The scientific value and innovativeness of the research projects conducted by the laureate arise from the partial utilization of plant waste generated in the agri-food industry.
Dr. Grzelczyk explains:
“My current research concerns the production of new hydrocolloids (note: compounds that, when dissolved in water, increase the viscosity of the solution or form gels) with health-promoting properties from fruit pomace waste.
The fruits were selected due to their importance for the regional economy. The developed hydrocolloids will be used for 3D printing. The scope of the research will include preparation of the pomace, extraction of soluble components, analysis of the extracts for their suitability for 3D printing along with modification of rheological and thermal properties, enrichment of hydrocolloid extracts with other health-promoting extracts, printing, and analysis of the resulting packaging.”
By leading the faculty mini-grant “COOPERATION”:
“Edible packaging will be analyzed in terms of nutritional value and microbiological safety. We will verify their health-promoting properties, especially their suitability for non-standard diets of people with type 2 diabetes."
Another research direction for Dr. Grzelczyk is the implementation of the LIDER project titled ‘Edible, biodegradable single-use tableware made from plant-based waste materials with health-promoting properties’ (project duration: 2025–2028).
The researcher is a co-author of 27 articles in JCR journals, 2 patents, and 4 patent applications. She led the PRELUDIUM project and was a participant in the OPUS project financed by the National Science Centre (NCN). She won second place in the “Eureka! DGP – Discovering Polish Inventions” competition.
Dr. Joanna Grzelczyk is among 288 recipients of the scholarship for outstanding young scientists who have demonstrated significant achievements in scientific activity. The scholarships have been awarded for a period of 3 years. This year’s edition received 1,711 applications.