As part of the ongoing CREDIT Vibes Project, Marija Kostadinović from the Maize Research Institute (MRI), Serbia, participated in a two-week staff exchange program at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS)—a partner within the project consortium. The exchange, held in May 2025, aimed to deepen expertise in genotyping, phenotyping, and mutational breeding, particularly in common bean research.
The visit began with a detailed orientation by Dr. Barbara Pipan and Dr. Vladimir Meglič from KIS, outlining current projects within the Crop Science Department. Together, they developed a structured work plan encompassing training, laboratory work, field observation, and manuscript preparation.
Throughout the exchange, Marija engaged in a wide range of scientific and training activities:
- Genotyping Techniques
Hands-on training in the Genetics Laboratory included DNA extraction, PCR, CyFlow, and fragment analysis. Data sets were compiled and interpreted for statistical analysis. - Phenotyping and Mutation Breeding
In the screen house and experimental fields at Infrastructure Centre Jablje, Marija observed parental material and collected phenotypic data. She participated in a pilot study investigating the use of gamma radiation-induced mutations to enhance genetic variability in common beans. - Scientific Writing
A structure for a forthcoming scientific manuscript was developed, with ongoing work to analyze data and integrate literature references. The paper is intended for submission to an international journal.
By combining hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and interactive knowledge-sharing, the program successfully fostered cross-institutional learning and research excellence—furthering the goals of the CREDIT Vibes Project.
