imd in Romania
MICROBES – FRIENDS OR FOES?
When: 17 September
Time: 09:00- 17:00
Where: UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST MYCOLOGY CLUB- BOTANICAL GARDEN- FACULTY OF BIOLOGY, Bucharest
Organized by the University of Bucharest Mycology Club for International Microorganism Day, 'Microbes: Friends or Foes?' is a nationwide FEMS-supported science communication project. It bridges university research with Romanian primary and secondary school education, offering students hands-on laboratory experiences, creative artistic activities, and mentorship from young scientists.
'Microbes: Friends or Foes?' is an educational outreach initiative celebrating International Microorganism Day. Hosted by the Mycology Club at the University of Bucharest in partnership with local primary and secondary schools across Romania, this event explores the dual nature of microorganisms—highlighting both destructive plant pathogens and spoilage organisms ('foes') alongside life-sustaining fungal networks, fermentation yeast, and bio-remediators ('friends').
Programme of the day
09:00 – 09:30 Welcome & Opening Keynote: "The Invisible Kingdom: Microbes Around Us"
09:30 – 10:30 Interactive Workshop – 'The Foes': Examining plant pathogens, molds, and plant defense mechanisms under portable microscopes.
10:30 – 11:30 Interactive Workshop – 'The Friends': Fermentation experiments with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mycorrhizal networks ("Wood Wide Web"), and environmental biotech.
11:30 – 12:30 Hands-On Station: Agar Art creation and environmental sampling from soil, air and leaves.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch Break & Networking: Informal discussion and refreshments.
13:30 – 14:30 Field Exploration & Sampling: Guided outdoor foray to collect decomposers and microbial samples.
14:30 – 15:30 Lab Analysis & Molecular Diagnostics: Culturing techniques, slide preparation, and basic DNA/molecular isolation concepts.
15:30 – 16:30 Fungi in Innovation & Future Tech: Exploring biomaterials, mycoremediation (cleaning polluted environments), and sustainable mushroom cultivation.
16:30 – 17:00 Student Q&A, Exhibition & Showcase: Display of student Agar Art, certificate presentation, and closing remarks.
Register here and find out more: https://unibuc.ro/interesat-de-micologie-si-domenii-conexe-icub-si-facultatea-de-biologie-te-invita-in-clubul-de-micologie-al-un
