TSSP NatSci 2026 projects
The main component of the summer program is an active participation in the selected research projects offered by the staff members of the Nicolaus Copernicus University from Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, and Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, please see the topics and their descriptions below. Interested students are welcome to contact possible advisors for more details concerning the foreseen projects and discuss the dates that the project could be undertaken.- Synthesis and Application of Transition Metal Nitrides for Efficient Water Splitting
- Biomimetic materials modified with ferulic acid
- Comparative evaluation of propolis from different origins in cosmetic formulations
- Polysaccharides -based materials for cosmetic and biomedical applications
- Synthesis of hybrid graphen/biosilica composites using diatom biomass as a precursor
- Synthesis of new benzothiophene β-amino alcohols with potential antimicrobial properties
- Development of active polysaccharide films for potential usage as acne patches
- Characteristics of materials based on polysaccharides for potential use in biomedical applications
- Microbes: Diversity, Ecology, Potential
- Functional biodiversity and microbiome monitoring in salt-affected soils
- Analysis of light pollution on the Nicolaus Copernicus University Campus
- The Role of Blue-Green Infrastructure in Water Retention in Urban Areas – Examples of Bydgoszcz and Toruń
- Do Museums Tell the Soil Story? An Online Analysis of Soil Exhibits and Visitor Attention
- Beyond Gingerbread: A Study of Foreign Tourists’ Perceptions, Experiences, and Information-Seeking Behaviours in Toruń and Across Poland’s Culinary Heritage
- The color white in the names of settlements in Poland – is it connected with podzolization?
RESERVE LIST
- ML-MolDyn: Machine-Learning Accelerated Molecular Photodynamics
- Novel functionalized emulsifier for stabilizing egg-free mayonnaise
- The influence of the type of plasticizer on the metal ions transport efficiency in polymer inclusion membranes
- Assessment of quantitative and qualitative resources of small water reservoirs on the example of the city of Toruń in the light of climate change
Synthesis and Application of Transition Metal Nitrides for Efficient Water Splitting
Research objectives:
The proposed detailed aims will focus on the synthesis and characterization of nitrides, including metal nitrides, as well as on electrochemical testing. Two key reactions HER and OER will serve to evaluate practical applicability. The chemical states of the atoms will be examined and characterized to enable the selection of the most effective catalysts for HER and OER.
Research tasks:
The Project will be developed through three scientific work packages (WP1-WP3).
WP1. Synthesis of metal nitrides by hiting in tube furnace in an NH3 or N2 atmosphere.
WP2. Characterization of obtained materials by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).
WP3. Electrochemical investigations: oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction (LSV) and stability tests (chronoamperometry).
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Anna Ilnicka, prof. UMK (ailnicka[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Biomimetic materials modified with ferulic acid
Research objectives:
The key objectives of the project are to develop innovative hyaluronic acid–based materials cross-linked with modified ferulic acid for the treatment of necrotic wounds and to systematically evaluate their physicochemical properties to support translational potential in chronic wound healing applications.
Research tasks:
Task 1: Discuss the scope of the project, with a focus on the preparation of composites.
Task 2: Determine the mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and degradation rate of the materials.
Task 3: Study the antioxidant properties of the obtained materials using the DPPH method.
Task 4: Study the release of ferulic acid from the materials.
Task 5: Analyze and discuss the results, draw conclusions, and outline future perspectives.
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska, prof. UMK (beata.kaczmarek[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Comparative evaluation of propolis from different origins in cosmetic formulations
Research objectives: This project aims to compare propolis samples from different sources and regions with respect to their behavior in cosmetic formulations and their effects on selected skin-related parameters. The study will focus on identifying origin-dependent differences in formulation stability, formulation behavior, and skin-relevant biological activity.
Research tasks:
- Preparation and characterization of propolis extracts.
- Development of 2-3 model cosmetic bases (hydrogel and/or emulgel and/or stick) and incorporation of each propolis extract at a fixed concentration.
- Evaluation of formulation parameters (pH, viscosity, stability).
- Assessment of skin-related performance using instrumental methods (hydration, TEWL, sebum, color, elasticity) and comparative analysis of origin-dependent differences.
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Justyna Kozłowska, prof. UMK (justynak[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Polysaccharides -based materials for cosmetic and biomedical applications
Research objectives:
- Fabrication of polysaccharide-based films
- Incorporation of active substances
- Study of the interactions between components and the final properties of materials.
- Preparation of solutions of the selected polysaccharides
- Addition of active substances
- Thin films fabrication
- Spectroscopic investigations of interactions
- Swelling tests
- Microscopy analysis
| Supervisor: | prof. dr hab. Alina Sionkowska (as[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Synthesis of hybrid graphen/biosilica composites using diatom biomass as a precursor
Research objectives:
The aim of the project is to synthesize new hybrid graphene-biosilica composites using diatom biomass as a precursor and applying the thermochemical biomass conversion method
Research tasks:
Cultivation of selected diatom species in photobioreactors to obtain diatom biomass.
Synthesis of hybrid graphene-biosilica composites using a thermochemical method of conversion of diatom biomass with and without the use of a catalyst in the synthesis process.
Studies of physicochemical properties of composites using instrumental methods.
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Myroslav Sprynskyy, prof. UMK (mspryn[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Synthesis of new benzothiophene β-amino alcohols with potential antimicrobial properties
Research objectives:
The aim of this research is synthesis of new benzothiophene derivatives, including β-amino alcohols containing various azole rings. For this purpose, starting amino ketones containing different azole substituents in the alpha position as well as different groups in the benzothiophene system will be prepared. These derivatives will be subjected to asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, and products will be fully characterized and tested for biological properties.
Research tasks:
- Synthesis of starting α-bromoketones containing various substituents in the benzothiophene system.
- Preparation of α-amino ketones containing various azoles.
- Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of prepared benzothiophenyl derivatives.
- Identification of received chiral β-amino alcohols – NMR, IR, HPLC, optical rotation measurement.
- Testing the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the obtained compounds.
| Supervisor: | dr Agnieszka Tafelska-Kaczmarek (tafel[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Development of active polysaccharide films for potential usage as acne patches
Research objectives:
- Preparation of active polysaccharide-based films enriched with plant (vegetable) extracts.
- Characterization of the films, including: mechanical properties, antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay, and swelling behavior.
- Preparation of polysaccharide solutions
- Extraction and preparation of plant-derived bioactive compounds
- Formulation of final polysaccharide solutions incorporating plasticizers and/or cross‑linking agents
- Casting and fabrication of biopolymer films
- Characterization of the resulting films, including mechanical testing, antioxidant assays, and evaluation of swelling behavior
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Jolanta Kowalonek, prof. UMK (jolak[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Characteristics of materials based on polysaccharides for potential use in biomedical applications
Research objectives:
The main goal of this project is to develop and characterize new materials based on a selected polysaccharide and its modification with low-molecular-weight compounds to obtain films with desired properties, such as wettability, good mechanical properties, and appropriate swelling properties.
Research tasks:
Task 1: Discuss the scope of the project, select a polysaccharide and other compounds
Task 2: Prepare the stock polymer solution and its modified solutions
Task 3: Rheological characteristics of the obtained solutions
Task 4: Film preparations
Task 5: Measurements of swelling, mechanical properties and contact angle
Task 6: Analysis and discussion of the obtained results
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Katarzyna Lewandowska, prof. UMK (reol[at]chem.umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Microbes: Diversity, Ecology, Potential
Research objectives:
To isolate, characterize, and molecularly identify microorganisms from selected environments and assess their diversity, ecological roles, and potential biotechnological applications.
Research tasks:
Sampling from diverse environments, culturing and isolating microorganisms, DNA extraction, PCR amplification and sequencing, bioinformatic analysis of microbial diversity, and interpretation of ecological and applied potential.
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Agnieszka Richert, prof. UMK (a.richert[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Biological Sciences |
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Functional biodiversity and microbiome monitoring in salt-affected soils
Research objectives:
The project aims to explore microbiological and functional biodiversity in saline soils. The primary goal is to assess how plant-soil-microbe interactions contribute to the resilience of salt-affected soils and to evaluate the microbiome structure under stress using cutting-edge molecular tools. This aligns with the overarching EU-funded SaltyBEATS initiative (2025–2028), coordinated by the applicant.
Key research objectives:
- Identify microbial diversity and ecological roles in saline soils
- Evaluate microbiome shifts induced by salinity stress
- Assess the functional potential of microbial communities in halophyte rhizospheres
(A) Microbiome monitoring in halophytes and soil
- Collection of plant and soil samples from saline soils
- Extraction of DNA from plant and soil
- Microbiome analysis
- Plant and soils sampling
- Microbial profiling
| Supervisors: | prof. dr hab. Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz (hrynk[at]umk.pl) |
| Bliss Furtado | |
| Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Biological Sciences |
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Analysis of light pollution on the Nicolaus Copernicus University Campus
Research objectives:
The main research objective of the project is to determine the spatial variability of artificial night sky illumination within the Nicolaus Copernicus University Campus in Toruń, depending on the type of light sources, meteorological conditions, and other factors.
Research tasks:
The project will be carried out using geographic information systems (GIS), an SQM recorder, a colorimeter, and an all-sky camera. The main research tasks include measuring the brightness of the night sky, measuring the color temperature of light sources, analyzing the collected data, including all-sky night images, and determining spatial variability.
| Supervisors: | dr hab. Mieczysław Kunz, prof. UMK (met[at]umk.pl) |
| Dominika Daab | |
| Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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The Role of Blue-Green Infrastructure in Water Retention in Urban Areas – Examples of Bydgoszcz and Toruń
Research objectives:
- determining land cover changes in Bydgoszcz and Toruń based on Corine Land Cover,
- reviewing the cities' climate change adaptation plans by 2030,
- identifying architectural solutions used to increase biologically active areas in Bydgoszcz and Toruń,
- identifying sealed areas that require investment in blue-green infrastructure in Bydgoszcz and Toruń.
- conducting an inventory of existing technical solutions for blue-green infrastructure, broken down by form and type: water reservoirs, green bus stops, green roofs, green walls, etc., in Bydgoszcz and Toruń,
- GPS localization and positioning,
- preparing photographic documentation,
- creating a database of various types of blue-green infrastructure.
- compilation of results
| Supervisor: | dr Katarzyna Kubiak-Wójcicka (kubiak[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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Do Museums Tell the Soil Story? An Online Analysis of Soil Exhibits and Visitor Attention
Research objectives:
The aim of the project is to investigate the tourism potential of urban transport systems by evaluating the attractiveness, architectural design, and cultural significance of metro stations, transport museums, and related historic sites. The project will assess their popularity through surveys and analyze visitor perceptions to identify key factors influencing their appeal. By doing so, it seeks to provide insights into how these transport heritage sites can be better promoted, and integrated into particular city tourism strategies.
Research tasks:
- literature review on soil education and soil-related museum exhibitions;
- desk-based analysis of natural history museums’ websites, Facebook profiles and Google Maps content to identify soil-related exhibits;
- collection and analysis of user-generated photographs as proxy indicators of visitors’ interest in soil exhibits;
- synthesis and comparative analysis of collected data;
- preparation of results and drafting of a scientific paper.
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Przemysław Charzyński, prof. UMK (pecha[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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Beyond Gingerbread: A Study of Foreign Tourists’ Perceptions, Experiences, and Information-Seeking Behaviours in Toruń and Across Poland’s Culinary Heritage
Research objectives:
The aim of the project is to assess how foreign tourists perceive and experience Polish culinary heritage, and to evaluate the role of cuisine in shaping their overall image of Poland as a tourist destination. The project focuses on identifying prior knowledge of Polish food culture, culinary experiences gained during travel, and information-seeking behaviours related to Polish cuisine. Using Toruń as a case study, the project situates local food heritage within a broader national context and provides recommendations for developing and promoting Polish culinary tourism beyond flagship products. The insights gained from this research are intended to support the preparation, development, and refinement of culinary tourism strategies at both regional and national levels.
Research tasks:
The student will be responsible for:
- literature review on culinary tourism, national cuisines and food-related destination image;
- identification of key elements of Polish culinary heritage most frequently referenced in international tourism discourse;
- desk-based analysis of foreign-language tourism websites, blogs, and social media to assess pre-trip images of Polish cuisine;
- field-based surveys or short interviews with foreign tourists in Toruń regarding:
- their prior knowledge of Polish cuisine,
- dishes and products discovered during their stay,
- sources of culinary information before and during travel;
- comparison of expected vs. experienced culinary heritage;
- analysis and synthesis of collected data;
- preparation of results and drafting of a scientific paper or applied report.
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Przemysław Charzyński, prof. UMK (pecha[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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The color white in the names of settlements in Poland – is it connected with podzolization?
Research objectives:
The project aims to assess whether “white” settlement names are significantly associated with podzolic soils and related environmental conditions. It seeks to demonstrate the cultural relevance of soils, evaluate toponyms as proxies of historical landscape perception, and contribute to interdisciplinary approaches linking pedology with human geography.
Research tasks:
Research tasks include: 1. Creating an integrated GIS database of toponyms referring to white color, as well as soil types and their parent material in the vicinity of selected settlements; 2. Spatial analyses that will test correlations between toponyms and podzolization features and sandy substrates; and 3. Fieldwork that will involve soil profile investigation, and sampling of selected sites to validate GIS results and interpret how soil features influenced culturally embedded place naming.
| Supervisors: | dr Marcin Sykuła (sykula[at]umk.pl) |
| dr hab. Marcin Świtoniak, prof. UMK | |
| Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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ML-MolDyn: Machine-Learning Accelerated Molecular Photodynamics
RESERVE LISTResearch objectives:
The objective of this internship is to accelerate molecular photodynamics by applying state-of-the-art excited-state machine-learning potentials trained on pre-computed ab initio trajectory data. The trained model will provide energies, forces on-the-fly, allowing efficient long timescale trajectory surface hopping simulations of photorelaxation mechanisms.
Research tasks:
Task 1: Become familiar with the basics of nonadiabatic molecular dynamics and ML-assisted excited-state simulations (Week 1).
Task 2: Select an existing ab initio trajectory dataset for a representative photoactive molecule (Week 1).
Task 3: Train and test a pre-established excited-state ML model to reproduce key electronic properties (Week 2 & 3).
Task 4: Run a set of pilot ML-accelerated nonadiabatic dynamics simulations and analyze relaxation trends (Week 3 & 4).
Task 5: Summarize results (Week 4).
| Supervisor: | dr Saikat Mukherjee (saikat[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Novel functionalized emulsifier for stabilizing egg-free mayonnaise
RESERVE LISTResearch objectives:
The aim of this research is to develop egg-free mayonnaise using an emulsifier isolated from sugar beet pulp as a substitute for egg yolk. Optimal formulation and processing parameters will be identified, and the resulting product will be compared with commercial mayonnaise for stability and quality.
Research tasks:
- Extraction of ingredients with emulsifying properties from agri-food residues.
- Physicochemical characterization of the obtained emulsifier.
- Formulation and preparation of egg-free mayonnaise.
- Evaluation of the physicochemical and stability properties of the resulting egg-free mayonnaise.
| Supervisors: | dr Dobrochna Rabiej-Kozioł (d.rabiej[at]umk.pl) |
| prof. dr hab. Aleksandra Szydłowska-Czerniak | |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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The influence of the type of plasticizer on the metal ions transport efficiency in polymer inclusion membranes
RESERVE LISTResearch objectives: Research goals are focused on the type of plasticizer influence on transport and separation efficiency in polymer inclusion membranes.
Research tasks:
- Optimisation of the content and type of plasticiser in PIMs.
- Determination of transport properties (efficiency and selectivity).
| Supervisor: | dr hab. Piotr Szczepański, prof. UMK (piotrs[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Chemistry | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Chemical Sciences |
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Assessment of quantitative and qualitative resources of small water reservoirs on the example of the city of Toruń in the light of climate change
RESERVE LISTResearch objectives:
- determination of the capacity of water reservoirs and their changes as a result of changing meteorological conditions
- determination of physicochemical parameters of water in water reservoirs
- impact of city pressure on water quality in small water reservoirs
- conducting soundings of water reservoirs and drawing up bathymetric plans
- field measurements: water temperature, pH and conductivity in water reservoirs
- water sampling from water reservoirs for the needs of physicochemical analyzes
- conducting physicochemical analyzes of water in the laboratory
- compilation of results
| Supervisor: | dr Katarzyna Kubiak-Wójcicka (kubiak[at]umk.pl) |
| Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management | |
| Internship period: | 6th July – 31th July 2026 |
| Scientific disciplines: | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
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