Filip Štrbac - Antibiotics - Best Researcher Award

RESEARCH PASSIONS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE 🔬

Dr. Filip Štrbac’s research career is anchored in a multidisciplinary exploration of parasitology, veterinary pharmacology, and phytotherapy—fields deeply connected with the current global discourse on Antibiotics. At the University of Novi Sad and later at the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Belgrade, his projects consistently addressed the challenge of Antibiotics resistance by exploring alternatives from nature, particularly essential oils with anthelmintic properties. His groundbreaking in vitro and in vivo studies on gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep examined the pharmacodynamics of plant-based compounds, providing comparative data with traditional Antibiotics. These investigations not only validated the efficacy of natural compounds but also contributed to understanding the mechanisms by which certain pathogens develop resistance to conventional Antibiotics. His collaborative work across European institutions, including research stays in Italy and Spain, enabled a cross-cultural scientific exchange on sustainable veterinary practices. Moreover, his leadership roles in international COST Actions, such as COMBAR and MedPlants4Vet, allowed him to advance studies on minimizing the ecological impact of synthetic Antibiotics. As a result, Dr. Štrbac’s work straddles the boundaries of pharmacology and ecology, advancing veterinary science while actively promoting a global reduction in the use of Antibiotics, thereby contributing to the worldwide effort to curb antimicrobial resistance.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO ANIMAL HEALTH AND THERAPEUTICS 🐑

One of Dr. Filip Štrbac’s most significant contributions lies in his innovative approaches to animal health care, specifically through the development of phytopharmacological strategies that reduce dependence on synthetic Antibiotics. His detailed work on essential oils such as peppermint, oregano, and winter savory demonstrated measurable anthelmintic effects against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes, offering a functional and ecologically safer alternative to traditional Antibiotics. With over ten influential publications in peer-reviewed journals, including Frontiers in Veterinary Science and BMC Veterinary Research, Dr. Štrbac has shaped the veterinary landscape toward sustainable therapeutics. These studies provided compelling evidence of how plant-derived compounds can serve as frontline agents against parasitic infections, particularly in livestock—a sector often overburdened with Antibiotics usage. His interdisciplinary methodology, combining in vitro assays, field trials, and pharmacological modeling, reflects a commitment to scientific rigor and real-world application. Furthermore, his active role in environmental projects such as ENVIRANT underscores his dedication to understanding how Antibiotics affect both treated animals and surrounding ecosystems. Dr. Štrbac’s holistic view of veterinary pharmacology—bridging animal welfare, environmental health, and microbial resistance—positions him as a leader in redefining therapeutic practices beyond conventional Antibiotics-based protocols in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Filip Štrbac has strategically positioned himself within the global scientific community through active collaboration and leadership in numerous European research networks, focusing on sustainable solutions to challenges posed by overuse of Antibiotics. His work in the COST Actions—such as COMBAR, MedPlants4Vet, ENVIRANT, and BeSafeBeeHoney—has addressed the pressing issue of Antibiotics resistance in livestock systems. By engaging in these consortia, Dr. Štrbac contributed to developing regulatory frameworks and scientific roadmaps for integrating phytotherapeutic alternatives to conventional Antibiotics. His research stays in Spain and Italy, particularly at the University of Naples Federico II and the CREMOPAR Center, were instrumental in aligning Serbian veterinary research with broader EU standards. These exchanges enabled him to co-develop diagnostic protocols and efficacy tests for plant-based treatments in parasitic infections, targeting pathogens commonly treated with Antibiotics. Through these partnerships, he has been a vocal advocate for integrating traditional herbal knowledge with modern veterinary science, a philosophy increasingly seen as vital for reducing overreliance on Antibiotics globally. As an expert evaluator for COST project proposals and a reviewer for high-impact journals in pharmacology and veterinary medicine, he continues to influence how the international community approaches responsible Antibiotics usage, reinforcing a shift toward sustainable, evidence-based parasitic disease control.

SCHOLARSHIP, PUBLICATIONS, AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Dr. Filip Štrbac’s scholarly output reflects both depth and innovation, especially in the context of exploring non-conventional therapies as viable complements or substitutes for Antibiotics. With more than ten peer-reviewed publications focused on essential oils and their pharmacological efficacy, he has emerged as a recognized figure in phytotherapy and veterinary parasitology. His articles often appear in high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Veterinary Sciences, and Pakistan Veterinary Journal, where he compares plant-based anthelmintics to standard Antibiotics. The scope of his work includes ovicidal, larvicidal, and adulticidal activities of bioactive compounds, bringing new insights into sustainable parasite control. His excellence has been acknowledged through numerous academic honors, including the Best Student of Generation award and national PhD scholarships funded by the Serbian Ministry of Education. These accolades underscore his scholarly commitment and reflect his aim to address Antibiotics resistance in both national and international contexts. Moreover, his role as a reviewer for leading scientific journals and as an expert evaluator for COST proposals further solidifies his status as a thought leader on alternatives to Antibiotics. Each recognition he has received is a testament to his mission: to challenge traditional paradigms and advance veterinary therapeutics beyond the limits of Antibiotics.

Dr. Filip Štrbac’s innovative work has set the foundation for a future in veterinary medicine where sustainability and precision replace dependency on conventional Antibiotics. His research not only expands the therapeutic arsenal with botanically derived anthelmintics but also introduces new frameworks for understanding the ecological implications of prolonged Antibiotics usage. His in vivo trials using essential oils such as oregano and peppermint highlight how natural compounds can achieve comparable or even superior efficacy to traditional Antibiotics without promoting microbial resistance. This groundbreaking evidence supports a paradigm shift in how veterinarians, farmers, and pharmaceutical developers approach parasite management. Through his involvement in multi-national EU projects like eco2adapt and INTACT, Dr. Štrbac promotes the integration of ecosystem-based adaptation into veterinary care, with a special emphasis on minimizing Antibiotics spillover into the environment. His work directly contributes to the One Health movement, bridging human, animal, and environmental health through the reduction of Antibiotics overuse. Future veterinary practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers stand to benefit immensely from the models, data, and strategies he is pioneering. In redefining therapeutic protocols through science-backed phytotherapy, Dr. Štrbac is reshaping the trajectory of global veterinary medicine away from over-reliance on Antibiotics and toward a resilient, sustainable future.

LEGACY AND VISION FOR ANTIBIOTICS ALTERNATIVES 🌿

Dr. Filip Štrbac’s legacy is already being etched into the evolving narrative of modern veterinary pharmacology, especially through his contributions to Antibiotics alternatives. By identifying and validating the therapeutic potential of essential oils and plant extracts, he champions a future where natural remedies complement or replace synthetic Antibiotics in combating parasitic diseases. His vision is deeply aligned with global initiatives targeting antimicrobial resistance, environmental sustainability, and holistic health. As the principal investigator in several international and national projects, Dr. Štrbac continuously advocates for bridging ethnopharmacological traditions with cutting-edge scientific validation. His comprehensive approach—spanning phytochemical analysis, in vivo trials, and regulatory integration—makes his work a blueprint for future Antibiotics research. Beyond his publications and laboratory contributions, his mentorship of young scientists and his engagement in science diplomacy position him as a transformative figure in veterinary medicine. His future goals include expanding phytotherapy databases, developing standardized protocols for plant-based treatments, and influencing policy for regulated, sustainable Antibiotics use. In essence, Dr. Štrbac’s enduring impact will be measured not only by the reduced reliance on Antibiotics but also by the healthier animals, ecosystems, and communities that benefit from his science-driven, nature-inspired approach to veterinary health.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

• Title: Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep: Current situation and novel strategies
  Authors: Filip Štrbac, Dragica Stojanović
  Journal: Conference Paper – 2024, FeMeSPRumNS

• Title: Physiological role, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of niacin in cows
  Authors: Kosta Petrović, Dragica Stojanović, Filip Štrbac, Talija Hristovska
  Journal: Conference Paper – 2024, FeMeSPRumNS

• Title: Botanical Control of Parasites in Veterinary Medicine
  Authors: Filip Štrbac, Slobodan Krnjajić, Dragica Stojanović, Nikolina Novakov, Antonio Bosco, Nataša Simin, Radomir Ratajac, Slađan Stanković, Giuseppe Cringoli, Laura Rinaldi
  Journal: Book Chapter – One Health Triad, Vol. III, 2023

• Title: In Vitro and In Vivo Anthelmintic Efficacy of Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) Essential Oil against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep
  Authors: Filip Štrbac, Slobodan Krnjajić, Dragica Stojanović, Radomir Ratajac, Nataša Simin, Dejan Orčić, Laura Rinaldi, Elena Ciccone, Maria Paola Maurelli, Giuseppe Cringoli et al.
  Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science – 2023-08-10

• Title: A Potential Anthelmintic Phytopharmacological Source of Origanum vulgare (L.) Essential Oil against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep
  Authors: Filip Štrbac, Slobodan Krnjajić, Maria Paola Maurelli, Dragica Stojanović, Nataša Simin, Dejan Orčić, Radomir Ratajac, Kosta Petrović, Goran Knežević, Giuseppe Cringoli et al.
  Journal: Animals – 2022-12-22