Clean and safe water is a precious commodity and indispensable in horticulture. In this project, the Analytical Techniques in Life Sciences research group is conducting research together with SME partners Presscon and JVR Tecmar into an innovative device that aerates water and removes cloudiness caused by iron oxides. In addition, the device removes micro-organisms, which is important to minimize the risk of introducing plant diseases into the greenhouse. Chemical and microbiological changes during purification are investigated. We apply modern analytical techniques such as ion chromatography, mass-spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. The composition of the microbiome is determined by nanopore sequencing.

The Voice of Nature: Embracing Ecosystem Thinking Regenerative Placemakers, also known as Stewards of Place, seek alternative ways to organize local economies within planetary boundaries to combat environmental degradation and climate change. They face the challenge of integrating the voice of nature and embracing ecosystem thinking and co-creation. Our transdisciplinary research explores which tools, methods, and approaches the Stewards of Place can use to embody ecosystem thinking and integrate the needs and perspectives of nature into the decision-making process, making it suitable for diverse contexts.

Current processes for designing digital interaction protocols and interfaces have been dominated by governing actors: policing, government, and tech-companies. These designs exclude the lived technological experiences of communities in their public spaces. The outcome is a lopsided appraisal of digital trust, and designs that are insufficiently transparent and equitable. The envisioned research contribution includes both ways of ’doing’ and concrete prototypes for alternative digital trust protocols and interfaces. This research argues that the practical and ethical departure points for addressing digital ‘trust deficits’ are already within the diverse communities who use the built environment.

The corona pandemic is responsible for an increase in societys awareness of zoonoses, which includes swine influenza, and the possible consequences for people and society. Within this MOEDIG project we will gain more insight into the epidemiology of swine influenza on different farms by implementing innovative diagnostics. This provides a perspective for action for the prevention and tackle influenza infections on a pig farm. In addition, the project aims to establish and increase zoonotic literacy and awareness among pig farmers and relevant stakeholders with regard to influenza.

Vanilla is a valuable resource derived from the Vanilla planifolia plant, widely used in the food, perfume, and cosmetics industries. Natural cultivation is labor-intensive, often requiring manual pollination. A new hybrid hat self-pollinates and produces vanillin, offers promising opportunities. This project investigates how to enhance the flavor and aroma quality of this variety. Through chemical and molecular-biological analyses, we will map the production of vanillin and related compounds. Our research aims to accelerate the development of a high-quality, locally grown vanilla variety.