Where?
Wrocław, Poland
When?
July 2th – 4th, 2024
Registration deadline: May 20th, 2024
What is the fee?
The Intensive Course is free for successfully admitted participants.
Who is it for?
The target group are PhD students in natural sciences from foreign universities who are interested in science and would like to participate in one of the four intensive courses.
On-campus workshops – available only for international PhD students studying at universities outside of Poland.
What is the programme about?
The project includes four intensive courses in the field of:
Key dates
Admission requirements
Admission for onsite workshops is open for international PhD students from foreign universities. Applicants should fill in the registration form and attach the required documents. Go to the registration form.
Required documents in English:
After submitting the above-mentioned documents selected candidates will be invited to take part in an interview.
The admission committee will select 8 of the best candidates for each intensive course on the basis of their documents and the results of an interview.
UPWr Intensive Course PhD students will take part in lectures and workshops conducted by renowned professors and researchers from Poland and abroad.
The program will consist of two parts:
In the 2024 edition you may choose between four courses offered to participants:
Description of Intensive Courses:
Task no. 1
Problem description:
Urban Sprawl is defined as the rapid expansion of the geographic extent of cities. The consequences are transformation of agricultural land, destruction of ecosystems, fragmentation of animal habitats, water and air pollution, and increased energy consumption.
In light of the growing human population in urban and suburban areas and the dramatic loss of agricultural land due to urban expansion, we are being forced to protect the security of future food. Uncontrolled urban sprawl reduces the ability to produce food, raise animals, produce fiber, wood and other raw materials. Thus, special attention should be paid to urban agriculture as part of the local food system, where food is produced in an urban area and sold to consumers in that area. On the other hand, urban agriculture requires safe and unpolluted areas to ensure safe consumption. Finding solutions to this problem requires the involvement of local residents in creating smart development projects - protecting public resources, environmental planning, minimizing negative land use effects, socio-economic balance, reducing public costs.
Task no. 2
Problem description:
The lack of urban initiative in promoting innovative methods for the exchange of agricultural goods between urban and rural areas is a major challenge. Without proactive engagement from urban centers, rural producers struggle to find efficient and sustainable channels to deliver their crops to urban markets. This stagnation hinders the development of mutually beneficial relationships between urban dwellers and rural farmers. By neglecting to invest in cutting edge solutions, cities risk escalating problems of food accessibility, economic inequality and environmental sustainability. Overcoming this challenge will require collaborative efforts to explore and implement creative approaches that bridge the gap between urban demand and rural supply, while empowering local farming communities.
Task no. 3 for Interdisciplinary Course
Problem description:
Homelessness is a negation of basic human rights. At the same time, this phenomenon is very disruptive and costly for society. In addition to the ever-present need for ad hoc actions, the urgency of implementing long-term strategies to address this problem, particularly evident in large cities, is becoming more apparent. At the same time, the world is facing challenges such as the risk of reduced food availability due to declining arable land and climate change due to escalating environmental pollution. Therefore, an effective and long-term solution to enclaves of homelessness is being courted through the activation of these social groups and their involvement in solving the current problems of the communities next to which they function in their daily lives.
Task No. 1
Location of field classes: Wrocław Zoo/Wrocław Botanical Garden
The main goal of the workshops on biodiversity in the zoo and botanical garden is to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of the diversity of life on Earth and to encourage participants to engage in practical actions for environmental protection. Participants will gain inspiration to undertake actions to preserve the natural environment in their surroundings, as well as in a large city – such as Wrocław. The goal of the workshops is to show that botanical and zoological gardens in the city are not only places for recreation, but above all, important centers for nature conservation and education for the residents.
The main objective of this task will be to undertake an interactive "path of life" in the zoo and botanical garden. The visit to the gardens will promote understanding and appreciation of the diversity of life on Earth. Participants will be guided along a designated route, where they will have the opportunity to observe a variety of plant and animal species, as well as learn about their significance for the conservation of ecosystems.
The ultimate goal will be to create a map enriched with Ph.D. students' photographs, which will contain information about individual points on both routes and will encourage other visitors to educate themselves and get involved in environmental protection.
Task No. 2
Location of classes: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology – classroom 214/ Molecular biology lab.
The main objective of the workshop will be to unveil the crucial role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNA and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), in the early detection and diagnosis of bone-bone cancer (osteosarcoma). This hands-on session will guide participants through the advanced techniques used to identify and analyze ncRNAs. The core of the workshop will involve practical demonstrations of laboratory techniques for the detection of specific ncRNAs associated with bone metabolism. Participants will engage in sample preparation, RNA extraction, and analysis, gaining hands-on experience.
The ultimate objective of this workshop is to foster a deeper understanding of ncRNA potential in biomedical sciences, particularly in the field of oncology, considering them as biomarkers of diagnostic and prognostic value. By equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to detect these biomarkers, we aim to inspire future research and innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of bone cancer.
This lecture will explore the cutting-edge realm of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), focusing on their emerging importance as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the management of lifestyle diseases through a translational research lens. It aims to illuminate the pathway from basic ncRNA studies to their practical application in clinical settings, highlighting their potential to revolutionize personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
Environmental sciences
The topics cover issues related to, among others, water management, retention, the use of remote sensing for environmental monitoring and monitoring, the introduction of an alternative Nature Solution based on city space, reduction of water distribution, water purification urban, revitalization of urban space.
Task no. 1
The main objective of this task is to develop a concept for the revitalisation of a city square in terms of counteracting betonosis, urban heat island, lack of vegetation, surface sealing, and lack of retention. The students will familiarize themselves with the current development of the site, its location and surroundings. On the basis of the site visit, preceded by thematic lectures, students will identify the main problems of a selected site and then, using elements of the "design thinking method", propose a revitalisation project in line with the concept of sustainable development. The proposed solutions should include elements of blue-green infrastructure and reflect the nature of the city. The concept will be presented as part of the summary of the Intensive Course.
Task no. 2
The main objective of this task is to develop a concept for the revitalization of selected inner-city water reservoirs including methods of water quality improving and indicating of reservoir’s purpose. The students will familiarize themselves with the object’s structure, obtain photographic documentations and prepare a description of current site development. Based on site visit, students will identify the main problems of a selected location and then, using elements of the "design thinking method", propose Nature Based Solution facilities used for water environmental improvement. The concept will be presented as part of the summary of the Intensive Course.
Title: City farms.
The main objective of this task is to develop a concept of aquaculture facilities in a city environment for food production. The students will familiarize themselves with the object's structure (especially selected water facilities), next develop concepts of their use for urban agriculture, e.g. growing vegetables using the hydroponic method. Based on site visit, students will identify main problems related to crops irrigating, sunlight availability, and area needed. The concept should take into account the hosts of the facility, potential sales markets, the selection of plants, climatic conditions, the engagement of local communities and, among others, potential risks related to the devastation of the facility. The concept will be presented as part of the summary of the Intensive Course.
Lectures/workshops:
Potential of using drones (UAVs) to assess the environment. Flight rules/regulations. Construction and equipment of drones, photogrammetric missions, preparation of measurement results.
2. Blue and green infrastructure. NBS in the city - lecture
The idea of NBS solutions. Examples of blue-green infrastructure – solutions in practice and their effectiveness. Design basics.
Title: Citizen Science (D.Sc. Jan Kazak)
The main aim of the class is to introduce the concept of citizen science and the different levels of public involvement in the research process. Students will review projects from different domains in order to identify ways and tools ton involve the public in research. Additionally, they will take part in short activities where they will become urban scientists. Finally, in an international teams, they will develop a concept of how to involve the society in the research process in a research topic of their choice.
Title: AI Tools for Research Innovation (D.Sc. Grzegorz Chrobak)
At the workshop, students will explore how to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT for enhancing scientific research. Participants will learn how to use AI for literature reviews, data analysis, and hypothesis generation. We'll cover techniques for asking effective questions to extract precise information, utilize natural language processing for analyzing and synthesizing scientific texts, and understand how AI can assist in generating data-driven insights. The session will include practical exercises where attendees can apply these tools to real-world research questions, enabling them to harness the power of AI to streamline their research processes and foster innovative discoveries.
Travel and accommodation costs are covered by the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences within the Project "International Interdisciplinary Doctoral School - at the HEART of BioBased University ", financed by the National Agency for Academic Exchange. Each participant qualified for taking part in the Intensive Course will receive flight/bus/train ticket and accommodation.
Małgorzata Korzeniowska
Department of Functional Food Product Development
Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science
Katarzyna Pawęska
Institute of Environmental Engineering
Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy
Agnieszka Śmieszek
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Paweł Dąbek
Department of Environmental Protection and Development
Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy
Karolina Tkacz
Departament of Fruit, Vegetable and Plant Nutraceutical Technology
Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science
Igor Turkiewcz
Departament of Fruit, Vegetable and Plant Nutraceutical Technology
Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science
Jessica Brzezowska
Departament of Fruit, Vegetable and Plant Nutraceutical Technology
Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science
PhD Małgorzata Korzeniowska: malgorzata.korzeniowska@upwr.edu.pl – Project Coordinator/Food sciences and nutrition course coordinator.
PhD Katarzyna Pawęska: katarzyna.paweska@upwr.edu.pl - Environmental sciences course coordinator.
PhD Agnieszka Śmieszk: Agnieszka.smieszek@upwr.edu.pl - Biology and veterinary sciences course coordinator.
PhD Maria Sobota: maria.sobota@upwr.edu.pl – Administrative Coordinator.
