Researchers from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) recently completed a multi-day mobility visit to the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, as part of SPECTRA’s programme of training exchanges.
Why Mobility Matters in SPECTRA
Mobility is central to SPECTRA’s mission of strengthening research excellence across Europe. By spending time in partner institutions, researchers gain access to advanced facilities, specialised expertise, and hands-on training directly linked to the project’s case studies. For early-stage researchers, mobility builds confidence and skills; for senior staff, it enables knowledge transfer, testing of new approaches, and deeper collaboration with both academic and industrial partners. These activities ensure knowledge flows across the consortium and lay the foundation for future joint research well beyond the lifetime of the project.
Experiences at JSI
The AUTH team — Prof. Dimitra Lambropoulou, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, Dr. Vasileios Alampanos, Chemist and Postdoctoral Researcher, and Androniki Rapti, PhD candidate — were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Ester Heath and colleagues at JSI.
During their stay, the team:
- Received hands-on training in advanced chromatographic and spectrometric techniques, including HPLC-ICP-MS and GC-ICP-MS, learning how these can be applied to trace metals and contaminants in complex samples.
- Worked with JSI’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning experts to explore how computational models can be combined with experimental data for predicting contaminant behaviour and improving risk assessment.
- Carried out experiments at JSI’s Reactor Center using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) to analyse authentic food and environmental samples such as olive oil, peaches, and mussels — directly relevant to SPECTRA’s goals in food authenticity, traceability, and pollution source tracking.
- Shared methodologies and exchanged ideas with JSI’s interdisciplinary teams, linking environmental chemistry with microbiology and materials science.
Reflecting on the experience, Prof. Lambropoulou said:
“This mobility has been an invaluable opportunity to learn from colleagues at JSI, strengthen our scientific ties, and explore new methodologies that will enhance SPECTRA’s research impact.”
For early-stage researcher Androniki Rapti, the experience was career-shaping:
“The hands-on training in advanced analytical techniques has been eye-opening. I return to AUTH with new skills and fresh perspectives that will directly benefit my research and the SPECTRA project as a whole.”
Dr. Vasileios Alampanos highlighted the impact of isotope work:
“Exploring isotope ratio mass spectrometry in practice has broadened my research toolbox and opened new possibilities for studying environmental contaminants and food authenticity.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond laboratory training, the mobility also included visits to the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology (University of Ljubljana) and industrial partner Jata Emona, reflecting SPECTRA’s commitment to bridging academia, industry, and real-world applications.
This visit is one of several mobilities planned across the SPECTRA consortium. Forthcoming exchanges will see researchers visiting UNIVPM, AUA, and other partner institutions, continuing to build capacity, transfer knowledge, and strengthen collaboration across Europe.
