We are proudly reporting the successful organisation of the RECROP–PrimSeedPower GenNext Training School, “Building Climate-Resilient Crops through Stress Biology and Seed Priming,” on April 21-23 in Chania, Greece. Dr Olha Lakhneko, a young researcher of the Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre and Young Researcher and Innovator Engagement Coordinator of the RECROP, coordinated the event.
The Training School was held within the framework of the RECROP (CA22157) and PrimSeedPower (CA24156) COST Actions, bringing together early-career researchers and leading experts from across Europe. The event aimed to advance knowledge in plant stress biology, seed priming, and crop resilience, while strengthening international collaboration within the COST network.
The program featured a comprehensive range of activities, including scientific lectures, trainee talks, poster sessions, and interactive networking opportunities. Participants also benefited from career development seminars addressing key topics such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence in research, engagement with industry, and scientific leadership.
Dr Júlia Hunková, Dr Loriana Demecsová, and PhD Student Mohammad Umar represented us. Loriana delivered a talk, “Flooding Stress and Barley: The Role of Nitric Oxide and Ferroptosis,” and actively contributed to the GenNext-to-GenNext initiative by chairing a session of trainee talks. Júlia presented a poster, “Priming of Amaranthus cruentus cv. Pribina Seedlings under Salt Stress Conditions.” Umar presented a poster, “Unravelling Wheat Grain Proteome Responses to Transient Drought Stress.”
Participation in the Training School provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and enhancing our international visibility. The event supported the professional development of early-career researchers and fostered new collaborations within COST Action networks.
We are looking forward to continued involvement in RECROP and PrimSeedPower activities and to further strengthening international scientific cooperation in plant science.
Text: Olha Lakhneko
Foto: Olha Lakhneko
in the RECROP–PrimSeedPower GenNext Training School
Top panel: Dr Olha Lakhneko, RECROP Young Researcher and Innovator Engagement Coordinator, together with Dr Sotirios Fragkostefanakis, RECROP Action Chair, delivering the closing remarks.
Centre-right panel: Dr Loriana Demecsová presenting her talk “Flooding Stress and Barley: The Role of Nitric Oxide and Ferroptosis.”
Bottom panels: Dr Júlia Hunková (left) presenting her poster “Priming of Amaranthus cruentus cv. Pribina Seedlings under Salt Stress Conditions” and Mohammad Umar (right) presenting his poster “Unravelling Wheat Grain Proteome Responses to Transient Drought Stress.”