Exciting Updates from Novi Sad: Dissemination to the stakeholders and policymakers

Natural based efficient solution for remediation and revitalization of contaminated locations using energy crops (ReNBES) Funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia and Twinning excellence on organic soil amendments effect on nutrient and contaminant dynamics in the subsurface (TwinSubDyn) Twinning Western Balkans HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-02 presented their research, ideas and achievement to the stakeholders and policymakers.

On March 5th and 6th, Hotel Sheraton Novi Sad was buzzing with innovation and collaboration as the ReNBES and TwinSubDyn Consortium co-organized two dynamic workshops. The focus? Disseminating crucial insights to stakeholders and policymakers eager to dive into the world of environmental solutions.

Participants delved into a range of topics including soil remediation, risk assessment, biochar production, and the transformative potential of phytoremediation. The workshops weren't just about presentations; they were interactive, featuring panels and debates where team members and attendees could exchange valuable feedback. The agenda was comprehensive, covering all aspects of the project and inviting members to participate as speakers.

But it doesn't end there. The dissemination of knowledge won't stay confined within hotel walls. The TwinSubDyn Consortium will have a follow up meeting where we will outline plans for further outreach, plans, and research. The aim is to find the most suitable way to interact and communicate science with policy and stakeholders and vice versa.

Why does this matter? Because it's not just about academic discourse. It's about real-world impact. By fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and policymakers, these workshops pave the way for tangible change.

Stay tuned for more updates on the ripple effects generated by these dynamic workshops. The seeds of change have been sown, and the TwinSubDyn Consortium are leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Dear Colleagues,
Horizon Europe project TwinSubDyn is delighted to invite you to WEBINAR hosting an expert in Proposal Writing in collaboration with the TwinSubDyn partner University of Vienna
TOPIC: Proposal writing workshop series – grant conceptualization and consortia building
Speaker: Sarah Hale, Senior Researcher

This webinar is the second in a series of three which will focus on (i) identification of promising funding schemes (held in September 2023), (ii) grant conceptualization and consortia building and (iii) proposal writing and project planning. The webinar will focus on how to mature an idea to a concept with viable results and then how to shape this in a proposal to meet the demands of a call. The webinar will also look at how to bring together the necessary partners to ensure success. These topics will be discussed by drawing upon examples in the Horizon Europe program. The webinar will end with a question and answer session providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenter. Additional details can be found here

Announcement of TwinSubDyn Summer School

It is a pleasure for the TwinSubDyn team to announce and host the Summer School on Sustainable organic amendment application from a soil and ground water management perspective: scientific basis, challenges, and perspectives that will be held at Novi Sad in June 2025.
Main topics of the Summer School are:
• organic amendment application
• soil management
• ground water management

Stay tuned for more details as the program unfolds.
We welcome your valuable input! If you have any suggestions regarding topics or wish to provide feedback on our knowledge HUB, please feel free to share your insights at: knowledge-hub.pmf.uns.ac.rs

TwinSubDyn is inviting you to submit your abstract for the EGU General Assembly 2024 - Session SSS9.12 “OPTIMIZING SOIL HEALTH THROUGH ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS”.

Explore soil health's enhancement through organic amendments: Submit abstracts on diverse materials, application methods, nutrient management, carbon sequestration, environmental benefits, and future tech in soil health optimization.

Soil health is one of the vital components of sustainable agriculture and ecosystem quality. Organic soil amendment application has emerged as a crucial practice to enhance soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity, foster nutrient cycling, and mitigate environmental impacts. This conference session aims to explore the latest research findings, innovative strategies, and practical applications related to optimizing soil health through the sensible use of organic soil amendments. We welcome abstracts on the current state of knowledge and emerging issues examining: (1) the diverse range of organic materials that can be used as soil amendments; (2) innovative methods and technologies for applying organic soil amendments; (3) effective nutrient management through the use of organic soil amendments; (4) how the application of organic soil amendments can contribute to carbon sequestration in soils; (5) the environmental benefits of organic soil amendment application, such as soil remediation; (6) future prospects in developing technologies and research areas with the potential to further advance our understanding of soil health optimization through organic soil amendments.

You can find more information on the conference and session on the following links:
https://www.egu24.eu/
https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU24/session/50148
Deadline for abstract submission is 10th January 2024. TwinSubDyn Team

Successful Conclusion of the Second TwinSubDyn Workshop: A Collaborative Endeavor

The second edition of the TwinSubDyn workshop has officially ended, marking another milestone in collaborative knowledge exchange and innovation. We express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed partners at University of Vienna for their invaluable collaboration throughout this enriching experience.

The workshop provided a platform for an inspiring exchange of knowledge and ideas, fostering a dynamic environment that encouraged participants to share insights and expertise. The collaborative spirit that permeated the event contributed to its success, and we are grateful for the active involvement of all participants.

A special shoutout goes to projects Phytoremediation for in situ treatment of agricultural soil and surface waters polluted with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – research on PFOS and PFOA as model compounds (PhytoPFAS), Twinning to address the PFAS challenge in Serbia (PFAStwin), Project GREENLand microplastic free environment, Twinning for Smart Water – Thinking and Rethinking Wastewater Management in Circular Economy Frame (SmartWaterTwin), and Twinning for enhancing the scientific excellence of Faculty of Technology Novi Sad for innovative solutions to protect environmental resources from contaminants of emerging concerne (TwiNSol-CECs) for their outstanding contributions and engagement in the thought-provoking brainstorming sessions. These interactions not only sparked creativity but also laid the foundation for potential future collaborations and projects.

As we bring the second TwinSubDyn workshop to a close, we eagerly anticipate the prospect of reconnecting next year. The success of this workshop sets the stage for future endeavors, and we look forward to introducing fresh workshops and events that will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

In conclusion, the TwinSubDyn workshop series stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the exchange of ideas. We extend our gratitude to all participants for their enthusiasm and dedication, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting opportunities that the future holds for our community. Until next year!

TwinSubDyn Team

“Highly cited researchers”: Soil scientist Bruno Glaser is one of the most cited researchers in the world

We are delighted to announce that one of our TwinSubDyn team member Prof. Dr. Bruno Glaser of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg has achieved global recognition by making it onto the prestigious "Highly Cited Researchers 2023" list, according to a report by Clarivate.

The analysis, which identifies researchers with exceptionally high citation rates, highlights Glaser's groundbreaking work in biochar and various biogeochemical processes in soil, earning him a spot among the world's most influential scientists for the first time.

As one of five scientists from MLU in the new edition of the ranking, Glaser's 27 years of research on the "Terra Preta phenomenon" and biochar have significantly contributed to understanding how charring organic materials at high temperatures can stabilize carbon and mitigate its release as carbon dioxide, thus addressing concerns related to global warming.

Professor Glaser emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of biochar, stating, "Biochar can not only bind carbon dioxide in the soil but also enhance soil properties, enabling it to retain more water and facilitate the slow release of nutrients to plants, making it a crucial tool in building soil resilience against climate change."

Born in 1966, Glaser, who has been a professor of soil biogeochemistry at MLU since 2010, boasts an impressive track record with over 220 scientific publications, including contributions to esteemed journals such as "Science," "Nature Geoscience," and "Biochar Journal," solidifying his position as a leading figure in soil science.

A total of 6,849 researchers from 67 countries are listed in this year's edition of "Highly cited researchers". The ranking of "Highly cited researchers" is published annually and includes the one percent of researchers worldwide who have been cited more frequently in specialist journals in the past ten years than their colleagues in the same field.

Link to the current edition of the rankings: https://clarivate.com/highly-cited-researchers/

TwinSubDyn Team

Dear Colleagues,

Horizon Europe project TwinSubDyn is delighted to invite you to WEBINAR 6 hosting an accomplished EU grant expert from the University of Vienna, Department for Environmental Geosciences. Join us for a webinar: EU Grants and lessons learned Speaker: Dr Frank Von Der Kammer, Senior Scientist & Lecturer Key details can be found HERE.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from the expert and discover the invaluable lessons which will elevate your grant applications to the next level!

We're excited to welcome you to an engaging and knowledge-packed event!

TwinSubDyn Team

Dear Colleagues,

Horizon Europe project TwinSubDyn is delighted to invite you to WEBINAR 5 hosting an expert in Human Resource Management from the University of Vienna (Austria).

Challenges in Human Resource Management, Recruiting and Knowledge Management

Speaker: Anna Maria Huemer, Learning and Development Specialist at the University of Vienna

All information and key details can be found HERE.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions: twinsubdyn@pmf.uns.ac.rs

We look forward to your participation!

TwinSubDyn Team

The first international seminar was held within the TwinSubDyn project

In the period from September 26th to 29th, 2023, as part of the TwinSubDyn Horizon project, we hosted an important seminar called "Organic soil amendments impact on soil organic matter and nutrient characteristics and dynamics". This event gathered an audience not only from the countries of the Western Balkans, but also from the EU. The seminar was attended by renowned speakers from partner institutions Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Germany) and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Spain), who shared their rich knowledge and experience.

The thematic focus of the seminar covered a wide range of aspects, including the importance and benefits of soil carbon, soil organic matter analysis, isotopic signatures of biogeochemical processes, and soil nutrient cycling. An overview of the state and current knowledge on the topic of soil quality in the Western Balkans was made. The goal of the seminar was the transfer of knowledge from the institutions of the European Union to the academic community of the Western Balkans. Also, the seminar provided an opportunity to explore new ideas and developments in this area, improving cooperation and exchange of experiences among the participants.

This type of event has a significant impact on improving the understanding of soil processes and provides valuable guidelines for the conservation and improvement of soil quality. Seminars like this play a key role in creating bridges between different scientific communities and contribute to global progress in agriculture and environmental protection.

The next seminar will be held at the end of November at the Faculty of Sciences, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 4, Teachers' Club. You can find more information about the event at link.

TwinSubDyn Team

Upcoming On-Site Training Sessions at the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences

The University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, is set to host two exciting on-site training sessions this month.

1. On-Site Training in Meta-analysis (20-22 September):

Attendees can look forward to an enriching experience in the field of meta-analysis on September 20th and 22nd. This three-day workshop will delve into the intricacies of meta-analysis, equipping participants with valuable skills for synthesizing research findings effectively. Experts in the field will guide attendees through the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data from multiple studies. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your research toolkit.

2. On-Site Training on Large-Scale Field Experiments (22 September):

September 22nd, the University of Novi Sad will host the second part of the "Large-Scale Field Experiments for Assessing Organic Amendment Impact on Soil Subsurface and Groundwater Quality." Building on the success of the first part, this training will provide hands-on experience in conducting large-scale field experiments. Participants will gain insights into the assessment of organic amendments' impact on soil subsurface and groundwater quality. It's a unique chance to develop practical skills.

Both training sessions promise valuable knowledge sharing and networking opportunities. Ensure you secure your spot and make the most of these enriching events at the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, this September. Agenda can be downloaded HERE.

TwinSubDyn Team

Dear Colleagues,

Horizon Europe project TwinSubDyn is delighted to invite you to WEBINAR 4 hosting an expert in Proposal Writing in collaboration with the TwinSubDyn partner University of Vienna.

Proposal writing workshop series - How to identify promising funding schemes?

Speaker: Sarah Hale, Senior Researcher

All information and key details can be found HERE.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions: twinsubdyn@pmf.uns.ac.rs

We look forward to your participation!

TwinSubDyn Team

Celebrating one year of remarkable progress with #TwinSubDyn! It's been an incredible journey filled with growth, collaboration, and unforgettable experiences thanks to our project partners Forschungszentrum Jülich, University of Vienna, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Seville. Over the past year, we've embraced the power of innovation through our immersive 6-month secondments, where knowledge flowed freely, sparking creativity that knows no bounds.

Our 1-month visits were like windows to new worlds, enriching our perspectives and igniting fresh ideas that continue to drive us forward. And who could forget the engaging webinars that connected us across distances, fostering insightful discussions and connecting our minds?

The hands-on, on-site trainings were the cornerstone of our growth, where theory met practice, and skills transformed into expertise. As we reflect on this incredible year, we're not just celebrating milestones, but the lasting bonds we've formed and the indomitable spirit of Team TwinSubDyn. Here's to another year of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering determination!

#TwinSubDyn in numbers:

Twinsubdyn has achieved an impressive milestone in its inaugural year, comprising 3 insightful webinars, 5 enriching six-month secondments, 5 productive one-month visits, and 4 comprehensive onsite training sessions.

The 9th Chemistry and Environmental Protection Symposium EnviroChem 2023 was held in Kladovo from June 4 to 7, 2023. Within this Symposium, the TwinSubDyn project was presented. The head of the project, Prof. Dr. Snežana Maletić, gave a presentation under the title: "Biomass based materials for a toxic free environment". In addition, as part of EnviroChem 2023, a scientific bar "From microplastic to bioplastic" was held and our TwinSubDyn member Prof. dr Aleksandra Tubić participated.

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Snežana Maletić, the TwinSubDyn project captivated the audience with its revolutionary approach towards environmental protection. The project aims to develop and implement organic soil amendments as a viable alternative to traditional materials.

The scientific bar aimed to clarify this terminology and emphasize the importance of utilizing bioplastics as an alternative to conventional plastics. During the scientific bar, professors, researchers, and industry representatives engaged in discussions, sharing their agreements and disagreements. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, exchange ideas, and actively participate in an open debate.

TwinSubDyn Project: Making Waves in Dissemination Efforts

In a two days dedicated to the dissemination of research, the TwinSubDyn project made significant strides in expanding its impact and inspiring fellow researchers. The team, brimming with enthusiasm, embarked on two remarkable journeys, each leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community.

The first stop took us to Seged University in Hungary, where our college Djurdja Kerkez presented our TSD groundbreaking project. The collegial atmosphere at the university amplified their excitement, especially when their colleagues displayed an unwavering interest in the subject of biochar and organic amendments. Delving deeper into the potential of biochar and its applications promises exciting times ahead for this ambitious initiative. The team expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to present their project, share their findings, and contribute to the ever-growing knowledge in this domain.

Meanwhile, in Seville, Spain, the project continued its triumphant journey with the talented Tamara Apostolovic, PhD, leading the charge. In the presence of eager young researchers, Tamara showcased the project's remarkable achievements. The exchange of progress and insights with the future experts in this field presented an incredible opportunity to inspire and foster collaboration. The team expressed their heartfelt delight for Tamara's involvement in sharing their collective accomplishments, recognizing the significance of nurturing the next generation of future experts.

The TwinSubDyn project stands at the forefront of scientific advancement, propelled by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to sharing its discoveries. With each dissemination event, the project continues to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with, captivating the minds of fellow researchers and igniting a collaborative spirit. As they pave the way for a better understanding of biochar and its applications, the TwinSubDyn team remains grateful for the opportunities that propel their mission forward. The project's impact knows no bounds, leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come.

Exciting News Alert!
We are thrilled to announce that Professor Snežana Maletić, project manager of the TwinSubDyn project, has been honored with the prestigious Award for the greatest financial contribution made in international cooperation!

This remarkable recognition was presented at a grand ceremony held on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of the Faculty of Sciences.

Profesor Maletic stated that international collaboration is very important for scientists to pool their knowledge and share information that could lead to new discoveries. The importance of this project is reflected in the fact that researchers from our institution will have the opportunity to exchange and acquire new knowledge through visits to the leading institutions in Europe in the field of organic additives, their characterization and monitoring of the impact on soil and groundwater quality.

The project lasts from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2025. The total project budget is almost 1.5 million euros.

Dear Colleagues,
Horizon Europe project TwinSubDyn is delighted to invite you to WEBINAR 3 hosting an expert in communication science from the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science at the University of Vienna.

Branding in science communication with a focus on social media

Speaker: Dr. Pamela Nölleke-Przybylski, Communications Officer

All information and key details can be found HERE.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions:
twinsubdyn@pmf.uns.ac.rs

We look forward to your participation!

TwinSubDyn Team

Last week, the TwinSubDyn team attended the international General Assembly 2023 of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) held in Vienna, Austria. This year's conference brought together scientists from all over the world to discuss all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The event offered a platform for scientists, including early career researchers, to present their work and exchange ideas with experts from various geoscience fields.

Dr. Snežana Maletić, the project manager of the TwinSubDyn project, was main convener in the session on Multidisciplinary Approaches for Sustainable Land Use. Additionally, team members Gabriel Sigmund, Heike Knicker, and Marijana Kragulj Isakovski co-convened the session, showcasing their expertise in the sustainable land-use field.

The conference also featured the publication of two research papers by TwinSubDyn team members. The first, titled "Transport of selected organophosphorus pesticides through alluvial sediment with the addition of microbially inoculated chars," was authored by Irina Jevrosimov, Marijana Kragulj Isakovski, Tamara Apostolović, Srđan Rončević, Dragana Tamindžija, and Snežana Maletić. The second paper, titled "Biodegradation potential of fenthion and disulfoton on inoculated biochar through alluvial Danube sediment," was authored by Snežana Maletić, Irina Jevrosimov, Marijana Kragulj Isakovski, Dragana Tamindžija, Ana Volarić, Tamara Apostolović, and Srdjan Roncević.

The participation of the TwinSubDyn team members and the publication of their research papers at the EGU General Assembly 2023 highlight their contributions to the field of sustainable land use. The team's contributions to the conference and their research papers provide valuable insights and knowledge in this field, which could have significant implications for creating a toxic-free environment.

Dear Colleagues,

Horizon Europe project TwinSubDyn is delighted to invite you to WEBINAR 2 hosting an expert in Data Management from the University of Vienna:

Understand Research Data Management (RDM) and the key concepts of FAIR Data Principles and Open Science

Speaker:
Michael Feichtinger, Data Management Officer (UNIVIE)
This webinar will provide an introduction to Research Data Management (RDM) and the key concepts of FAIR principles and Open Science. The University of Vienna's RDM services and data stewardship pilot project will also be discussed, with insights on how RDM can be implemented in other institutions. The webinar will also include an extensive Q&A session, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenter. By the end of the session, attendees will have a better understanding of RDM principles and practices, as well as practical strategies for implementing them in their own institutions.

All information and key details can be found

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions:
twinsubdyn@pmf.uns.ac.rs

We look forward to your participation!

TwinSubDyn Team

We are delighted to announce that Prof. Dr. Snezana Maletić presented a lecture on the topic of Remediation of contaminated locations at Serbian Chemical Society - Chemical Society of Vojvodina annual assembly. Prof. Maletić discussed the innovative TwinSubDyn project, which aims to establish a knowledge hub in University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences to address the impact of organic soil amendments on contaminants, nutrient dynamics, and groundwater quality in the soil subsurface.

As a leading expert in the field of environmental remediation, Prof. Maletic brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this important topic. Her presentation was both informative and inspiring, as we learned more about the latest techniques being used to create a cleaner and healthier world.

We encourage you all to stay with us, follow our work and spread the word about our project and support the important work being done by TwinSubDyn Consortium. Let's continue to push the boundaries of environmental science and work towards a sustainable future for all.

Dear Colleagues,

TwinSubDyn project is delighted to invite you to WEBINAR 1 hosting experts from the Technology Transfer Office, Research Services and Career Development at University of Vienna.

Let’s Talk about Technology Transfer with experts from
University of Vienna

Speakers:
· Marco Masia, PhD, Technology Transfer Manager and Academic Entrepreneurship Expert
· Inma Sanchez Romero, PhD, Technology Transfer Manager
Join the webinar to learn more about technology commercialization, such as transfer or licensing of materials or intellectual property. You will have an opportunity to ask questions through a dedicated Q & A session at the end!

Key details:
Date: 11 April 2023 (Tuesday)
Time: 13:30 AM – 15:30 PM (CET)
Venue: ONLINE
ZOOM LINK TO JOIN:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81191607098?pwd=YllVdXhIY3NwTVBML1BmKzVDYkZ6QT09
Meeting ID: 811 9160 7098

WEBINAR 1 is part of WP1, Task 1.4, Subtask 1.4.2: Capacity building of UNSPMF staff towards leadership and scientific excellence to improve research management and administration capacity at UNSPMF.

GOAL: to increase the number of successful grant applications, to improve proposal writing, management and implementation skills, and efficient administrative support to researchers.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions: twinsubdyn@pmf.uns.ac.rs
We look forward to welcoming you at our upcoming webinar!

TwinSubDyn Team

TwinSubDyn project consortium with great pleasure announces third onsite training in April 4th, from 9 am to 5 pm. The event will be hybrid, taking place live in University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Science, Department of chemistry, biochemistry and environmental protection 14/V, and online via Teams platform. It is our honor and pleasure to host our partners from the University of Vienna, Prof. Dr. Michael Zumstein and Dr. Katharina Sodnikar.

They will present a part of their work and expertise through this visit. Short abstract for this event can be found HERE.

Training is intended for researchers of all levels.
If you want to come and join us, please send us an email at twinsubdyn@pmf.uns.ac.rs and follow our updates at social networks.

Link to join us online.

You can download the agenda of event in pdf format here.

We look forward to welcoming you in person and online!


TwinsubDyn Team