Biotechnika funds research

03/31/2023 - 13:14

„Życie Uczelni” information bulletin of the TUL

Lodz University of Technology students keep an open mind and, as Rector of Lodz University of Technology professor Krzysztof Jóźwik likes to accentuate, it is important that their research ideas should meet the needs of industry. - Following the talks we had with Biotechnika, the time has come to sign a sponsorship agreement. It is a new approach, although the idea itself is somewhat similar to what used to be called an endowed scholarship. Working in partnership, the company and Lodz University of Technology provide new opportunities for capable students.

Written by Ewa Chojnacka, editor-in-chief

From the left: prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik, Dominika Gibka and Tomasz Kapela

Biotechnika deals in the design and construction of biotechnological plants. Right now, the demand for environmentally friendly solutions is particularly high. The goal of the project addressed by the agreement concluded on March 28 is to respond to that demand.

The agreement was signed by professor Krzysztof Jóźwik, rector of TUL, mgr inż. Jan Kapela, M.Sc., the proprietor of Biotechnika, and inż. Dominika Gibka, a student at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, who will work on the project over the next one and a half years. She graduated with a first degree in Industrial Bioeconomy and is pursuing a second degree in Biotechnology. The research grant provided by the company for the project is 100 000 złoty.

President of Biotechnika, mgr inż. Tomasz Kapela, makes no secret of the fact that he hopes for tangible business gains. - What drove us was the desire to find students who had research ideas with a potential for commercial application. We want our grant to be used for the preliminary phase of research work that eventually will lead to the development of a specific product that Biotechnika will be able to commercialize. The agreement concluded today is the first of its kind. Dominika Gibka proposed a tremendously interesting concept, thus making the choice a rather obvious one for us.

Dominika Gibka feels fortunate that she will be doing the project she proposed to Biotechnica. She will be advised by professor Beata Gutarowska, who heads the Department of Environmental Biotechnology, under whose supervision Dominka had completed her first degree thesis.

The project is concerned with the development of technology and evaluation of the properties of a new mycelium-based composite. The final product is expected to have agricultural applications, probably as anti-weed or frost protection agro-textile.
Inż. Dominika Gibka tells us - I hope to complete my project according to plan. With my personalized curriculum, I shall be able to concentrate on doing the research.