Enhancement of the human capacity in the field of plant nanotechnology:
The selection of the ERA chair (work package 3) was completed with delay due to the unprecedented Covid 19 pandemic and limited mobility of researchers. Dr. Dibyendu Mondal, specializing in chemical sciences with experience in nanotechnology, joined the NANOPLANT project in September 2021 as ERA chair holder. Dr. Leonard Muriithi Kiirika, who specializes in molecular plant pathology and proteomics, joined the NANOPLANT project in May 2022 as a senior researcher. Dr. Monia Martins, who has extensive experience in chemical sciences, joined the team as a senior postdoc. Dr. Meena Bisht joined the team as a postdoctoral researcher in the project of the ERA chair holder funded by the National Science Center (NCN). Ms. Marta Gloger (Poland) and Ms. Natalia Krówczyńska (Poland) have joined NANOPLANT as PR specialist and laboratory manager, respectively.
Improvement of research competence and performance:
One research project was approved for funding by the National Science Center, Poland, which allowed the start of research work in NANOPLANT. So far, Two articles were published in high-impact journals acknowledging the NANOPLANT project and two manuscripts are currently being prepared for publication in high-impact journals.
Successful implementation of a brand new interdisciplinary research approach:
Innovative interdisciplinary research activities such as the development of nanoformulations based on ionic liquids for fertilizer applications and the response of plants to combined stress from nanoparticles and phytopathogens are being carried out as part of the NANOPLANT project. Different nanoformulations have been developed, characterized physicochemically and are being tested in plants. These results have recently been presented at interdisciplinary conferences recently.
Improvement of research organisation, management and infrastructure at IPG PAS:
To integrate the NANOPLANT team, a new Plant Nanotechnology Department was created at the IPG PAS. To improve management and interaction, all teams were transformed into departments at IPG PAS. Most official communications are now bilingual (Polish-English) and most meetings and seminars are held in English at the IPG PAS. The LITESIZER 500, an instrument required for nanomaterial characterization, was purchased for the new department, along with other instruments.
Creation of a continuous and robust network of national and international cooperation between the Institute and high-quality research institutions:
Launched innovative research activities in collaboration with scientists from high-quality research institutions such as CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials at University of Aveiro, Portugal, the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, the Laboratory of Elemental Analysis at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland, and the Center for Nano and Material Sciences at Jain University, Bangalore, India. Establishing more collaborations is underway.
Organisation of meetings involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders:
Members of the NANOPLANT team offered internships and supervised research projects for undergraduate and graduate students from Universities from Poznan. Students are encouraged to join the department at any time to gain practical experience and scientific skills in plant nanotechnology. Training visits and study visits to various institutions were held to strengthen the scientific potential of the team and help establish collaborations.
