📋 Tender Overview
Rumen-Innovate
Grant agreement ID: 101311612
DOI
10.3030/101311612
EC signature date
30 June 2026
Start date
1 March 2027
End date
28 February 2031
Funded under
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Objective
RUMEN-INNOVATE will establish a pioneering Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network that advances sustainable ruminant agriculture through microbiome-based innovations. Building on extensive existing datasets, this network will train the next generation of scientists to revolutionise direct-fed microbial applications and sustainable ruminant production.
The programme operates through three integrated pillars: Discovery & Prediction using machine learning and multi-omics to identify key microbiome-host interactions; Validation & Mechanistic Understanding through controlled studies and synthetic microbial community design; and Translation & Implementation developing real-world diagnostic tools, delivery systems, and on-farm technologies.
RUMEN-INNOVATE will train doctoral candidates across European institutions with industry partnerships spanning nutrition companies, dairy, and meat sectors. Researchers will gain expertise in computational biology, experimental validation, and commercial application—creating versatile scientists capable of bridging laboratory discovery with agricultural implementation.
The network addresses critical global challenges: feeding a growing population sustainably, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, and developing alternatives to antibiotics in animal agriculture. By advancing microbiome-based solutions, RUMEN-INNOVATE will deliver innovations that enhance animal health, improve production efficiency, and support environmental sustainability.
Through international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral collaboration, the network will produce breakthrough technologies, highly skilled researchers, and direct pathways for microbiomics innovations to reach farmers and consumers, positioning Europe as the global leader in ruminant microbiome science.
