The Biogas Research Team is upgrading to BioResources and Technology (From BRT to BRT)

We are pleased to announce our Biogas Research Team (BRT) rebranding to the BioResources and Technology (BRT) Division. Simply from BRT to BRT. This evolution marks a milestone in our journey, reflecting the broadening scope and increasing complexity of our research and development activities. While biogas remains at the heart of our work, our rebranding to BioResources and Technology better covers the diversity of our research, the projects and our commitment to sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world.

BRT PhD Student and Junior Researcher Charles Amarachi Ogbu will be defending his PhD thesis on September 19, 2024. Charles’ research focuses on the Environmental Assessment of Wastewater Treatment-based Resource Recovery in Nigeria. His thesis explores the potential of wastewater treatment to contribute to a more sustainable future in Nigeria. By using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), he evaluated the environmental performance of various treatment methods and energy recovery options. His findings highlight the significant benefits of these approaches.

Join us to learn more about Charles' research and its implications for sustainable development in Nigeria. See you there!

 

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To broaden and develop our teams’ collaborative skills while offering visiting students the chance to expand their scientific networks and gain cultural experiences, BRT encourages students to join our team for internship opportunities. These internships aim to facilitate idea exchange, foster professional growth, and create opportunities for collaboration.

Recently, we hosted two interns, Abby MacLean and Emma Jackson, students from the United States, currently pursuing bachelor’s degrees in mathematics/economics and evolutionary biology. Read their introductory blogs here : Abby & Emma.

Enjoy reading about their experience with BRT!

 

During our time at BRT, we were able to take part in many aspects of the work that BRT accomplishes. For example, we spent many hours in the lab completing different experiments. Within our first few weeks, we got to learn how to take measurements for two different biogas experiments in addition to setting one up from the beginning with Viktoriia. We also were able to help Viktoriia and Stacy begin a growing experiment to test the fertilizing properties of phosphogypsum. We are so grateful for the opportunities to learn and participate in actual experiments. We were also lucky enough to be able to attend the antelope handling at the university’s farm and partake in the sample preparation in the lab from the collected samples. 

Another major aspect of our work was with Stacy, Viktoriia, and Masha for BRT communications. We took part in creating videos and social media campaigns. For example, we created educational videos for the agri-policy and bioeconomy labs to promote this part of BRT’s work. We also created a social media campaign the 5th International Multidisciplinary Conference for Young Researchers (MCYR) that included information about sessions, abstract submissions, and workshop submissions to draw the public to apply and participate in this conference.

We also had the opportunity to collaborate with BRT PhD students on their research.  This included research about food security and the economic consequences and implications of biogas plants in the Global South.  It was such an enriching opportunity to get to work with BRT members on topics related to their research as we gained a better understanding of the research process in academia.  Additionally, the topics were very intriguing, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn more about these disciplines.

Overall, we gained exposure to the academic research process in general.  This was very useful for us as we both are considering pursuing PhDs in our respective fields.  It was invaluable to learn more about what the day-to-day looks like for researchers and PhD students.  Also, we learned about the process and what it takes to get published.  We gained exposure to EU-funded projects.  It was very new to us to witness the collaboration from universities from many different countries work together on a common project and goal.  This experience gave us much appreciation for collaboration on research and provided us with a first-hand understanding of what it entails.

From Emma:

The experience I have gained at this internship is incredibly invaluable. It has been incredible to get to work directly in a lab with a few different kinds of experiments and gain practice with science dissemination. This work will help both in my applications towards a PhD, but also in the career in research, I hope to continue to a post-doc.

From Abby:

My internship experience at BRT will be very beneficial to my future career.  My goal is to pursue a PhD in Economics with a focus on the mathematical nature of economics.  The experience with data management that I gained while here has solidified my interest in the field.  My time at BRT has made me more confident that I want to pursue a PhD as I enjoyed being exposed to research executed by the team.  I was also able to improve my scientific background and understanding which has increased my interest in interdisciplinary research.

We are so grateful to everyone at BRT for welcoming us this summer!  We will never forget our experience here, which will be invaluable towards our future careers.  We also feel so lucky to have spent the past two months in Prague, it is an amazing city with so much to offer!

 

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Dr. Ghaith Hasan earned his Ph.D. in Sustainable Rural Development at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, under the BioResources & Technology Division (BRT). His research aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prospects and challenges of biogas technology in Syria. His research topic was ‘Social and economic assessment of small-scale biogas plants in the developing world: A case of Syria’. He has co-authored/published 2 scientific publications and participated actively at international conferences and in 2 internships during his doctoral studies.

To get more insights into Dr. Hasan's academic journey, our BRT Communications team conducted an interview to capture his thoughts and share his story.

ENJOY THE INTERVIEW!

 

 

Question 1: How does it feel to have successfully defended your doctoral dissertation?

Dr. Hasan: Successfully defending a doctoral dissertation is a significant academic milestone. After a long, intense period of work and study, I feel proud as I have contributed to meaningful research in my field. Generally, finishing a Ph.D. degree is an achievement that opens new opportunities in academia or industry. It's also a time for reflection on personal and professional growth, coupled with gratitude for the support of my supervisor, BRT director Hynek Roubik, and loved ones.

 

Question 2: Can you share pivotal moments from your academic journey that you believe were crucial in successfully defending your doctoral dissertation??

Dr. Hasan: A pivotal moment of my academic journey was going to Syria several times to conduct research. It was not easy to go to remote areas and collect data under complex circumstances. While this was the cornerstone of my research, and led to some difficulties, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubik and Dr. Mazancova were my essential supporters leading to  my final defence being a beautiful memory that I will carry with me throughout my life. 

 

Question 3: How has this achievement influenced your overall experience and professional growth?? 

Dr. Hasan: In general, earning a Ph.D. fosters expertise, research and analytical skills, and networking opportunities. The degree cultivates independence, problem-solving, and adaptability, overall enhancing one's professional credibility. With teaching experience, a strong publication record, and diverse career options, a Ph.D. journey also fuels personal growth, resulting in a resilient and confident individual.

 

Question 4: Reflecting on the process, what were the significant challenges you encountered during your dissertation's writing and defence phases, and how did you navigate through them??

Dr. Hasan: The main challenges I faced came from conducting research in a country subject to civil war. Due to an unsteady security situation, it was not easy to obtain security approvals to conduct the research. This was difficult as the road to the villages and towns for data collection were not the safest. In addition, there were power outages for twenty hours of the day and it was tough to charge electronics and analyze data Lastly, the financial cost was large due to multiple trips  to conduct research. 

 

Question 5: Balancing academic commitments, personal life, and other responsibilities can be demanding. How have you managed to strike that balance while working on your dissertation?? 

Dr. Hasan: Obtaining a doctorate degree was my ultimate goal, something I dreamed of throughout my life. I thank God for blessing me with an understanding and supportive wife and my family for their trust and support along the way. It was not easy considering the obligations, but nothing comes without sacrifice and a price.

 

Question 6: What valuable advice would you offer for fellow doctoral candidates preparing for their dissertation defence?? 

Dr. Hasan: For my dear colleagues at the BioResources & Technology Division, we are very fortunate to have an experienced team leader who charts the way for a successful final defense for us. Follow your supervisors' advice and address the committee's comments in detail. Focusing on the presentation is essential, so practice in front of your friends and colleagues before going into the final round.

 

Question 7: Do you have any recommendations for current and future BRT students? 

Dr. Hasan: Choose a subject for your thesis that aligns with your interests after discussing deeply with your supervisor and considering research opportunities and resources. Establish strong relationships with senior BRT colleagues and other FTZ advisors for crucial guidance. Define a clear research focus early on for effective time management and meaningful contributions. Actively engage in networks, prioritize self-care, and plan for the future by aligning internships with career goals.

 

Question 8: Now that you have reached this momentous achievement - What are your plans for the future? 

Dr. Hasan: I aspire to work in university teaching. Perhaps now I am far from that for several reasons, but academic work has always been something I enjoyed. I have many future plans to apply the results of my research in my country, but the circumstances and time are not appropriate for that now. I would also like to spread awareness about adopting biogas in rural communities in the Middle East.

 

 

We thank Dr. Hasan for sharing insights into his academic journey and wish him success, new discoveries, and a continued sense of fulfilment in his future endeavours!

 

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In March 2023, Ing. Jan Staš and Dr. Eduardo Duque Dussán from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, BioResources & Technology Division (BRT),  travelled to Pursat Province, Cambodia, to lend their expertise to The Adventist and Development Relief Agencies (ADRA) V-SOIL project. This initiative aims to introduce and promote vermicomposting techniques to improve organic waste management, soil fertility, agricultural productivity and farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers. Their visit was a significant step forward in the pursuit to improve farming practices in Cambodia.

Upon arriving, experts jumped right into action, offering both theoretical and practical training sessions to ADRA staff and project farmers. The first task was to analyse the existing vermicomposting systems and evaluate the availability and quality of inputs. The team identified local materials that could be repurposed for vermicompost construction, such as used plastic buckets, boxes or leftover wood. They also assessed market demand for vermicompost products and explored potential sales and marketing strategies.

The feedback from these sessions was overwhelmingly positive. "The training was enlightening," said one farmer. "I had no idea that something as simple as earthworms could provide us with fertiliser, which makes such a difference to our soil and crops."

One of the key activities was forming a sustainable training team comprising of around ten highly motivated individuals. This core group included private sector farmers from ADRA’s agro-business and food security programs, which reached over 2,000 farmers. With the support of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, this team is now equipped to establish and support vermiculture businesses throughout the region.

Jan and Eduardo also conducted intensive hands-on training for twelve potential vermiculture business leaders. These sessions covered everything from the benefits of vermicompost to the intricacies of waste collection, product options, and financial strategies. By the end of their visit, the BRT experts had ensured that these future leaders were well-prepared to take the reins and drive the vermicomposting initiative forward.

At least ten of the trained business leaders are now developing their own vermiculture production sites and sales businesses. The project is providing minimal start-up inputs, such as production hardware and supplies, to support these entrepreneurs. Additionally, efforts are underway to create strong marketing strategies, including the use of social media to raise awareness and build brand recognition.

Raising awareness about the benefits of vermicompost was another crucial aspect of the visit. Local agro-business networks and associations were mobilised to spread the word to farmer households. The outreach efforts included demonstrations of basic vermicompost production techniques suitable for small households and engaging local youth through production contests and school programs.

The visit by BRT experts has laid a solid foundation for the V-SOIL project. Moving forward, it is essential to maintain the momentum by:

• Continued Support and Training: Ongoing training and coaching for the core team and business leaders.
• Market Development: Strengthening marketing relationships and expanding the reach of vermicompost products.
• Community Engagement: Enhancing awareness programs to include more households and schools.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular assessment of progress and impact to refine strategies and ensure sustainability.

The successful collaboration between CZU (BRT) and ADRA underscores the potential of vermicomposting as a transformative agricultural practice. By turning waste into wealth, this project is not only boosting soil health and productivity but also opening up new economic opportunities for farmers in Pursat Province and beyond.

 

Author: Jan Staš

Photo credit: Jan Staš and Eduardo Duque Dussán

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Dr. Yamen Shmit earned his Ph.D. in the Tropical Agrobiology and Bioresource Management doctoral programme at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. His field of specialization is in vitro Biotechnologies and plant breeding. His research topic was ‘Induced polyploidy in species from the Lamiaceae family: Thymus vulgaris L. and Satureja montana L.’. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Shmit has published scientific papers and participated in international conferences, internships, and research projects. One of the most outstanding achievements of his postgraduate studies is successfully obtaining new Thymus vulgaris genotypes with different morphological and biochemical properties and higher essential oil and thymol content. He also obtained promising