently, I am advancing my academic journey as a Doctoral Student, specializing in Natural Sciences, at the Vienna University of Technology (Technischen Universität Wien - TU Wien).
At present, I am immersed in a full-time role as a Young Researcher at the Centre of Excellence for Digitalization of Microbial Food Safety Risk Assessment and Quality Parameters for Accurate Food Authenticity Certification (FoodHub). CV_AMIL_ORAHOVAC_pdf.pdf (0.4MB)
At present, I am immersed in a full-time role as a Young Researcher at the Centre of Excellence for Digitalization of Microbial Food Safety Risk Assessment and Quality Parameters for Accurate Food Authenticity Certification (FoodHub). CV_AMIL_ORAHOVAC_pdf.pdf (0.4MB)
LinkedIn profile
https://me.linkedin.com/in/amil-orahovac-bb3208195
City
Podgorica
Data sharing
- I authorise the publication of my work email, work phone and LinkedIn profile
Giuseppe Paderni
Giuseppe Paderni
First Name
Giuseppe
Last name
Paderni
Your profession
Industrial Chemistry; Food Safety; Laboratory Management; Digitalization; Research Coordination.
Your skills
- Local food system management
- Data analysis
- Multi-actor project management
- Financial management
- Communication
Examples of experiences
- Industrial Chemistry Degree from University of Parma (110/110 score).
- Research Experience at Heriot-Watt University, focusing on deuterated polymers for QENS.
- Researcher and Formulation Technologist at CF Gomma (2001–2006).
- Senior Technologist at Industre Polieco (2006–2015).
- Technologist and Production Manager at Hemko, Montenegro (2015).
- Director of Food Quality and Safety Laboratory at University of Donja Gorica since 2017.
- Assistant Director of UDG FoodHub since 2022, coordinating research and project activities.
Your presentation
I’m Giuseppe Paderni, an Industrial Chemist with over 20 years of experience in research, industry, and academia. After completing my degree from the University of Parma, I gained valuable research experience at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh before moving into industry, where I worked as a Senior Technologist in Italy. In 2015, I relocated to Montenegro and, since 2017, have been leading the Food Quality and Safety Laboratory at the University of Donja Gorica, where I oversee operations and mentor students.
In 2022, I also took on the role of Assistant Director at UDG’s FoodHub Centre of Excellence, where I coordinate research projects focused on digitalizing food safety and authenticity processes. My passion lies in advancing food safety standards, driving innovation, and supporting the growth of the next generation of researchers.
In 2022, I also took on the role of Assistant Director at UDG’s FoodHub Centre of Excellence, where I coordinate research projects focused on digitalizing food safety and authenticity processes. My passion lies in advancing food safety standards, driving innovation, and supporting the growth of the next generation of researchers.
City
Podgorica
Data sharing
- I authorise the publication of my work email, work phone and LinkedIn profile