I.3.4. Creation of three research teams that will initiate development of scientific networks conducting studies in the area of civilization diseases, emerging pollutants and circular economy

IDUB Programme Objective(s)

• I. Increasing the impact of the scientific activity of the University on the development of world science
• II. Strengthening research cooperation with internationally renowned scientific institutions

Name of POB/activity group

• I. Science for the Planet

Description

Objectives

To create research teams which in the future will become internationally recognised centres of excellence.

Justification

As part of the activity, there is a plan to establish three interdisciplinary research teams for conducting research in the areas described below (numbers 1-3). The teams will be led by researchers who have been selected in international competitions. The recruitment of team leaders will take place at the first stage. The newly-chosen leaders will receive financial and organisational support, which will allow for the formation of research groups and the organisation of work laboratories. The overarching aim of the activity is to create teams led by outstanding scholars, who are prepared to build research networks for carrying out ground-breaking research, in the areas listed below. Each team leader will receive a “starter package” – a substantial budget for eligible expenses, such as those related to human resources, the acquisition of equipment and the development of existing infrastructure, travel, research services, and research materials. This unique source of support for newly established research groups in Poland will allow unrestricted scientific development for the new leaders. The main objective of the teams will be to conduct research in a given area, submit applications for external funding, and establish cooperation with leading the scientific centres which are conducting research in a given area.

Areas of research

1. Bases, epidemiology, diagnostics, and new methods for the treatment of diseases of civilisation. – Objectives: (i) the development of new diagnostic methods; (ii) the identification of environmental, genetic, and psychosocial conditions of diseases; (iii) the integration of socioeconomic and epidemiological data.
2. New types of pollution in the light of globalisation and changing socioeconomic factors, and the development of bioremediation techniques for contaminated environments. – Objectives: (i) to identify the factors influencing the profile of pollution in various climate zones and regions experiencing differing degrees of anthropogenic pressure; (ii) to define the role of global mobility in the transfer of pollution; (iii) to develop monitoring and removal systems.
3. Circular economy – energy storage. – Objectives: (i) the design and prototyping of electrochemical energy storage facilities; (ii) the study of biological aspects of energy production and storage; (iii) an investigation of the physical basis of the processes taking place in modern electrode materials; (iv) development of activities initiated within a consortium of leading national entities in this area – PolStorEn.

Coordinating body

• Faculty of Biology

Entities involved in implementation

• All entities whose research topics are in line with the assumptions of Priority Research Area (POB) I, and which decide to participate in the competitions announced as part of this activity