Project Leader: Dr. Hab. Marek Wiśniewski, Prof. UMK
“Innovative multifunctional nanomaterials designed to enhance sustainable human well-being”
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors responsible for meeting the basic needs of humans and animals. Sustainable agriculture and food security are crucial issues in feeding the world’s growing population. Consequently, intensified efforts are needed to sustainably increase agricultural yields to ensure food security. This requires a new interdisciplinary approach to a multifaceted problem. The synthesis of novel multifunctional materials—serving as carriers, moisture adsorbents, and stabilizers of micro- and macroelements—fully aligns with these goals. The project, which focuses on the well-being of the entire biosphere, goes beyond an anthropocentric perspective through a novel holistic approach.
Our research group is aware of the increasing soil pollution worldwide. In this context, advanced nano-composites (ANCs), such as biochar- or silica-based complexes, as well as green-synthesized nanofertilizers (e.g., based on magnesium or iron) or nanopesticides (e.g., copper-based), can be used to stimulate and protect plant growth, and to improve soil fertility and health in order to achieve sustainable objectives. The project emphasizes the use of ANCs as an innovative approach that can bring social benefits by preventing pollution, enhancing soil fertility and health, and producing sufficient food for the growing population—contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of “zero hunger.” Moreover, such ANCs can be used to remediate polluted natural habitats and to mitigate climate change effects in plants, such as drought or soil salinity.
The interdisciplinary research team has extensive experience in the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of potential applications of various materials and solutions for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. Their expertise is documented through numerous publications, conference presentations, national (e.g., NCN) and European (e.g., EC) funded projects, patents and patent applications, as well as awards at innovation exhibitions and fairs. Team members also demonstrate a strong record of national and international collaboration. The team is well-balanced in terms of scientific seniority: 2 full professors, 3 habilitated doctors, 6 early-career doctors, and at least 8 PhD students. Additionally, the team structure aligns with EU horizontal policy priorities, including gender equality in research (over 50% female staff) and internationalization (participation of postdoctoral fellows in the core team).
The main pillars of the project are specialists in physical chemistry of materials—Dr. Hab. Marek Wiśniewski (PI), plant biology—Prof. Patrycja Golińska, Prof. Grażyna Dąbrowska, Dr. Hab. Jarosław Tyburski.
Analyses of the social reception of new solutions/products, conducted by the Department of Urban Planning and Sustainable Development (Dr. Hab. Jadwiga Biegańska, sociologist), will support the collaborating biology and chemistry research groups.