The research utilizes and develops next- and third-generation genome sequencing and data analysis methods to provide new information on the transmission sources and epidemiology of foodborne bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance and to strengthen analytical preparedness for microbial food safety threats.
Ongoing global changes in climate and geopolitics are anticipated to impact food security and food safety and alter the pathogen landscape in the Finnish food chain, necessitating further research on the emerging risks and analytical preparedness. This research develops metagenomic and long-read sequencing and data analysis approaches for the detection and characterization of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance, allowing faster response to both known and unknown microbial health threats. Additionally, the research advances the usage of whole-genome sequencing data in food safety risk assessments and modelling.
