Between 23-27 June, 2025, as part of the 5th Edition of the International Conference – PLANT PRODUCTIVITY AND FOOD SAFETY: Soil Science, Microbiology, Agricultural Genetics and Food Quality, organized by members of the Emerging Field OBSIDIAN under the leadership of Prof. Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz, the OBSIDIAN Laboratory Workshop 2025: “Plant-Microbial Interactions in Saline Areas” was held at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
The workshop was organized by researchers and PhD students from the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences (PhD Edyta Deja-Sikora, PhD Bliss Furtado, PhD Sonia Szymańska, PhD Dominika Thiem, MSc Matteo Marangi, and MSc Jagoda Szydło). In the laboratories of our department, we had the pleasure of hosting bachelor’s and master’s students from around the world.
The workshop program included participation in conference lectures delivered by world-renowned scientists, a field trip to Inowrocław region to explore saline habitats, and numerous laboratory sessions. During these sessions, participants isolated endophytic microorganisms from halophytic plants and analyzed their potential for promoting plant growth under saline conditions. The workshop concluded with short evaluation interviews, during which participants reflected on the knowledge, practical skills, and social competencies they had gained. At the end, certificates of participation were awarded.
The students participating in the workshop received financial support through the NAWA PROM program.
