Projects

05 19 2025

Can light propagation in general relativity help us understand our physical existence in the Universe?

Justyna Wojniak Projects, Research, Science

The information we gather from the sky observation – such as brightnesses, the distances and the image distortions – is closely tied to how bundles of light travel through space. While the movement of light is a key factor, we should also consider the effect of gravitational waves on the way we calculate the distance of astrophysical objects.

Dr. Nezihe Uzun is a mathematical physicist working as a postdoctoral fellow within the relativity research group at the Center for Theoretical Physics. Her research interests include the quasilocal energy problem, relativistic cosmological models and light propagation in general relativity. She is the Principal Investigator of a Polonez Bis project named WAQOU “Wavization and quantization of the observables in the universe”.

Dr. Uzun decided to take part in the Polonez Bis Programme because she believes Poland is one of the few countries in Europe to work on Einstein’s general theory of relativity within a broad variety of topics. “I like the fact that one can construct a project on fundamental questions without feeling the pressure of including fashionable topics in a proposal. It is fair to say that the scientific level of researchers on average is higher than the one of my home country, Turkey. Actually, this is no surprise as for the last few centuries Poland has been known for its famous world-standard physicists” – dr. Uzun says.

Her current research focuses on the behaviour of light in general relativity. During her fellowship in Poland she is studying how light acts both as a regular wave and in the particle-like wave predicted by quantum physics – especially when space itself is curved. Dr. Uzun is particularly interested in finding out whether there are new wave phenomena in the Universe which are similar to the familiar behaviours we observe in a typical transistor of an electric kettle. And, even more importantly, she wants to understand how the two distinct domains of physics (i.e., the tiny-scale world of quantum physics and large-scale effects of gravity) can be merged considering the observations of the sky? She believes that finding answers to these questions will not only help us to identify what the Universe is made of but could also give us a deeper insight into our own place in it.

One of her project outcomes was a research paper Algebraic symmetries of the observables on the sky: Variable emitters and observers she co-authored with prof. Mikołaj Korzyński, her mentor from the Center for Theoretical Physics at the Polish Academy of Sciences. In the paper abstract the authors mention a number of exact relations between optical observables, such as trigonometric parallax, position drift and the proper motion of a luminous source in addition to the variations of redshift and the viewing angle. They point out that these relations are valid in general relativity for any spacetime and they are of potential interest for astrometry and precise cosmology.

Dr. Uzun also stresses the importance of sharing the results with researchers who work in other fields. For instance, last year she was invited by the Wigner Initiative to give a talk in Barcelona. She also maintains contact with her former research group at the ENS de Lyon, France, to keep their collaboration alive. Additionally, her team recently held a small workshop at the Center for Theoretical Physics in Warsaw to discuss the light propagation in general relativity .

N. Uzun, M. Korzyński, Algebraic symmetries of the observables on the sky: Variable emitters and observers, Phys. Rev. D 110, 064043

Dr. Nezihe Uzun with her mentor, prof. Mikołaj Korzyński at the kick-off meeting of the Polonez Bis in Krakow.

03 19 2025

The symbiotic world of colors

Marta Majorek Projects, Research, Science

What was once only a vision of SF writers is slowly becoming a reality. In The Expanse novel series by James S. A. Corey, food production varies greatly depending on the location—Earth, Mars, the Belt, or the outer planets—and is influenced by technological and environmental factors. The goal is to produce food based on natural ingredients, using the possibilities offered by science to change their original purpose—fungi become juicy steaks, and algae turn into spaghetti.

It’s fascinating how science fiction’s imaginative food scenarios are increasingly reflected in modern food technology, especially concerning the use of fungi. Sci-fi literature frequently features food grown in controlled environments, such as space stations or urban farms. In addition to obtaining nutrients, the goal is also to make the food taste and look like what humanity is used to. The search for natural alternatives to synthetic food colorings has become a significant trend going beyond the boundaries of futuristic novels. Fungi can produce a range of pigments, offering potential for natural food coloring. While not as widespread as some other fungal food applications, research is ongoing into extracting and utilizing these pigments.

The basic idea of the BioExplor project, conducted by El Sayed Ramadan El Sayed, lies in the area of microbial biotechnology; using microbes as platforms for the production of valuable products. Among the microbial populations are endophytic fungi, which spend a part or whole lifecycle inside tissues of their host plant, typically without causing any obvious symptoms of disease. Forests in Poland are extensive and their biodiversity is high. Generally, forest trees are well known to live in close association with several microbial populations. These microorganisms (for example filamentous fungi) represent an untapped pool of novel bioactive compounds with potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and the food industry. Indeed, the large biodiversity of the yet unexplored fungal populations associated with these plants may be an infinite source of a wide range of bioactive compounds.

Filamentous fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms with long, thread-like structures called hyphae. They have traditionally been recognized for their role in the production of antibiotics, enzymes, and fermented foods. In recent years, they have gained attention as a source of natural food colorants, which are preferred over synthetic dyes due to health and environmental concerns. Their use in the food industry has a number of advantages.

Nowadays, consumers are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to synthetic food colors. In this aspect fungi produce a wide range of natural pigments, such as anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, azaphilones, and carotenoids. In addition, filamentous fungi can grow on inexpensive substrates, reducing production costs and environmental impact.

For two years, dr. El Sayed Ramadan El Sayed worked with a type of fungus called Monascus ruber SRZ112x, researching ways to improve the production of red pigment. He exposed the fungus to gamma rays, which helped create a unique or “mutant” version of the fungus which was capable of producing more pigment than the wild-type strain. To improve the results even more, the mutant strain was grown in an immobilized state, which means that its cells were fixed or trapped in a specific support material. This technique not only made the fungus more stable, but also allowed it to use nutrients more effectively, leading to better pigment production. His research also identified the optimal conditions – such as temperature, acidity, and nutrient concentrations – for maximizing the pigment output. By combining these two methods – exposing the fungus to gamma-rays and immobilized growth – the researchers were able to significantly increase red pigment production. This breakthrough could make the process more efficient and practical for large-scale industrial applications.

Thanks to the research project conducted by El Sayed Ramadan El Sayed,, we are witnessing the transformation of visions presented in SF books into our present lives.

Published papers: Enhancing bioprocessing of red pigment from immobilized culture of gamma rays mutant of the endophytic fungus Monascus ruber SRZ112 | Journal of Biological Engineering | Full Text
Novel nanoconjugates of metal oxides and natural red pigment from the endophyte Monascus ruber using solid-state fermentation | Microbial Cell Factories | Full Text

Bioprospecting Endophytic Fungi of Forest Plants for Bioactive Metabolites with Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Potentials

Principal Investigator: dr. El Sayed Ramadan El Sayed

Project Title: Unlocking Bioactivity of Forest Plants Associated Mycobiome as Sources of Novel Carotenoids and other BioPigments: Intensifying their Potential using Nanotechnology (BioExplor)

Project’s website: https://bioexplor.eu/

03 07 2025

The intertwined symphony

Marta Majorek Projects, Science

Calculus of variations and partial differential equations (PDEs) may seem like abstract mathematical concepts, but they play a fundamental role in understanding and improving many aspects of science and engineering. Among other things, they help in designing bridges or understanding the behaviour of light.

Let’s imagine building a bridge between two points. There are countless ways to achieve this, but some designs will be more efficient than others. Calculus of variations helps us to find the optimum design by figuring out which shape of the bridge will use the minimal amount of a given material. It provides a powerful framework for seeking the “best” solution among a collection of possibilities.

Partial differential equations, on the other hand, describe how things (variables) change when there are multiple factors involved. As we will show later in the text, they are crucial in modeling various phenomena where many factors are at play .

The beauty lies in the deep connection between calculus of variations and PDEs. Many physical principles can be seen as minimization problems, leading to specific PDEs via the Euler-Lagrange equations. For example, if you want to move an object from point A to point B using the smoothest or “easiest” way possible (like saving energy or time), then the Euler-Lagrange equations are your tool. . To put it in more general technical terms, solutions to certain PDEs can be found by interpreting them as minimizers of a well-defined functional. This interplay allows mathematicians and scientists to use the strengths of both fields to tackle complex problems.

Dr. Rémy Rodiac’s research project focuses on developing new techniques in calculus of variations and PDEs where, in spite of many results already obtained, several challenging questions remain open.

Dr. Rémy Rodiac

His work shows that calculus of variations and PDEs have a wide range of applications. Thus finding the minimizers of the energy and showing its possible implementation could help to design optimal structures for bridges and buildings, analyze heat flow in engines, and predict material behaviour, describe fluid dynamics, optimize spacecraft trajectories, and also model the electromagnetic field.

The practical outcome of Dr Rodiac’s research is the proof that calculus of variations and PDEs are not just abstract branches of mathematics; they are powerful tools that allow us to understand, optimize, and predict the behaviour of the world around us. Thanks to Dr Rodiac’s research, we continue to explore the depths of these mathematical landscapes. New discoveries, and even more important, new applications for calculus of variations and PDEs are sure to arise, further solidifying their importance in our quest to understand the universe and create our future more sustainable.

Principal Investigator: dr. Rémy Rodiac

Project Title: Singularities in calculus of variations and partial differential equations

Strona projektu: www.scvpde.mimuw.edu.pl

01 24 2025

Eastern goddesses – the cult through the lenses of people

Marta Du Vall Projects, Research, Science

Beliefs, gods and goddesses have long aroused interest and stimulated the imagination, not only of fantasy and mythology lovers but also of scientists who use research methods to investigate various aspects of this phenomenon.

Dr Aleksandra Kubiak-Schneider is an epigrapher and historian of religions. Her Polonez Bis project concentrates on people who worshiped two prominent Eastern goddesses: Allat and Atargatis. The first is a pre-Islamic Arabian goddess, at one time worshipped under various associations throughout the entire Arabian Peninsula. She symbolizes peace, war, resilience and prosperity. Atargatis is the great goddess of northern Syria. According to Britannica (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Atargatis) “primarily, Atargatis was a goddess of fertility, but, as the mistress of her city and people, she was also responsible for their protection and well-being”.

Aleksandra wants to understand the cult of these goddesses through the lenses of the people involved, their functions and social roles, especially women. She is looking at the interplay of the geographical features and topography of the cult. Together with her PhD student collaborator, Sebastien Mazurek MA, they built a visual database in the NodeGoat, which connects people and places on the map in order to visualise the diffusion of the cults and ethnicities of the worshippers. To date, the data set comprises 120 inscriptions from the entire Mediterranean and distant territories of the Roman Empire, including Britain, where the cult of Atargatis is attested. Researchers are currently unifying the data ientered in the database. At the end of the project, they plan to prepare a paper on the role of women in the cult of Atargatis. As one of the preliminary observations, they have identified the significant contribution of immigrants from Syria in the dissemination and training of new cultic personnel in the case of the cult of Atargatis.

By using mapping and the epigraphic data collection tools, dr Kubiak-Schneider was able to determine the strong connection of the Allat goddess to the desert, caravan mobility and the netherworld. Furthermore, she points out that the worship of this goddess was not spread beyond the East, it remained confined to the rocky, desert areas of the Near East. The findings of this part of research were published in an open access paper “Allat and the Desert. Kulturlandschaft of Allat in the Near East” in the Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology (http://www.jaha.org.ro/index.php/JAHA/article/view/932).

It is worth noting that a significant outcome of the project is the collaboration between Polonez Bis project and the IDEA (International Dura-Europos Archive) project lead by Anne Chen in Bard College, NY USA and Yale University. Aleksandras’ role is to analyze the inscriptions from the temple of Atargatis, work with the Linked Open Data tools (e.g. Wikidata) and provide expertise in the domain of the Semitic epigraphy.

Epigraphist (digital era), archive of dr Aleksandra Kubiak-Schneide

Dr Kubiak-Schneider is also engaged in many activities associated with her research, including participation in international conferences. One example is the conference in Madrid (last year in November), where she presented a paper (now in print) about connections between the ancient goddesses and modern female superheroes (e.g. Wonder Woman). The gender hybridization of the goddesses does not influence the role of a woman in the society, who is rather conservatively attached to the household, as can be seen in the structure of the temple personnel, where the women remain largely invisible (at least in the Parthian and Roman periods). The worship of the goddesses in the first three centuries of the Common Era did not serve to empower the women, but it served men, as can be observed from the epigraphic material. Aleksandra also participated in the Arabian Seminar in Oxford, where she presented her first significant outcome connecting Allat and the desert landscape. This talk is available on the YouYube channel for those interested in viewing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_lGIgfqwyM&pp=ygUWa3ViaWFrLXNjaG5laWRlciBhbGxhdA%3D%3D).

Participants of the Melammu Workshop Serving the Gods at the University of Wrocław, archive of dr Aleksandra Kubiak-Schneider

As Aleksandra notes, the Polonez Bis programme, has given her opportunity to develop the discipline of West Semitic epigraphy, mainly Aramaic, which is underrepresented in Poland, „Even though this field is very narrow in Poland, I can contribute to the epigraphical research of the colleagues in my research team and institute. I am building up the library sources with the book budget in order to potentially attract new students to my field of study in the future ”.

11 16 2024

Networks of Reception: 18th century fan fiction and celebrity culture

Justyna Wojniak Projects, Research, Science

Literary adaptation – sometimes called ‘literary afterlife’ or ‘fan fiction’ – has thrived across all periods of history. It gives the readers an opportunity to imaginatively immerse themselves in the fiction they read, and gives it alternative life with sequels, new adventures, or even merchandise. Few people may know that the concept has its roots in the 18th century: works of Laurence Sterne were an example of the most popular adaptations of that period.

Dr. Mary Newbould spent many years as a teacher and researcher in English literature at the University of Cambridge. She is now Assistant Professor in the Department of Anglophone Studies at Kazimierz Wielki University. Her expertise mainly lies in literature and visual culture of the eighteenth century, with a particular focus on Laurence Sterne’s work and its afterlives. Laurence Sterne was the author of two major novels, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (1759–67) and A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy (1768). They were so successful that their characters, motifs and ideas inspired other authors who published pamphlets, sequels, plays, paintings, illustrations, poems, songs, and material objects based on Sterne’s work.

Dr. Newbould’s research relates to her ongoing interest in literary afterlives and adaptations. Before her participation in the Polonez Bis programme she published a book Adaptations of Laurence Sterne’s Fiction: Sterneana, 1760–1840 (2013), and an essay collection co-edited with W. B. Gerard Laurence Sterne’s ‘A Sentimental Journey’: A Legacy to the World (2021).

Her current project called Networks of Reception in Eighteenth-Century Newspapers and Magazines: Laurence Sterne explores Sterne’s reception history through contemporary press publications, including reviews of his work, and the huge number of creative responses it encountered. There are many different types of adaptation (‘Sterneana’) in this period, a bit like today’s concept of fan-fiction, and the eighteenth-century newspapers and magazines have a wealth of material that has not been properly excavated yet. ‘Sterneana’ manifests in critical reviews, fragmentary imitations, borrowed character names, passing references, allusions, and much more besides. Networks of Reception gathers these fragmentary and widely dispersed strands, using traditional library archival research and digital resources, to cement a picture of Sterne’s reception not only in the British press, but also in Europe, especially France and Eastern Europe.

The project enriches the story of how Sterne’s work was read, consumed and recycled through exploring ‘Sterneana’ in contemporary newspapers and magazines, a hitherto neglected area of research. The popular press in the eighteenth century was a platform for circulation of imaginary afterlives. It also contributed to the emergence of the phenomenon described today as celebrity culture. Due to the dissemination of his literary works and creative methods for responding to them Laurence Sterne could be perceived as a key celebrity figure of his time. Analysing patterns of Sterne’s work critical and creative reception may help us to understand how Sterne’s work was read and reinterpreted, but also what ‘Sterneana’ reveals about celebrity culture, and the early emergence of ‘product branding’.

Dr. Mary Newbould with her mentor, prof. Jakub Lipski

The project milestones include several dissemination activities, as part of the ongoing data collection and research phases of the project. The major outcome will be a short monograph, contracted with Cambridge University Press. Other publications include journal articles, and a project website. Dr. Newbould presented papers at conferences using materials gathered through her research for the project: the International Laurence Sterne Foundation conference at Venice in November 2023, at British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, Oxford, in January 2024. Three more conferences have been lined up before the end of the project: the Association of Adaptation Studies in Szczecin, the Polish Association for the Study of English conference in Warsaw, and the European Society for the Study of English, in Lausanne, at the end of August. For the last of these three conferences she was co-organising two sessions on eighteenth-century adaptations with a colleague from Aix-in-Provence and with her mentor, prof. Jakub Lipski from Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz.

She has also done a few public engagement talks: at her home institution in Bydgoszcz (one online, one in-person), and, in April, at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, where she was the guest of the University and the City to give a public lecture, promoting her research and the project; she also taught a couple of seminars for the university students.

Moreover, dr. Newbould spent her two-week secondment in Warsaw, at the Muzeum Literatury, which was a fantastic opportunity to experience intersectoral links within the museum and heritage sector. She made some great new acquaintances there, and had the opportunity to explore the city’s culture and history.

The research team set up a project website to publicise activities and objectives, as they evolve: https://www.ukw.edu.pl/jednostka/sternews

Public lecture advert, Poznań

10 28 2024

Casimir effect. One of the most mysterious interactions known in physics

Marta Majorek Projects, Research, Science

Interested in quantum physics? Learn more about Casimir effect from the POLONEZ BIS project: Applied Casimir Theory: from Mesons to Environmental Effects

Dr Mathias Boström conducts his research at the Ensemble3 Center of Excellence in Poland, with the strong support of University of Warsaw’s Centre of New Technologies. His main area of interest are semi-classical electrodynamics and the Casimir effect. The simplest way to describe this phenomenon is that when you place two electrically uncharged metal plates next to each other with a vacuum between them, they will be drawn to each other. This is unexpected – we usually assume that with nothing between the plates, there should be no force. However, when we analyze the situation using quantum electrodynamics, it turns out that virtual particles are created in a vacuum and interact with uncharged metal plates. As a result, if the plates are very close to each other (less than a micron), this interaction becomes the dominant force. The strength of the force decreases rapidly with increasing distance.

Source: Wikipedia commons

The principal challenge addressed in the ACT:MEE project is to develop theories for the Casimir effect in plasma and magnetic media, along with their varied applications. A key part of the project is to create a new semiclassical theory that focuses on the lifespan of electron-positron plasmons and electron (positron) bonds with plasmons.

Essentially, in his research dr Boström is looking at the idea which dates back to the time before quantum mechanics, i.e. that optics and forces/energies are linked. He uses optical properties of solids and liquids of various materials to study forces between surfaces. This could help to predict how ice grows on a tiny cellulose particle in mist, for example on a cold morning or to calculatethe amount of nucleated ice and similarly, condensed water, which also affects the way light passes through mist. The present research is more fundamental in nature and is expected to directly lead to the formulation of a semiclassical theory for mesons and nuclear forces. This includes exploring anisotropy, meson theory, and excited state interactions.

For more information we recommend reading one of the articles co-authored by the Principal Investigator of described project, which appeared this year in “Physics” journal (Semi-classical electrodynamics and the Casimir effect, https://doi.org/10.3390/physics6010030) and visiting web page of the project: https://www.oimalyi.org/funding-polonez-bis.

Principal Investigator: dr Mathias Anders Boström

Project Title: Applied Casimir Theory: from Mesons to Environmental Effects

Project’s website: www.ensemble3.eu/applied-casimir-theory—polonez-bis-3

10 18 2024

PEM cells – gamechanger for a large-scale and low-cost green energy production

Marta Majorek Projects, Research, Science

As the world accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, new technologies play a critical role in meeting the growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy sources. One of the most promising technologies in this area is Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. These advanced cells are at the heart of a potential revolution in green energy production, promising to reduce carbon footprints and help industries transition to clean energy on a large scale. But what are PEM cells, and how can they contribute to large-scale green energy production?

What are PEM fuel cells?

PEM fuel cells are a type of electrochemical cell that generates electricity through a simple chemical process: the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. In the heart of the cell lies a membrane known as the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), which plays a critical role in allowing protons to pass through while blocking electrons, forcing them to flow through an external circuit to generate electricity.

When hydrogen enters the fuel cell, it splits into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the PEM membrane, while the electrons are forced into an external circuit, creating a flow of electricity. The protons and electrons then recombine with oxygen on the other side of the membrane, producing water as the only byproduct. This makes PEM fuel cells a zero-emissions technology—ideal for clean energy systems.

The role of PEM cells in green energy production

PEM fuel cells are efficient, scalable, and, most importantly, produce no harmful emissions. Unlike traditional fossil fuels that release CO₂ and other pollutants, PEM fuel cells emit only water and heat. This zero-emissions nature is a crucial factor in achieving global climate goals and reducing air pollution in urban areas. Moreover, hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, can be sourced through various means, including renewable energy-powered electrolysis. PEM fuel cells are efficient in converting this hydrogen into electricity, with conversion efficiencies ranging from 40-60%, far surpassing the efficiency of conventional combustion engines. And last but not least, one of the most exciting possibilities for PEM fuel cells is their role in storing and distributing renewable energy. As the world moves towards solar, wind, and other intermittent renewable sources, PEM cells can act as energy storage systems. Surplus energy from renewables can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, which can then be stored and used to generate electricity later, ensuring a steady, reliable energy supply.

PEM fuel cells have long been used in smaller applications like vehicles, backup power systems, and portable electronics. However, recent advancements in materials, system designs, and hydrogen infrastructure are making it feasible to scale PEM technology to much larger projects. For PEM fuel cells to truly become the backbone of green energy, large-scale hydrogen production needs to expand. Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is key.

Obstacles to mass implementation

Despite the promise of PEM fuel cells, challenges remain. One of the most significant hurdles is the cost of production, particularly in creating affordable, green hydrogen. The answer to the above-mentioned problem is the research of Dr. Biswaranjan Das Mohapatra conducted as part of the POLONEZ BIS program, focused on designing Iron (Fe) or Nickel (Ni) containing Tantalum oxide (TaOx) and Hafnium oxide (HfOx) nanomaterials for efficient and stable oxygen electrocatalysis applications. Attempts at designing nanostructured thin oxide films are a fascinating area of material science due to their unique properties, and undoubtedly Dr Das Mohapatra’s recent research outcome makes them useful for a wide range of applications, including sensors, catalysts, energy storage, and electronics. The research carried out revealed that their structure at the nanoscale endows them with remarkable physical and chemical characteristics, including a high surface area-to-volume ratio, anisotropic behavior, and tunable surface charge. The project results are intended to lead to a reduction in the production costs of PEM cells and thus bring us closer to the production of green energy on a larger scale. Moreover, thanks to lower production costs, they will be able to be successfully implemented in various industries.

Dr. Biswaranjan Das Mohapatra with his colleagues

PEM fuel cells represent one of the most promising technologies for large-scale, sustainable energy production. With their ability to generate clean, reliable power and integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources, PEM fuel cells are set to become a cornerstone of the green energy revolution. As investments and innovations continue to drive down costs and increase efficiency, we are likely to see PEM fuel cells powering everything from homes to industries and even cities, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Principal Investigator: dr. Biswaranjan Mohapatra

Project Title: Bridging the Understanding between Oxygen Electrocatalysis Activity and Electrode Stability in Acidic Medium: An Approach Towards Designing Low-cost PEM Fuel cells and Water Electrolyzers

Project website: www.elektro.chemia.uj.edu.pl/polonez-bis

09 23 2024

The extraordinary world of vegetables

Marta Du Vall Projects, Research, Science

Vegetables, something ordinary for the common person. But have you ever wondered what processes at the genetic level make them grow, making it possible for us to eat them in various forms (e.g. frozen, cooked)

Dr. Pablo Cavagnaro’s team conduct a research project at the University of Agriculture in Krakow, in which they are trying to identify the genes responsible for transitions in plants from the vegetative stage to the reproductive stage, known to all of us as flowering.

The project focuses specifically on vernalization which is the process by which plants use an extended cold period, such as winter, to get ready to flower. The researchers decided to concentrate on the carrot because it is one of the ten most economically important and consumed vegetables worldwide.

In order to produce flowers and seeds, many vegetable plants – including the carrot – first need to overcome their juvenile stage and reach “adulthood”, which happens when the plant reaches a certain vegetative growth threshold (e.g., in carrots the juvenile stage is considered over when the plant has 8-12 leaves and a root diameter of ~ 4-8 mm)Then they need to accumulate a certain number of hours of cold to shift from the vegetative to the reproductive stage. These physiological and biochemical changes take place in the meristem of the plant which is a type of tissue composed of f cells that can divide and grow into all the other tissues and organs in plants.

After the necessary changes are produced in the meristem, the plant is ready to flower, which usually happens after the winter is over. The amount of cold that a given species, or a variety within a species, needs to be exposed to in order to start flowering is called “vernalization requirement” (VR) and it is genetically determined – a given plant variant has a gene, or a set of genes, that condition the amount of cold it requires for flowering. . Previous studies have already helped to narrow down the possible chromosome region where these genes might be located, but the actual genes controlling carrot vernalization requirements have not yet been identified. Dr Cavagnaro’s project is bringing us closer to their discovery!

To accomplish this, the researchers are comparing three early flowering and three late flowering carrots (that is six carrot cultivars with contrasting VR) ) and looking at how their complete set of genes (the “transcriptome”) behaves in vernalized and not vernalized plants. This helps them identify genes that are expressed at different rates in both groups and are related to flowering or vernalization processes. The fact that research is conducted in Poland allows the project to combine different approaches, different expertise, different equipment from the Polish host institution and Argentinian universities, where the Principal Investigator conducted his earlier research.

If we understand more about how vernalization requirements are regulated, we would be able to develop molecular breeding strategies for future crops.

Principal Investigator: prof. dr Pablo Federico Cavagnaro

Project Title: Understanding the genetic basis of carrot vernalization

Project’s website: www.projekty.urk.edu.pl/index/site/8791

09 19 2024

Non-obvious source of expertise on UNESCO World Heritage issues

Justyna Wojniak Projects, Research, Science

Heritage is a link between our past, today, and future generations. The UNESCO concept of World Heritage stands for identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural sites of outstanding value to humanity around the world. To meet the needs of the public, an increasing number of experts are included in the decision-making process regarding such sites.

Dr. Iuliia Eremenko is an Assistant Professor at the University of Warsaw and the principal investigator for the project “Local Experts in Polish and German World Heritage Cities: Understanding Their Role in Polycentric Governance of Heritage Sites”.

She believes that the future belongs to interdisciplinary research, and her studies are situated at the crossroads of political science, sociology, and urban studies. Her research analyses the building of local expertise on World Heritage issues in polycentric governance. Dr. Eremenko’s study is based on a comparative analysis of four cities (two in Poland and two in Germany). The choice of cities for this study was determined by the specificity of World Heritage sites and the comparability of two pairs of cities, Torun and Stralsund, Bamberg and Zamosc.

For the purposes of the project dr. Eremenko uses interviews with those who were considered as experts in World Cultural Heritage in Bamberg, Stralsund, Torun and Zamosc: local activists, members of the World Heritage Centres, city administration and representatives from UNESCO and International Council on Monuments and Sites International Office and National Committees. The second source of information is analysis of ICOMOS National Committee and city administration documents about the people they invited as World Heritage experts.

This study hypothesizes that in polycentric governance systems the structures of World Heritage local expertise are becoming less hierarchical. Increasing numbers of participants are being included in expert reviews, influencing this process, and determining the content of recommendations. The study proves that people who are not experts in terms of their social and professional status, as they do not have specialised training in conservation or restoration, have started to play an important role in decision-making in World Heritage. Thus the role of local experts who are well known locally and have a high degree of trust from citizens and/or local authorities has become an important part of shaping UNESCO World Heritage.

Using the example of the World Heritage Cities, dr. Eremenko claims that the harmonization of the interests of the participants of urban policies requires an unusual approach from the public administration, taking into account not only formal procedures and regulations but also ensuring greater involvement of citizens in the decision-making process. As the research shows, in some situations recommendations of local experts were more authoritative and earned a higher degree of trust from the citizens than recommendations from people with formal expert status. The participation of the local experts in the decision making process leads to more open and democratic expertise.

As an example dr. Eremenko has analysed the role of diverse actors participating in decision-making processes concerning closing operating tramlines in Toruń’s Old Town prior to its designation as a World Heritage Area. In the late 1960s and 1970s, when the decision to close the tramlines was made, not only key actors, including representatives from the transportation company, city administration, and decision-makers were involved, but also journalists and the general public had an opportunity to present their point of view on trams in the press. As dr. Eremenko and Tymoteusz Kraski argue in their paper, ‘Heritage Expertise and Tram Closures in the World Heritage City of Toruń, Poland’, published in the August 2024 Issue of the “Journal of Transport History”, The aim of the narratives was to foster public support for the proposed closures in alignment with the opinions of heritage experts. The “heritage preservation” rationale was not a direct narrative on its own, but rather a part of a theme within the narratives partly connected with the development of tourism.

This tendency is coherent with larger changes in public administration, which is becoming more adaptive, complex, polycentric, and oriented towards effective cooperation of different stakeholders. The most important findings of the study show that inclusion of a group of “non-formal” experts is one of the most important factors influencing the successful coordination of public interests.

More information on the project https://wnpism.uw.edu.pl/en/polonez-bis_heriexpert/

Dr. Eremenko is busy raising awareness of the issues she studies at various academic conferences and events, not only in Poland but also in Bulgaria, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Kenya, and Lithuania. She has just returned from a conference at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity in Göttingen (Germany), where she had the opportunity to present the results of her research project. Prior to this, in May, she delivered a public lecture in Erfurt.

At the moment she is also negotiating to record a podcast episode about the results of her research, which will help more people learn about it.

Eremenko, T. Kraski, Heritage expertise and tram closures in the World Heritage City of Toruń, Poland, “Journal of Transport History”, Vol. 45, Is. 2, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00225266241263669

04 29 2024

Is science a man’s world?

Marta Majorek Projects, Research, Science

Generally speaking, the trajectory of a scientific career is adapted to the male model – it does not anticipate the emergence of “difficulties” related to family responsibilities – it is not flexible enough. Having and raising children, as statistics show, causes “falling out” of the research world of many promising female researchers. There is also a lack of support tools for female scientists on maternity or parental leave and mothers returning to research work. It is not without reason that statistics clearly show that the scientific career of women is gaining momentum after 40 years of age.

The level of gender imbalance goes hand in hand with the field of science: the greatest disparities can be observed in engineering and technology sciences (STEM), and in natural sciences, with a relative balance in medicine and agricultural sciences, while women’s predominance is visible in social and human sciences (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, She figures 2018, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/936)

If we consider the presence of women in managerial positions in academic scientific institutions and in decision-making bodies, we can observe the same problem – in the case of Poland it is generally a dozen or so percent of women-members of those bodies. (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, She figures 2021, Publications Office, 2021, https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/knowledge-publications-tools-and-data/interactive-reports/she-figures-2021#chapter3; 12 men and 2 women in the presidium of The Council of Scientific Excellence that defines quality standards of scientific activity required to obtain academic degrees: https://www.rdn.gov.pl/prezydium.html; 8 men and 5 women in the presidium of The Polish Accreditation Committee which is responsible for evaluation of quality and standards of higher education: https://pka.edu.pl/o-pka/struktura-organizacyjna/ )

Add to this the still dominant gender stereotypes and existing discriminatory attitudes and we gain a general picture of the situation of female researchers, not only in Poland but in many other countries of the world.

We have asked female researchers participating in the POLONEZ BIS Program to share their views and experience on the situation of women in science. Is this an environment favorable for a professional career for women?

Dr. Jade Bejeot does not have any experience of unequal treatment in her career but in general terms in Italy women have difficulty reconciling scientific career with a family. This is partly due to the pressures coming from the research context which is very competitive, and to the fact that having children is logistically difficult because there is a lack of policies to support working mothers. As a result, many researchers give up having children altogether, have them very late or abandon their scientific careers. She can not say whether the situation is better in Poland. In recent years a lot of progress has been made at the European level but that we still have a long way to go.

Our next fellow, Dr. Nezihe Uzun observes underrepresentation of women in her field of research (physical mathematics). She has admitted, however, that the number of women has been increasing for the last few decades.

When asked about the situation of women in science in general, she shared her belief that this is a complex problem and it can not be solved within the scientific environment only. For example, one can ask the same question for women in art, women in business or women in politics. In Dr. Uzun’s opinion it will take time to change the conception of the society on gender based roles in general. On a higher note, she can see more programs for women who had to take a career break and want to return to their field. There are also more just, equally shared parental leaves these days. The situation will get better, with the inclusion of governmental level interventions.

Although Dr. Uzun has never experienced any unequal treatment in her career, some of her colleagues went through ugly experiences. “The last few years have taught us that discussing these topics openly is the way to create awareness and eventually find a solution” – says POLONEZ BIS Fellow.