Lecture: Practical aspects of using eco-innovative horticultural substrate in production. Methods of stimulated biodegradation of phenoxy acid herbicides in soil
(PRODUCTION BLOCK)

BIO: Prof. Magdalena Urbaniak is a recognised expert in the field of bio- and phytoremediation, author of over one hundred scientific publications, and laureate of numerous national and international awards for innovative environmental solutions. Her research focuses on environmental challenges associated with the presence of organic pollutants and their impact on soil, water, and plants — with particular emphasis on natural, biological methods of environmental purification (bio- and phytoremediation). A key aspect of her scientific activity is the practical application of research results in plant production and environmental protection — including nursery production, where innovative, nature-based solutions can promote sustainable development and improve crop quality.

Prof. Urbaniak has led or co-implemented numerous interdisciplinary research projects funded, among others, by the European Commission (Life+ EHREK, EUPOLIS, CHEMFELLS, Water4All) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland (development projects in Ethiopia supporting the implementation of nature-based solutions in agriculture and water management). Within these initiatives, she has developed, among other innovations, novel horticultural biogrowth substrates and methods enhancing the biodegradation of herbicides — solutions with potential applications in plant production and nursery practice. Her scientific achievements have been repeatedly recognised, including twice with the First Prize in the “Łódzkie Eureka” competition (Science category), as well as with a Gold Medal and Special Award at the International Innovation Exhibition INOVA 2018 in Zagreb. She is also a co-author of patent application no. P.439257 entitled “Biogeochemical reef for the reduction of diffuse pollution”, which is the outcome of long-term research collaboration with Dr Agnieszka Bednarek on efficient, low-cost solutions for the remediation of soils and groundwater contaminated with nutrient and toxic substances.

Prof. Urbaniak has also conducted research at prestigious scientific institutions, including in the USA (New York University, New York State Department of Health), Japan (Kobe University), Australia (James Cook University), and the Czech Republic (University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague). Her studies on the use of plants from the Cucurbitaceae family as phytoremediation tools and her research on the implementation of nature-based solutions have been recognised by international scientific and governmental institutions. This recognition led to her invitation to join the Polish Committee for Standardization (PKN) within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as part of the CEN/CENELEC ISO/IEC Working Group “Nature-Based Solutions”, which develops European standards for innovative environmental technologies.