Workshops and Conferences
Horizon4Poland
On November 13-14, 2024, our representatives took part in the Horizon4Poland event in Warsaw. It was a matchmaking event addressed to business and the scientific industry. The formula of the event brought the participants closer to the issues related to the Horizon Europe program, made it possible to get to know the offer of the Łukasiewicz Research Network Industry Contact Points and allowed to acquire an international partner. This year’s conference motto was: “Polish Presidency on the Horizon”, referring to the forthcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Horizon4Poland 24
Horizon4Poland 24
International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2024
The International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2024 was organized on October 14-16, 2024 in Poznań, Poland. The event was devoted to recent advances in the intersection of nanotechnology and plant sciences. It gathered almost 100 participants, including world-renowned scientists working in cutting-edge areas who came to Poznań from five continents to share their knowledge. This conference was supported by the NANOPLANT project. The key topics include: plant biotechnology nanotechnology interfaces, nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture, green nanotechnologies, and nanotoxicity and nanomaterial-microbial interactions.
International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2024
International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2024
70th anniversary of the Institute of Plant Genetics PAS
On October 14, 2024, the 70th anniversary of the Institute of Plant Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences was celebrated. The event gathered representatives of many important scientific units from Poland, partner companies, as well as people associated with the Institute for years. The Nanoplant project was presented during the event. The International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2024, which we organize, is connected with this anniversary.
70th anniversary of the Institute of Plant Genetics PAS
70th anniversary of the Institute of Plant Genetics PAS
16th Overall Polish in vitro Culture and Plant Biotechnology Conference
On September 23-25, 2024, the 16th Overall Polish in vitro Culture and Plant Biotechnology Conference was held in Krakow, Poland. Our team prepared 5 posters for this event. At our stand, we presented the NANOPLANT project and the International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2024. The event gathered over 160 participants and was full of lectures, discussions and meetings. The next edition of the conference is scheduled for 2027 in Bydgoszcz.
Our promotional stall
Our team after the conference
Communication in Science
“Science is not finished until it’s communicated” is a famous quotation by the UK Chief scientist, Sir Mark Walport. On July 25, 2024, we organized an open workshop “Communication in Science” by Dr. Eliza Kania from Brunel University London.
During the training, we explored the most important approaches to research dissemination, including defining audiences and means of communication, responding to research integrity, and conceptualizing research impact. We scrutinized the dos and don’ts of communicating research in traditional media.
Then, we delved into social media and the interactive sphere, along with their potential and threats. We also examined several interesting case studies and the practical aspects of increasing research recognition.
Communication in Science
Workshop in the Institute of Plant Genetics PAS
Women in Science
According to UIS data, less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women. As the UN states: “To truly reduce the gender gap, we must go beyond the hard numbers and identify the qualitative factors that deter women from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”
Therefore, on July 24, 2024, we organized an open workshop “Women in Science”. The meeting was led by Prof. Iwetta Andruszkiewicz from Adam Mickiewicz University. The panel discussion was attended by Prof. Sylwia Jaskulska and Dr. Grażyna Barabasz from the same university. During the meeting, we familiarized ourselves with the topic of women in the labor market. We mapped the inequalities. We were introduced to the pro-equality regulations, strategies, and tools for combating discrimination.
Women in Science. Opening of the workshop
Women in Science. Presentation during the workshop
NanoTech Poland Conference
On June 5-7, 2024, the NANOPLANT team representation took part in the NanoTech Poland 2024 Conference, which took place at the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań. The conference was devoted to the use of nanotechnology in energy, electronics, environment, and biomedicine. We talked to the participants about our project and invited all to the International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2024.
Our promotional stall
Talks at our stall during the NanoTech Poland 2024 Conference
8th Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference
In mid-May 2024, we visited The 8th Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference in Dresden, Germany. Our team presented 6 posters. Our stall was open for all the days. We participated in multiple inspiring presentations and we met other scientists working in related fields.
The capstone of the event was The Best Poster Award for Dr. Sagar Biswas, winning the second poster session.
The next edition of the conference organized by Elsevier will be held in March in Pune, India.
Nanoplant stand at the conference
Our team presented 6 posters during the conference
NANOMAT2023
On August 27-30, 2023, the NANOPLANT Team participated in the 6th International Conference on Functional Nanomaterials and Nanodevices (NANOMAT) held at the Hotel Mercure Warszawa Grand. This event was a great opportunity to enrich our knowledge on various developments in the area of nanotechnology and materials science, in addition to meeting new people and promoting the NANOPLANT project.
At the conference, five posters in the area of plant nanotechnology were presented by the NANOPLANT team:
1. Rapid Green Synthesis of Gold (Au) nanoparticles using Hypericum perforatum L. extract. 2. Physiological, Biochemical and Molecular response of Hypericum perforatum cells to gold and silver nanoparticles. 3. Differential accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites induced by iron and iron oxides nanoparticles in Hypericum perforatum L. 4. CuO influences plant growth, development physiology in tobacco (Necotiana tabacum). 5. Secondary metabolic changes of H. perforatum L. shoot cultures in response to engineered nanoparticles.
Our students, Wiktoria and Alicja, won the first prize for the best poster presentation. One of other posters also won the third prize.
On August 30, Dr. Dibyendu Mondal gave a lecture titled: “Designing protein nano-constructs using neoteric solvents with improved activity and stability under various stresses”.
Our promotional stall (photo courtesy of D.M., IPG PAS).
NANOPLANT poster display (photo courtesy of L.K., IPG PAS).
Dr. Dibyendu Mondal’s invited talk (photo courtesy of J.D., IPG PAS).
Ms. Wiktoria Frątczak receiving the prize for best poster presentation (photo courtesy of J.D., IPG PAS).
Meeting with UFraction8
On July 19, 2023, the ERA Chair Holder, Innovation Broker, Project Coordinator and the Director of the IPG PAS had a brainstorming session with the representatives of the UFraction8 company, an SME working on microfluidics technology. Many areas of cooperation between NANOPLANT and this SME have been discussed.
Brainstorming session at the IPG PAS
On July 14, 2023, the NANOPLANT Team had a wonderful interaction with eminent scientists. We had the opportunity to interact with the manager of “UFraction8”, a microfluidics SME from WCAT regarding future collaboration. The team also had very good physical activities and a badminton game. We thank the Director and Deputy Director of Research of the IPG PAS for their presence and support to the team. Thanks also to Joanna Dutkiewicz, our Innovation Specialist for organising this fantastic get together.
Happy participants of the meeting (photo courtesy of F.G., IPG PAS).
Ms. Joanna Dutkiewicz and Mr. Lokesh Veeresh playing badminton (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
NanoTech 2023
The NANOPLANT project team participated in the “NanoTech Poland 2023” international conference which was held on June 14-16, 2023 in Poznan, Poland.
The team had 4 posters and 1 oral presentation which included; posters (1) Dr. Veresh Lokesh entitled “Protein engineering using nanostructured solvents envisaging improved performance under oxidative stress and enhanced plant protection” (2) Dr. Kruszka Dariusz, “Engineered nanoparticles interfere with primary metabolism of Hypericum perforatum L. cell cultures” (3) Dr. Selvakesavan/Prof. Franklin Gregory, “Gold nanoparticles reduce the intensity of Hypericum perforatum L. plant defense against Agrobacterium tumefaciens”, (4) Dr. Leonard Kiirika, “Green-inspired silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) show antimicrobial activity against rapeseed pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum“ and (5) an oral presentation by Dr. Pradeep Matam entitled “Unveiling the phytochemical basis and mechanism of plant extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles”.
The department also hosted a quality exhibition stand showcasing the most relevant research activities that Plant Nanotechnology team is engaged in and distributed various project promotional materials.
Dr Pradeep Matam’s presentation (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
The Nanoplant Department exhibition stand with Ms. Marta Gloger and Gabriela looking on in readiness to disseminate information about the department (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
Workshop for high school students
On May 12, 2023, NANOPLANT Team had an opportunity to meet a great group of students from the High School No 2 in Poznań accompanied by their chemistry teacher, Mr. Piotr Cecot.
The visit was divided into two parts. First, Dr. Dibyendu Mondal and Dr. Leonard Kiirika presented the basic knowledge about nanotechnology and the objectives of our project. Then, after a short lunch break, the students took part in lab sessions led by Dr. Lokesh Veeresh and Dr. Dariusz Kruszka.
Dr Dariusz Kruszka explaining the work of equipment to the students (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
Happy members of the NANOPLANT team and Mr. Piotr Cecot together with the students after the visit at the IPG PAS (photo courtesy of R.S., IPG PAS).
Workshop for children
On April 28, 2023, NANOPLANT Team hosted a group of children from the Primary School No 69 in Poznań.
After a short welcome in the reading room, Marta Gloger introduced the team members to the children and explained the basic assumptions of the Nanoplant project. Dr. Leonard Kiirika, Dr. Lokesh Veeresh and Dr Pradeep Matam explained in an accessible way what nanotechnology deals with – for this purpose, short films were shown to children. After an interactive session and a short snack break, children got Nanoplant caps and were divided into two groups. Thus they had the opportunity to perform some experiments in our laboratory, and then visit the greenhouse. The workshop ended with a group photo in front of the institute building.
Children enjoying hands on experiences in the lab (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
Members of the NANOPLANT Team and Dr. Dariusz Kruszka with the children and their teachers pose for a photo at the IPG PAS after an interactive sessions in the library, lab and grenhouse (photo courtesy
of M.G., IPG PAS).
9th Congress On Ionic Liquids 2023
On April 24-28, 2023, the 9th Congress On Ionic Liquids. This event was successfully attended by approximately 300 participants in Villeurbanne at the Espace Tête d’Or congress center in the suburbs of Lyon, France. On April 27, Dr. Mónia Martins had her oral presentation entitled: “Studies on the controlled release of metal ions from nanomaterials using ionic liquids for agricultural applications”.
Dr. Mónia Martins’ presentation (photo courtesy of M.M., IPG PAS).
Acknowledgement to NANOPLANT project (photo courtesy of M.M., IPG PAS).
AGChem 2022
On September 26-30, 2022, the 3rd Conference of Advances in Green Chemistry – AGChem 2022 took place in Poznan Science and Technology Park. The conference focused on a close relationship between basic research and the exploitation of industrial results. AGChem has become an area for meeting young researchers from Europe who carry out basic research and implement developed technologies.
Members from the Department of Plant Nanotechnology participated in this conference by way of 2 oral and 1 poster presentation. Oral contributions were by (1) Dr. Mónia Martins entitled, “Studies on the controlled release of metal ions from nanomaterials for agricultural applications using ionic liquids and eutetic systems”, (2) Dr. Meena Bisht, and poster by Dr. Leonard Kiirika, “Bio-ionic liquids modified CuO influence plant growth and development in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)”.
Dr. Mónia Martins’ presentation (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
Dr. Meena Bisht’s presentation (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
Dr Leonard Kiirika showing his poster (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
Introduction to NANOPLANT
On July 7, 2022 our team hosted a workshop as a way of introduction to NANOPLANT in the seminar room of the IPG PAS. The students had a chance to learn more about the structure of the department, ongoing research projects, and laboratory and greenhouse facilities accessible for enabling research accomplishments. After visiting Nanoplant’s lab, the participants took part in two practical sessions – they got to know the DLS equipment for nanomaterials analysis and then saw the demonstration of green synthesis of nanoparticles.
Members of the Department of Plant Nanotechnology and students during the workshop on introduction to NANOPLANT (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
Happy participants and NANOPLANT team members (photo courtesy of M.G., IPG PAS).
4th World Nanotechnology Conference
The ERA Chair of NANOPLANT Project, Dr Dibyendu Mondal, gave a talk entitled “Strategies for enhanced protein nano-engineering with improved stability and activity”, during the 4th edition of the World Nanotechnology Conference held on April, 25-27, 2022, a forum where scientists from all over the world discuss and exchange their latest research effects in the field of nanotechnology.
The talk was focused on two different topics: (1) strategies for improving the stability and activity of enzymes for facile biocatalysis and (2) vision for the department of plant nanotechnology.
The dates and details of the workshops below will be updated soon.
1. STIMULI RESPONSIVE engineered nanomaterials for smart agriculturE
2. Agro-nanotechnology for plant monitoring and plant protection
3. Nanotoxicity and soil health