June 18 – June 24
- Language: English (Level B2)
- Dates physical mobility: 18 to 24 June 2026 (intensive laboratory session)
- Location: Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland)
- Dates virtual mobility: 29 May, 5 June, 12 June 2026: three-week virtual component (25 contact hours plus 15 hours of individual work) and 30 June 2026 post-laboratory virtual session
- Number of ECTS: 4 ECTS
- Maximum number of participants: 25
Target Participants
MSc, PhD students, early-stage researchers in biotechnology, nanotechnology, life sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, agriculture, veterinary and biomedical sciences.
Subject
The course introduces students to sustainable approaches in nanobiotechnology, focusing on green synthesis, biosafety, and circular economy principles.
The course introduces principles of circular economy, green chemistry, sustainability, and nanosafety, with a strong focus on bio-based and biodegradable nanomaterials.
Participants will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in green synthesis and functionalization of nanomaterials, physicochemical characterization techniques, nanoparticle–cell interactions, and in vitro nanosafety assessment. Through interactive lectures, teamwork in international groups, and hands-on laboratory work, students will develop interdisciplinary knowledge, digital collaboration skills, and practical competencies essential for sustainable and environmentally responsible research in nanobiotechnology.
Programme
AgeWise is an interdisciplinary learning programme designed to help students understand and respond to the scientific and societal challenges of ageing in Europe and beyond. As longevity becomes the norm, ageing is no longer a niche issue but a key topic for science, healthcare, technology, urban design, and social policy.
The programme combines biological, medical, technological, and social perspectives on ageing. During the in-person intensive week in Warsaw, students take part in lectures, laboratory demonstrations, interdisciplinary workshops, and design thinking sessions. Working in international teams, participants develop human-centred solutions to real-world challenges faced by ageing societies.
Module 1: Introduction to Circular Nanaobiotechnology
Interactive lecture, short quizzes, group discussion.
- Principles of circular economy and green chemistry
- Life cycle assessment of nanomaterials
- “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle
- Ethical and environmental aspects of nanotecnology
Module 2: Bio-based Nonomaterials and Plant Polymers
Lecture, case-study analysis teamwork
- Starch, cellulose, chitosan and plant-derived polymers
- Structure-function relationships at the nanoscale
- Design of biodegradable and renewable nanostructures
Module 3: Biomedical and Cellular Interactions of Nanomaterials
Lecture, case-study analysis teamwork
- Nanoparticle-cell interactions
- Oxidative stress and cellular adaptation
- Basics of nanosafety testing and in vitro models
Module 4: Team Project – “Design Your Green Nanomaterial”
Short ore-laboratory report and project presentation
- Interdisciplinary teal formation
- Designof a bio-based nanomaterial concept
- Preliminary sustainability and biosafety assessment
Day 1: Orientation & Scientific Context
To ensure a shared understanding of the programe objectives, laboratory procedures, and a safety principles, and to align virtual project concepts with on-site experimental work.
11:00 – 12:00
Registration
12:00 – 13:00
Welcome session and programme overview
13:00 – 14:00
Introduction to laboratory infrastructure, facilities and safety briefing
14:00 – 15:00
Lunch
15:00 – 16:00
Discussion of team projects
16:00 – 17:00
Alignment of experimental plans and expectations
18:00 – 21:00
Evening welcome and networking redreshments
Day 2: Eco-Friendly Extracts for the Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Provide hands-on experience with eco-friendly extract-based synthesis of nanomaterials and to demonstrate how plant, microbial, and in vitro biological systems influence synthesis efficiency, sustaibnability, and material properties.
9:00 – 11:00
Introduction to eco-friendly extract-based synthesis
11:00 – 13:00
Preparation of plant-based extracts
13:00 – 14:00
Microbial-derived extracts for nanomaterial synthesis
14:00 – 15:00
Lunch
15:00 – 16:00
Cell-based and in vitro extract systems
16:00 – 17:00
Wrap-up discussion and reflection
Day 3: Green Synthesis of nanomaterials
To acquire practical skills in the green synthesis and functionalisation of bio-based nanomaterials while understanding sustainable and environmentally responsible laboratory practices.
9:00 – 12:00
Synthesis of Bio-based nanomaterials
12:00 – 13:00
Application of green chemistry approaches
13:00 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
Surface functionalizarion strategies
15:00 – 15:45
Transfer to the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
16:00 – 18:00
Guided tour of the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
Day 4: Physicochemical Characterisation
To learn how to characterise nanomaterials using complementary analytical techniques and to interpret physicochemical data relevant to nanoscale structure and functionality.
9:00 – 11:00
UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy
11:30 – 13:30
DLS and zeta potential analysis
13:30 – 14:30
Lunch
14:30 – 16:30
Interpretation of size, stability, and surface properties
16:45
Meeting point in front of the Crystal Hall build
16:45 – 17:45
SGGW University campus tour
Day 5: Advanced Structural Analysis
To learn how to characterise nanomaterials using complementary analytical techniques and to interpret physicochemical data relevant to nanoscale structure and functionality.
9:00 – 11:00
Lecture characterisation of nanoparticles and nanomaterials
11:30 – 13:30
SEM and TEM microscopy
13:30 – 14:30
Lunch
14:30 – 15:30
Evaluation of morphology and nanostructur
15:45 – 17:00
Coreelation of structure with synthesis parameters
Day 6: Nanosafety and Biological Interactions
To raise awareness of nanosafety principles and evaluate biological responses to nanomaterials in relevant in vitro systems. The aim is to integrate multidisciplinary datasets and enhance analytical thinking by connecting material properties with biological and safety outcomes.
9:00 – 11:00
Nanoparticle-cell interaction studies with use of in vitro biological models
11:00 – 13:00
Assessment of cytotoxicity and biocompatibility – in vitro cell lines
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 15:30
Bacterial response and bicompatibility assessment
15:30 – 16:30
Evaluation of nanomaterial effects on aquatic plant models (duckweed)
16:45 – 17:30
Transfer to the Royal Lazienki Park
17:30 – 19:00
Guided cultural visit to the Royal Lazienki Park
Day 7: Integrated Nanosafety Assessment and Summary of Biological Interactions
To integrate and critically evaluate results obtained from in vitro cell lines, bacterial models, and aquatic plant assays, enabling participants to understand nanosafety, biological interactions, and environmental relevance of bio-based nanomaterials in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary manner.
9:00 – 9:30
Overview of biological models used in the programme
9:30 – 10:30
Summary of in vitro nanosafety results
11:00 – 12:00
Summary of bacterial interaction studies
12:00 – 13:00
Summary of plant-based interaction studies
13:00 – 14:00
Integrated discussion and final conclusions
Post-laboratory Virtual Component
Integrate and critically evaluate experimental results obtained from in vitro cell lines, bacterial models, and aquatic plant assays, ant to assess the nanosafety, sustainability, and real-world relevance of bio-based nanomaterials.
9:00 – 9:15
Opening and objectives of the post-laboratory session
9:15 – 11:00
Summary of laboratory results – in vitro models, bacterial interaction studies and plant-based interaction studies
11:30 – 13:00
Integrated discussion and sustainability assessment comparison across biological models environmental, agricultural, and veterinary implications
13:00 – 14:00
Student and expert feedback discussion of results, limitations, and applications
How to apply?
The student’s home university may conduct an internal selection process for the BIP. Registration is possible only via the application form and must be completed after the participant has received confirmation from their home university of their eligibility to take part in the BIP.
For any questions or expressions of interest, you may contact:
- Academic questions: Marta Grodzik ([email protected])
- Administrative Questions: Joanna Żach ([email protected])
Deadline for admission is 1st May 2026.
