Sana Rehman, PhD Student at the University of Salento Conducts Doctoral Research at CIU Faculty of Viticulture and Enology

Sana Rehman, a researcher from Pakistan and a PhD student at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology of the University of Salento (Italy) is undertaking a six-month research visit at the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology of Caucasus International University within the framework of the doctoral program. The title of the doctoral research is the Development and Application of Low-Cost Phenotypic Screening Methods for Varietal Selection in Viticulture.

This research experience is conducted within the framework of the scientific collaboration, under the joint scientific supervision of Professor Laura Rustioni (University of Salento, Italy) and Professor David Magradze (Caucasus International University, Georgia). The collaboration began last year and aims to combine modern Italian scientific approaches with the richest grape biodiversity resources of Georgia.

Within this collaboration with Professor David Magradze’s research group, Sana Rehman has conducted studies on anthocyanin content in Georgian cultivated and wild grape varieties, as well as seed germination and rooting ability experiments. As a result of this joint work, collaborative scientific articles have been prepared and the findings presented at international conferences, including GIESCO 2025 and CONAVI 2026.

As stated by the researcher, working in Georgia has allowed her to engage with local scientists and deepen her understanding of viticulture in its historical homeland. Beyond her scientific work, Sana Rehman placed emphasis on the cultural richness of Georgia, the natural beauty of the region and hospitality, all of which have made a particularly strong impression on her.