CORDIS results pack on Horizon in Poland.
Date: 2025-03-07
Institutions: CORDIS, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Subjects: EU research policy, Poland, innovation, research and development, research expenditure (EU), research programme, research project, research results

ISSN 2599-8293

Horizon in Poland

Supporting cutting-edge research,  
from digital democracy to dark matter

March 2025

Research and 
Innovation

CORDIS Results Pack on A thematic collection of innovative EU-funded research resultsContents
3 

From waste to worth – novel extraction 
of carbon black from used tyres

5 

New technologies for detecting dark 
matter

7 

Anxieties over internet voting reflect 
wider social concerns

9 

Reinforcing Europe’s radiological barrier

11 

Training the next generation of 
geospatial scientists

13 

Bioprocess turns methane into eco-
friendly material 

15 

Identifying microbes that can boost 
plant growth in saline soils

17 

Placing ethics at the centre of digital 
healthcare

Editorial

Supporting cutting-edge research, from digital 
democracy to dark matter

For over 40 years, the European Union has supported cutting-edge science, 
research  and  innovation.  By  driving  scientific  progress,  the  EU's  research 
and  innovation  programme  helps  to  tackle  some  of  the  most  important 
challenges facing Europe, from cancer to climate change. 

This  CORDIS  Results  Pack  on  Horizon  in  Poland  is  the  first  in  a  series 
highlighting  the  impact  of  EU  funding  in  fostering  scientific  innovation, 
increased competitiveness, employment opportunities, and the growth and 
scale-up of innovative businesses.

Poland lays claim to a long and illustrious scientific legacy. From the revolutionary insights of 
astronomist Nicolaus Copernicus to the pioneering discoveries of Marie Skłodowska-Curie, Polish 
researchers have contributed to advancements in nuclear and particle physics, medicine, virology, 
nutrition, economics, linguistics, and far more. 

Through its flagship funding programmes, most recently Horizon 2020 (2014-2020) and Horizon 
Europe (2021-2027), the EU has invested over EUR 2 billion across 10 000 research and industry 
organisations in Poland. Recipients include almost 100 acclaimed principal investigators awarded 
research excellence grants, and more than 280 early-career researchers accepted into the Marie 
Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellowship programme. 

The eight projects in this Pack highlight the breadth of the research supported through Horizon in 
Poland. They include the commercialisation of biotechnology that can turn waste methane into 
high-grade ecological products, the advancement of techniques to recover valuable materials from 
used tyres, bolstering trust in the democratic process, strengthening defence against radiological 
attacks, earthquake modelling, novel biological fertilisers, investigations into the nature of dark 
matter, and more. 

Together, these projects showcase the continuing importance of Poland’s contributions to science, 
research and innovation, and the country’s central role in tackling major challenges of our time.

From waste to worth – 
novel extraction of carbon 
black from used tyres

Carbon black, known more frequently as soot, is widely used in manufacturing. A new 
way of extracting and purifying carbon black from recycled tyres is being pioneered by the 
CBreCYCLE project, reducing emissions and saving natural resources. 

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If you are not involved in certain manufacturing sectors you may 
not have heard of carbon black. More familiarly known as soot, 
its use is ubiquitous. In tyre manufacturing it enhances durability 
and resistance to wear and tear. It’s also used in plastics, inks and 
coatings for its colouring properties. The importance of carbon black 
lies in its versatility and fundamental role in these applications.

As things stand, the primary method of producing carbon black 
involves the burning of crude oil, which involves the consumption 

of natural resources and results in CO2 emissions and other 
harmful greenhouse gases.

The CBreCYCLE project has developed a novel technique that 
bypasses the need for ‘virgin’ carbon black. “Our process recovers 
carbon  black  from  recycled  tyres,  offering  a  cost-effective 
alternative for the production of this vital resource. We won’t 
eradicate the need for carbon black – but we can make the way 
we extract it far more environmentally friendly!” asserts project 

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
coordinator Martyna Sztaba, based at Syntoil, Poland, which 
hosted the project.

But the real innovation, and what gives the project’s product the 
competitive edge, involves the purification of the pyrolysis solid 
residue, known as contaminated char or carbonisate.

Globally, around 1 billion tyres are discarded annually, but only 
about half are recycled. The rest contribute to CO2 emissions or 
environmental hazards in landfills. This situation highlights the 
inefficiency in tyre recycling and the urgent need for sustainable 
practices.

But the technology developed by the project, with the help of 
EU funding, doesn’t only reduce the environmental impact of 
production.

“Another advantage of our product is its high quality, making it 
suitable for applications such as in the production of paints and 
pigments. This is a new avenue for recycled carbon black which, 
previously, has not been of a high enough standard to be used 
in those processes. Ours can be, opening up new possibilities for 
the application of recovered carbon black, which were previously 
limited by the lower quality of recycled product,” says Sztaba.

Novel system of pyrolysis and 

carbonisate refinement

For  every  tonne  of  traditional  virgin  carbon 
black produced, about 1.5-2.5 tonnes of CO2 
are emitted, Sztaba explains. This is a significant 
factor,  considering  that  the  global  demand 
for  carbon  black  is  around  15  million  tonnes 
annually.

“In  comparison,  our  recovered  carbon  black 
produces less than 0.5 tons of CO2 per tonne, 
marking a substantial improvement in terms of 
emissions,” she adds.

This  is  achieved  for  example  through  an 
innovative  system  of  pyrolysis  developed  by 
Syntoil through the project, and a novel approach 
to purification.

Our process 
recovers 
carbon black 
from recycled 
tyres, offering 
a cost-
effective 
alternative for 
the production 
of this vital 
resource.

This  contaminated  carbonisate  undergoes  a  sophisticated 
thermochemical process in Syntoil’s facility, where it is purified 
to the level of virgin carbon black made from crude oil.

“It’s this ability to refine the carbonisate, to high purity standards, 
that truly distinguishes our product in the market.” 

Part of a wider shift to valuing 

waste streams

The  CBreCYCLE  project  feels  their  work  is  going  beyond 
recycling.  Sztaba  believes  the  team  are  redefining  the  life 
cycle of materials. “Our hope is that this technology becomes a 
cornerstone in a more circular economy, where waste reduction, 
resource efficiency and environmental sustainability are not just 
ideals but practical realities.”

Syntoil aims to expand their reach by refining and scaling up the 
process to cater to a broader market. They hope this will not only 
increase the adoption of recovered carbon black, but also set a 
precedent for other sustainable industrial practices.

“We’re proud to be part of a global shift where used materials 
are treated as valuable products, not waste,” Sztaba says.

Note: this article was last updated on the 5th of June 2024.

P R OJ E C T 
CBreCYCLE – Recycling shredded used tyres 
and rubber waste into personalized recovered 
Carbon Black to limit use of fossil fuels and 
carbon dioxide emission

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y 
Syntoil in Poland 

Pyrolysis is a method of decomposing organic material at high 
temperatures in the absence of oxygen. In the context of tyre 
recycling, it involves heating used tyres to break them down into 
various components, one of which is contaminated carbonisate 
(contaminated soot) which is then purified and changed into 
recovered carbon black.

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon 2020-SME, Horizon 2020-Societal 
Challenges and Horizon 2020-LEIT

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101009283

What  sets  Syntoil’s  process  apart  is  the  use  of  continuous 
pyrolysis, where heating is entirely electric, unlike traditional 
pyrolysis that often relies on gas burning. This makes the process 
very precise.

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
syntoil.pl

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterNew technologies for 
detecting dark matter

Innovative technologies are enabling the next generation of dark matter detectors and 
advancing our understanding of the invisible universe.

Almost all the energy that is stored in our universe exists as 
dark matter. Yet despite its abundance, we know surprisingly 
little about it.

However, this is just a hypothesis. What dark matter is and how 
it is generated remains one of the great unsolved problems 
of physics.

“Dark matter appears to interact mainly through the force of 
gravity  and  is  likely  composed  of  elementary  particles  that 
have yet to be identified,” says Marcin Kuźniak, group leader 
at the Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre, an 
autonomous unit of the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center 
(NCAC) of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

But the curtain that has shrouded this mystery is starting to 
be pulled back, thanks in part to initiatives such as the EU and 
industry-funded DarkWave project. 

DarkWave is developing new technologies that will enable the 
next generation of dark matter detectors used to observe the 

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
universe. “With the right technologies, these very large detectors, 
which are typically located in underground laboratories, could 
allow  us  to  directly  detect  dark  matter,”  adds  Kuźniak,  who 
coordinated the project.  

New technologies make detectors 

more sensitive

During  the  project,  researchers  from  NCAC,  together  with  
four partner institutions in France, Germany and Italy, developed 
a comprehensive portfolio of dark matter-detecting technologies. 
These  include  new  wavelength  shifter  (WLS)  materials  and 
photosensors, along with new seismic and infrasound sensors 
that can be used to monitor the background noise levels around 
the detector. 

Researchers also created algorithms for signal processing and 
analysis that can be used to extract information from the data 
collected by the detectors. Furthermore, the project enabled 
scientists to purchase the materials they needed to conduct 
experiments, research and tests. 

“All these technologies and support help make detectors more 
sensitive than ever before,” notes Kuźniak.

Taking dark matter detectors to 

the next level

With the right 
technologies, 
these very large 
detectors, which 
are typically 
located in 
underground 
laboratories, 
could allow us to 
directly detect 
dark matter.

These  technologies  have  already  had  a 
direct  impact  on  the  quest  to  understand 
the nature of dark matter. For example, the 
under-construction  DarkSide-20k  detector 
is  benefiting  from  novel  fluorescent  and 
reflective materials that were developed by 
the project. These materials will significantly 
improve  the  detector’s 
light  collection 
sensitivity while dramatically simplifying its 
construction.

The  project  also  helped  establish  two 
cryogenic test stands in Warsaw where these 
types of materials, along with ultra-modern 
arrays of photosensors, are now tested in 
representative  conditions  prior  to  being 
installed in the detector.

In  addition,  DarkWave  also  brought  the  dark  matter  and 
gravitational wave communities together. For instance, new 
networks  of  seismic  and  infrasound  sensors  for  monitoring 
backgrounds  at  the  Virgo  gravitational  wave  observatory 
were developed and tested during the project. They were also 
used to map the seismic and infrasound environment at the 
DarkSide-20k underground experiment site.

Helping young scientists get 

hands-on experience 

Beyond  the  technology,  the  project  focused  on  supporting 
scientists and early-stage researchers, and on advancing the 
project host’s capabilities through collaboration with advanced 
partner institutions. With the project’s support, these researchers 
were able to take part in several measurement campaigns at 
CERN and Virgo, amongst others.

“The  mobility  granted  by  DarkWave  became  a  catalyst  for 
knowledge accumulation and experience gathering, making it 
one of the project’s most substantial and important outcomes,” 
remarks Yuliya Hoika, EU project coordination specialist at NCAC.

These researchers, along with the entire project team, are now 
poised to continue to advance the knowledge, networking and 
innovative ideas fostered by DarkWave. This includes exploring 
the potential to commercialise some of the solutions developed 
during  the  project,  as  well  as  launching  STELLAR  with  the 
support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, 
and the EU-funded project Astrocent Plus, both Horizon Europe 
projects.

P R OJ E C T 
DarkWave – Novel technologies for dark matter 
search and frontier astroparticle physics 
experiments

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y
Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center in Poland 

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon 2020-Spreading excellence; widening 
participation

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/952480

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
n/a

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterAnxieties over internet 
voting reflect wider social 
concerns

The EU-funded ELECTRUST project found that trust issues are key to voters’ 
attitudes around online ballots, and could help inform standards for the successful 
implementation of digital democracy.

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The internet has transformed many aspects of our daily lives, 
from how we watch television to how we find romantic partners. 
However, it has yet to radically transform how people access and 
interact with government services.

Despite being technologically feasible for a couple of decades, 
i-voting – where voters submit their ballot via the internet, in an 
unsupervised environment – has not been embraced by many 
governments.

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
 
“Trust  issues  lie  at  the  heart  of  many  of  the  explanations 
for  this  reluctance,”  explains  David  Duenas-Cid,  principal 
investigator  of  ELECTRUST.  Hosted  at  Gdańsk  University  of 
Technology, the project was undertaken with the support of the  
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme.

as  a  branch  of  the  country’s  e-governance  system  seeking 
easier democratic participation. By contrast, in Catalonia, the 
online participation system ‘Decidim’ evolved as a bottom-up 
development to encourage wider citizen engagement.

ELECTRUST  explores  how  discourse  around  i-voting  both 
constructs and leverages issues of trust and distrust, ultimately 
framing public opinion of the technology and its promoters. 

Beyond technology

Estonia is the only country where i-voting is used in all elections. 
Some countries, such as Canada, have implemented it in local 
elections,  while  France  and  Panama  have  deployed  it  for 
expatriated voters.

ELECTRUST conducted an extensive case study of New South 
Wales, Australia, where i-voting was abandoned after early 
experiments. Cryptography experts had raised security concerns 
about the integrity of the system, while an unexpectedly high 
number of voters had experienced technical problems with the 
identification process.

“This is symptomatic of one of the key problems with i-voting: 
a  clash  between  trust  and  distrust.  The  decision  makers 
discontinued it out of fear,” adds Duenas-Cid.

interviewed  various  stakeholders 

including 
Duenas-Cid 
technology  providers,  electoral  administrators,  journalists, 
politicians and activists.

Preliminary analysis highlights how i-voting discourse flexibly 
adopts trust- and distrust-related arguments, often unconnected 
to the technology, but rather touching on wider sociopolitical 
contexts and individual beliefs.

A guide for future elections 

“Our approach was informed by theories of ideal democratic 
methods  –  how  decisions  are  made,  and  by  whom,”  says 
Duenas-Cid. “We’ve found that i-voting offers a more direct 
democracy, which can reach the marginalised and transform 
public administration through wide-ranging citizen engagement.”

Interesting  paradoxes  were  also  found 
between  communities  seemingly  at  odds, 
despite  the  common  goal  of  improved 
democratic systems. For example, while some 
experts cite cybersecurity concerns, voters 
with disabilities argue that i-voting enables 
equal participation in elections.

We’ve found that 
i-voting offers a 
more direct 
democracy, 
which can reach 
the marginalised.

The project’s findings will be outlined in a 
white book, including recommendations for 
policymakers. Duenas-Cid says ELECTRUST 
offers a valuable contribution to debates about the expansion of 
i-voting: “We’re not necessarily arguing for widespread i-voting 
implementation, but our results could help explain some of the 
likely reactions to its adoption.” 

Note: this article was last updated on the 3rd of July 2024.

P R OJ E C T 
ELECTRUST – Dynamics of Trust and Distrust 
Creation in Internet Voting

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y
Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon 2020-Spreading excellence; widening 
participation 

Exploratory case studies have also been undertaken into the 
various forms of i-voting adopted by Estonia, the Netherlands, 
Norway and Switzerland.

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101038055

One side study that compared Estonia and the Spanish province 
of  Catalonia  outlined  how  i-voting  is  top-down  in  Estonia, 

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
n/a 

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterReinforcing Europe’s 
radiological barrier

What are the tools the EU needs to be prepared for the next wave of radiological threats?

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Some argue that the best defence is to be prepared for any 
potential threats. Researching and preparing Europe’s defence 
against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive 
(CBRNE)  threats  is  more  crucial  than  ever.  The  EU-funded 
EU-RADION project has gone the extra mile to make this a reality.

A general CBRNE protection strategy exists with the ENCIRCLE 
Catalogue, but EU-RADION focused on developing an advanced 
radiological threat detection and identification system.

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
Resilience is the message

According to its coordinators, EU-RADION enhances the region’s 
resilience  against  CBRNE  threats  by  delivering  tools  specifically 
designed to meet the needs of end users, primarily first responders 
and emergency management agencies.

This includes a wide range of capabilities from advanced sensor 
platforms to sensor units capable of being used in stationary set-ups, 
mounted on unmanned vehicles or worn by personnel. It also includes 
providing real-time data and predictive models through integrated 
situational awareness tools.

workshops and extensive documentation to align on technical 
specifications and development goals. Other complex issues 
were coordinating the use of the Runehamar Test Tunnel in 
Norway for the final demonstration, which required meticulous 
planning and collaboration among all project partners.

“Following  the  completion  of  the  EU-RADION  project,  our 
next steps are guided by the philosophy and directives of the 
European Commission,” Szklarski notes. “We aim to continue 
advancing and refining the technology developed during the 
EU-RADION project.”

highlight. 

With  the  project  successfully  completed 
there  were  key 
in  February  2024, 
accomplishments 
“The 
to 
EU-RADION  project  successfully  achieved 
its primary objectives, leading to significant 
advancements in radiological threat detection 
and identification capabilities within the EU,” 
project coordinator Łukasz Szklarski notes.

This includes refining and commercialising the developed sensor 
platforms and software tools to meet market demands and 
user  needs,  as  well  as  ongoing  collaboration  with  industry 
partners, stakeholders and end-users to enhance the system’s 
capabilities. And, finally, seeking additional funding to support 
the expansion of the project’s scope. Szklarski also mentions the 
CHIMERA project, which aims to elevate the technology to TRL 8, 
integrating the detection of biological and chemical signals into 
the real-time network developed by EU-RADION.

Among these achievements were the creation 
of  handheld,  stationary  and  unmanned 
sensor platforms equipped with the Sensor 
Integration Unit (SIU) for real-time detection 
and  monitoring  of  radiological  threats,  as 
well as successful operational testing of the 
system in realistic scenarios, demonstrating 
its effectiveness and robustness in various 
environmental conditions. Also, the creation of an advanced data 
fusion model – which significantly enhances the capability to identify 
radionuclides – is a critical component in improving radiological hazard 
detection and response.

As the project transitions to further technological development 
and commercialisation, its contributions to European resilience 
against CBRNE threats will continue to grow, with the overall goal 
of ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.

Note: this article was last updated on the 16th of August 
2024.

P R OJ E C T 
EU-RADION – European System for Improved 
Radiological Hazard Detection and Identification

The EU-RADION 
project successfully 
achieved its primary 
objectives, leading to 
significant 
advancements in 
radiological threat 
detection and 
identification 
capabilities.

A sensor’s data riddle 

Looking at the achievements of the project, it’s easy to think 
that everything went according to plan and without hurdles. 
But the reality is that such a system of radiological defence 
faced several challenges, “particularly in the integration and 
development of advanced sensor systems and data processing 
tools,” explains Szklarski.

It also required effective collaboration and knowledge exchange 
between international partners, which involved regular meetings, 

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y 
ITTI in Poland

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon 2020-SECURITY

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/883204

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
eu-radion.eu 

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterTraining the next 
generation of geospatial 
scientists

Through twinning, knowledge sharing and networking, universities from across Europe 
join forces to enhance everyone’s geospatial know-how.

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While the mining sector’s focus may be on the natural resources 
found under the Earth’s surface, its work is heavily dependent on 
information derived well above ground – from space.

and regulators to study and help mitigate the effect mining 
activities have on the environment.

In  fact,  mining  companies  have  long  used  such  geospatial 
technologies as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) 
and Earth Observation for everything from surveying sites to 
accessing remote areas, managing activities and even operating 
machinery. This same technology can also be used by researchers 

But  as  the  geospatial  field  continues  to  evolve,  with  new 
technologies opening the door to new opportunities, there is a 
growing demand for new talent.

Helping to meet that demand is the EU-funded GATHERS project.

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
Increasing geospatial capacity 

Positioning Europe as a 

and expertise 

geospatial leader

The  project  aims  to  increase  the  capacity  of  the  Wrocław 
University of Environmental and Life Sciences (UPWr) to train 
the next generation of geospatial specialists. “UPWr, through its 
Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics, has established itself 
as a leading player in the field,” says Maya 
Ilieva, a UPWr researcher and GATHERS 
project coordinator.

The GATHERS 
project has created 
a network of well-
trained scientists 
ready to position 
Europe as a global 
leader in the use of 
geospatial 
technologies within 
the natural 
resources sector.

According  to  Ilieva,  the  institute  has 
developed  a  range  of  groundbreaking 
GNSS-based  algorithms,  software  and 
applications for precise point positioning, 
orbit  determination  and  meteorology  – 
amongst others.

“The problem is that our work, along with 
similar  work  being  done  across  Europe, 
tends  to  be  done  in  a  silo,”  she  adds. 
“Imagine  what  we  could  accomplish  if 
we coordinated our work and shared our 
expertise?”

Instead of imagining, GATHERS decided to find out.

The outcome has been impressive, with the project conducting 
25 training sessions for UPWr staff, including nine experienced 
researchers, nine early-stage researchers, and seven Master of 
Science students. Thanks in part to these activities, one of the 
participants has gone on to become a professor, whilst others 
are in various stages of their PhD and postdoc work.

Furthermore, strong research groups were established between 
the  various  project  partners  –  with  plans  for  continuing 
this  collaboration  into  the  future.  These  groups  are  already 
coordinating several joint research projects and have co-authored 
over 10 scientific papers.

“The  GATHERS  project  has  enhanced  the  knowledge  and 
capabilities of UPWr, positioning it as a leader not only in GNSS, 
but in the geosciences,” concludes Ilieva. “But most importantly, it 
has created a network of well-trained scientists ready to position 
Europe as a global leader in the use of geospatial technologies 
within the natural resources sector.”

Note: this article was last updated on the 18th of October 
2024.

A pan-European scientific and 

educational network

With  the  support  of  the  European  Commission’s  Widening 
Participation and Spreading Excellence (twinning actions), the 
project created a scientific and educational network between 
UPWr  and  some  of  Europe’s  leading  universities  in  other 
geoscience fields.

Specifically, the network included: the Technical University of 
Delft,  a  world  leader  in  the  use  of  interferometric  synthetic 
aperture  radar  for  registering  areal  surface  deformations; 
the Technical University of Vienna, which is renowned for the 
development of innovative light detection and ranging (lidar) 
techniques; and Sapienza University of Rome, a pioneer in the 
use of the variometric approach in GNSS seismology.

“Together,  we  set  out  to  build  a  sustainable  method  for 
integrating these different techniques and then training early-
stage researchers in using them,” explains Ilieva.

P R OJ E C T 
GATHERS – Integration of Geodetic and 
imAging TecHniques for monitoring and 
modelling the Earth’s surface defoRmations 
and Seismic risk

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y 
Wrocław University of Environmental and Life 
Sciences in Poland

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon 2020-Spreading excellence; widening 
participation 

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/857612

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
gathers.eu

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterBioprocess turns methane 
into eco-friendly material 

A cutting-edge bioprocess that uses bacteria to turn methane into a biodegradable raw 
material could help to tackle both greenhouse gas emissions and packaging waste.

Packaging materials made of petrochemical-based polymers 
are difficult to remove from the environment. “Depending on 
the type of polymer, decomposition can take tens, hundreds and 
even thousands of years,” notes Methanotrophy project member 
Pawel Stepniewski from Microbic in Poland.

be easily broken down by microorganisms in soil and decompose 
into compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. 

An interesting example of this is poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a 
biopolymer which has already found wide application in industry, 
medicine and pharmaceuticals.

In response, industry has been examining the potential of using 
biopolymers of natural origin. Unlike synthetic ones, these can 

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
 
Turning methane into high-

grade ecological products

The EU and industry-funded Methanotrophy project sought to 
commercialise an innovative technique that could help to turn 
waste methane into high-grade, ecological products, including 
PHB. On a 100-year timescale, methane has 28 times greater 
global warming potential than carbon dioxide and is 84 times 
more potent on a 20-year timescale.

At the core of this biotechnology are methanotrophs – bacteria 
that use methane as their main source of carbon and energy. 
“An important feature that distinguishes methanotrophs from 
other bacteria is their ability to oxidise methane to methanol as 
an intermediate product,” explains Stepniewski. 

“A number of studies have focused on these bacteria due to their 
potential in extracting methane. Our research on methanotrophic 
bacteria, conducted over several years, has led to new findings 
regarding methanotrophic bacteria activity.”

Specifically, the Methanotrophy project wanted to see if certain 
cultures of methanotrophic bacteria could be used as biofilters 
capable of absorbing methane and producing PHB at an industrial 
scale. This could help to reduce methane emissions, and produce 
a valuable, biodegradable raw material.

“This project aimed to support the long-term research of Microbic 
co-founder Zofia Stepniewska, and to validate the technology 
and business model we’re working on,” says Stepniewski. “It also 
helped us to build a bioreactor for methanotrophic bacteria to 
produce, for example, PHB.”

Stepniewski. “This work was achieved thanks to the funds obtained, 
and the quality of research that we were able to conduct.”

The  team  also  analysed  potential  customer  needs  when  it 
comes to PHB, available production technologies and market 
size. Business plans were produced for further developing the 
spin-off company and to take steps towards commercialisation. 
The project was funded through the Women TechEU programme, 
which supports early-stage deep-tech start-ups led by women. 

Potential applications in 

medicine and technology

Next steps will include optimising the extraction and granulation 
of PHB. These stages will be critical for bringing the technique 
to market.

“We  have  shown  that  methanotrophic 
bacteria can be used to manage waste 
methane,” notes Stepniewski. 

“Ensuring  profitability  of  this  method, 
though, will require several more stages of 
research. We need to take into account the 
environmental value of bioplastics such 
as PHB as well as their biodegradability 
and  examine  in  more  depth  potential 
applications in medicine and technology.”

We have  
shown that 
methanotrophic 
bacteria can be 
used to manage 
waste methane.

P R OJ E C T 
Methanotrophy – METHANE MANAGEMENT 
USING METHANOTROPHIC BACTERIA

Successfully cultivating 

methanotrophic bacteria

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y 
Microbic in Poland

Purchasing a bioreactor enabled the project team to cultivate 
methanotrophic bacteria and to control production conditions. 
Testing the cultivation of methanotrophic bacteria in a bioreactor 
has significantly advanced knowledge of how to produce PHB 
efficiently, as well as which types of methanotrophic bacteria 
to collect.

“We found that the methanotrophic bacteria multiply well under 
given conditions, and are effective in absorbing methane,” adds 

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon Europe-European innovation ecosystems 

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101072176

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
microbic.pl

14

CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterIdentifying microbes that 
can boost plant growth in 
saline soils

Beneficial bacteria hold great potential for reducing fertiliser use, but strains must be 
suited to the soil they are used in. Identifying such strains can help European agriculture 
towards a more sustainable future.

Plant  growth-promoting  rhizobacteria  (PGPR)  are  beneficial 
microorganisms that live in soil adjacent to the roots of plants, 
as well as on root surfaces and inside root tissues. There is 
increasing recognition that these organisms can help provide 
plants with the necessary elements they need for growth, in a 
similar way to mineral fertilisers. 

“For example, PGPR can fix nitrogen from the air and decompose 
proteins,”  explains  NitroFixSal  project  coordinator  Agnieszka 
Kalwasińska from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland. “This 
supplies the soil with ammonium.” 

PGPR  also  produce  phytohormones  that  stimulate  plant 
development, and enzymes that are able to decompose fungal 

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
 
cell walls, protecting plants against pathogens. in Poland. “This 
supplies the soil with ammonium.” 

Identifying potential biofertiliser 

candidates

Reducing mineral fertiliser and 

pesticide use 

The NitroFixSal project successfully demonstrated that saline 
environments are a valuable source of nitrogen-fixing bacteria 
with various plant growth-promoting potential. Several new 
strains were characterised. 

There is significant opportunity to reduce the use of mineral 
fertilisers and pesticides by exploiting the potential of these 
naturally occurring bacteria. To be successful at a commercial 
scale however, scientists need to be able to identify and isolate 
bacteria species with sufficient survival rates, and use amounts 
that suit both the soil type and the plant species. 

Two bacterial strains were shown to significantly mitigate salt 
stress in cereals. One of these has since been submitted to the 
Polish Collection of Microorganisms. Two patents of the isolate, 
together with its growth promotion effects on wheat, are ready 
to be submitted to the Polish Patent Office. 

This could be important for both economic and environmental 
reasons. Prices for chemical fertilisers – including ammonium 
nitrate, phosphorus and potassium – have increased sharply 
due  to  the  rising  cost  of  natural  gas.  Meanwhile,  the  EU  is 
obliged to reduce the use of these fertilisers in order to meet its  
green objectives. 

“In the NitroFixSal project, we took bacteria with PGPR properties 
from extreme saline environments,” says Sweta Binod Kumar, a 
biotechnologist who also worked on the project. “This is because 
microorganisms naturally adapted to high-salinity conditions can 
better promote plant growth under salt stress, and contribute 
to increased plant biomass and protection against pathogens.” 

“These  isolated  PGPRs  are  now  potential  candidates  for 
biofertilisers,” notes Kalwasińska. “These could eventually benefit 
in particular farmers facing yield loss of their crops due to high-
salinity conditions of the soil.” 

Data generated from the project will also help researchers to 
better understand plant-PGPR interactions at the molecular level. 
Researchers hope to unravel lesser-known plant growth activity, 
which  could  lead  to  the  development  of  new  biostimulator 
formulations and tools for designing new breeding strategies. 

“Our project very much aims to contribute towards sustainable 
agriculture,” says Kalwasińska.

These isolated 
PGPRs are now 
potential 
candidates for 
biofertilisers, which 
could benefit 
farmers facing 
yield loss of their 
crops due to high-
salinity conditions 
of the soil.

The  PGPR  strains  that  the  project 
team  extracted  underwent  extensive 
investigations  in  order  to  characterise 
their  PGPR  properties.  The  strains  were 
applied  as  biostimulants,  to  improve 
the  germination  of  wheat  in  laboratory 
conditions. 

“The next step involved a field study, in 
which selected strains were applied to non-
sterile soil,” adds Kalwasińska. “Finally, the 
interactions between bacteria and wheat 
plants were investigated using advanced 
molecular  methods.  This  enabled  us  to 
better understand the mechanisms of their 
action.”

Note: this article was last updated on the 5th of April 2023.

P R OJ E C T 
NitroFixSal – N fixing bacteria from extreme 
environments as a remedy for nitrogen 
deficiency in saline soils

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y 
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon 2020-Spreading excellence; widening 
participation

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101038072 

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
n/a

16

CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterPlacing ethics at the centre 
of digital healthcare

Taking account of ethical issues – and the concerns of elderly patients – will help to 
ensure that digital healthcare technologies address the needs of all citizens.

Digital  technologies  are  increasingly  applied  to  healthcare, 
improving the way that patients are diagnosed and how services 
are delivered. These technologies include smartphone apps, 
wearable devices and platforms that provide remote healthcare. 
Artificial intelligence (AI) software can also be used to track 
symptoms and analyse data from medical devices. 

“Technology  can  help  people  to  manage  health  issues,  and 
can  be  used  to  distribute  healthcare  information,”  notes  

REINITIALISE project coordinator Ilona Biernacka-Ligięza from 
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Poland. 

“We saw this during the COVID-19 epidemic. However, elderly 
people, who are often the most in need of care, can struggle 
to use new devices, and find it difficult to access digital health 
services.” 

17

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matter 
Combining technological and 

ethical issues

digital technologies for e-health services. This integrated plan 
aims to link research and design excellence with the specific 
needs of end users. 

The EU-funded REINITIALISE project sought to address these 
issues  by  bringing  together  researchers  from  Belgium,  Italy 
and  Poland.  The  project  team  contained  experts  in  ICT  and 
engineering, as well as researchers focused on ethic issues in 
fields including AI and healthcare. 

“The Roadmap also describes our future plans for cooperation, 
and  identifies  AI  in  healthcare  as  a  key  field  of  research,” 
explains Biernacka-Ligięza. “This research will look not only at 
the design of AI devices, but also at the impact, risks and dangers 
of applying AI within the healthcare system.” 

A key element of the project involved establishing Maria Curie-
Skłodowska University as a leading expert in digital technologies 
and fundamental rights, achieved through staff exchanges with 
KU Leuven in Belgium and the University of Macerata in Italy. 

The project team also developed a Knowledge Platform, which 
aims to ensure that the collaborative learning process pioneered 
through this project is continued. 

“We  began  the  project  by  looking  at  the  quality  of  existing 
healthcare  devices  and  their  usefulness  for  seniors,”  says 
Biernacka-Ligięza. “The project started during the pandemic, so 
much of this work was theoretical.” 

The platform contains a mentorship and networking section, 
allowing researchers and staff involved in the project to continue 
working together. There is also a training section, which includes 
virtual  training  content  and  material 
collected from project training events. 

As people began to travel again, staff exchanges between the 
partner institutions were organised. Academic symposiums, job 
shadowing and cross-disciplinary mentoring were carried out.

Involvement of senior citizens

Another important element of the project was the involvement 
of senior patients. “This was important, as the project was 
not just about fundamental research,” adds Biernacka-Ligięza.  
“It was also about addressing the needs of senior citizens.” 

Questionnaires and workshops were organised, where valuable 
feedback could be gathered. Key concerns expressed by elderly 
patients using digital healthcare devices included ease of use, 
as well as data security and safety. 

“These are some of the ethical and technological factors that 
designers will need to take into consideration moving forward,” 
notes Biernacka-Ligięza.

“This project will have a positive impact for 
elderly patients,” says Biernacka-Ligięza. 
“End user feedback is crucial to designing 
healthcare tools for the future, as well as 
for planning policy.”

Note: this article was last updated on 
the 9th of May 2024.

End user feedback 
is crucial to 
designing 
healthcare tools for 
the future.

P R OJ E C T 
REINITIALISE – pREservIng fuNdamental rIghTs 
In the use of digitAl technoLogIes for e-health 
ServicEs

C O O R D I N AT E D   B Y 
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Poland 

F U N D E D   U N D E R 
Horizon 2020-Spreading excellence; widening 
participation 

Fundamental rights in digital 

technology design

The project has since published a Joint Research Roadmap on 
how to preserve fundamental rights in the design and use of 

C O R D I S   FA C T S H E E T
cordis.europa.eu/project/id/952357 

P R OJ E C T   W E B S I T E
reinitialise.eu 

18

CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterCORDIS Results Pack

Available online in 6 language versions: cordis.europa.eu/article/id/457123

Published
on behalf of the European Commission by CORDIS at the
Publications Office of the European Union
L-2985 Luxembourg
LUXEMBOURG

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despite the care taken in preparing them.

The technologies presented in this publication may be covered by intellectual property rights.

This Results Pack is a collaboration between CORDIS and the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.  

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CORDIS Results Pack on Horizon in PolandSupporting cutting-edge research, from digital democracy to dark matterRESULTS PACK ON  
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