Centre for Environmental Research and Innovation
The Centre for Environmental Research and Innovation at the University of Rzeszów was established to support advanced research and practical education in the fields of environmental sciences and sustainable development. The Centre comprises four specialized laboratories:
- Soil Chemistry Laboratory
- Soil Biology Laboratory
- Soil Physics Laboratory
- Microbiology Laboratory
Specific Objectives
The Centre pursues the following strategic goals:
- Establishing a research base focused on solving real-world environmental challenges, beyond the boundaries of individual scientific disciplines;
- Promoting the use of modern information technologies in research and teaching;
- Enhancing access to state-of-the-art research equipment;
- Strengthening the transfer of scientific knowledge to the economic sector;
- Educating high-level specialists in the field of natural sciences;
- Expanding opportunities for practical training for students;
- Adapting teaching infrastructure to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities;
- Aligning laboratory standards with analytical requirements of the European Union.
Biotechnology Laboratory
As part of the Environment-Friendly Biotechnology Project, the University of Rzeszów is developing a modern Biotechnology Laboratory dedicated to plant biotechnology and sustainable innovation. The laboratory complex includes air-conditioned research rooms equipped with advanced apparatus, as well as greenhouse and cultivation areas located on the building’s walls and roof. The total area of the facility is approximately 1,000 m².
Primary Objectives
- Conducting research in the following areas:
- Innovation from a biotechnological perspective
- Horticultural and agricultural practices
- Environmental sustainability
- Developing state-of-the-art research infrastructure for plant biotechnology
Research Groups
Research activities are carried out within four integrated laboratories:
- Laboratory of Plant Cultures In Vitro
- Laboratory of Plant Biotization and Allelopathy
- Molecular Marker Laboratory
- Chromatography Laboratory
Research Focus
The Biotechnology Laboratory addresses key challenges in environmental and agricultural biotechnology, including:
- Development of plants for pharmaceutical applications and food substitutes;
- Improvement of municipal and industrial waste treatment methods;
- Reclamation and prevention of land degradation;
- Production of substances, microorganisms, and plants resistant to climate stress;
- Reduction in the use of artificial and mineral fertilizers.
Anticipated Outcomes
- Practical guidelines for the micropropagation of fruit, ornamental, and energy plants;
- Protocols for quality assessment and certification of nursery materials obtained via in vitro cultures;
- Fruit plant varieties adapted to organic and integrated cultivation, tolerant to climate-related stress;
- Energy crop varieties suitable for cultivation in polluted or vulnerable areas;
- Ornamental plant varieties designed for urban greenery and contaminated environments;
- Natural substances and beneficial microorganisms for plant protection, yield stabilization, and crop quality improvement;
- Production of high-quality nursery materials in cooperation with plant nurseries in the Podkarpackie region, tailored to the needs of south-eastern Poland.