Many pioneering advances in medicine and biology require observation of the microscopic world with high resolution and without damaging the specimen. One of the most widespread techniques is multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, which allows full 3D imaging via optical sectioning, i.e., imaging of planes within the sample without the need for physical slicing. This technique has a major limitation, however: the penetration depth and the signal-to-noise ratio are not sufficient for imaging deep within tissue, preventing functional imaging of, e.g., neuronal or cardiac activity beyond superficial layers. QuNIm aims to transform the field of nonlinear imaging and microscopy by exploiting the unique properties of entanglement, a quantum mechanical superposition of two or more photons that behave like single particles. Two quantum-correlated photons are absorbed in a nonlinear process as a single particle, an event 10 billion times more probable than the absorption of two classical photons. QuNIm will apply, for the first time, the innovative concepts of spatiotemporal and multimode entanglement, super-Poissonian fluctuations, and macroscopic quantum beams to deliver a ground-breaking imaging technique. It will maintain the strengths of standard nonlinear imaging (e.g., multiphoton microscopy, boasting high resolution, 3D imaging and molecular specificity using fluorophores/photoproteins) while increasing its penetration depth and removing the drawbacks (complex ultrashort pulsed lasers, lengthy scanning procedures, and phototoxicity). QuNIm will further extend the limit of deep-tissue imaging while at the same time enhancing the contrast and reducing the laser intensity (mitigating tissue damage), delivering a transformative impact in different fields. For example, in neuroscience, this will allow imaging of, e.g. sub-cortical brain regions fundamental for important studies into learning, memory and degenerative neural conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

The management of plastics, a persistent environmental challenge due to their durability, necessitates innovative solutions. While Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae demonstrate potential as a bioremediation agent for organic waste, their capacity for plastic degradation remains limited. This study proposes enhancing the plasticolytic capabilities of BSF larvae through genetic engineering, specifically by introducing plastic-degrading enzymes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. To overcome the challenges associated with low gene delivery efficiency in insects, we propose employing chitosan-based nanocarriers. These carriers offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, and protection for genetic material. Integrating magnetic nanoparticles into these carriers enables magnetofection, improving gene delivery precision and efficacy. By genetically modifying BSF larvae to degrade plastics, we aim to develop a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to plastic waste management, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals and minimizing environmental impact. This research has the potential to expand beyond conventional plastics, contributing to comprehensive waste management strategies.

Gas accreting onto supermassive black holes that sit at the centres of galaxies fuels the most powerful engines in the universe, Active Galactic Nuclei, shaping the formation and evolution of their host galaxies. Yet, we have a poor understanding of how the gas is transported from typical galactic radii, R=several kpc, down to the area of influence of the black holes, less than a few pc. The centre of the Milky Way can be studied in much greater detail than any other galactic nucleus and is a Rosetta Stone to understand the physical processes that occur in all galaxies. Interstellar gas is transported from the Galactic Disc down to the central black hole SgrA* through a sequence of steps. The Galactic Bar performs the first step by efficiently transporting gas from the Disc (R=3kpc) down to the ring-like accumulation of gas known as the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) at R=120pc. In the last few years I have led major theoretical efforts to understand and quantify this first step. However, these efforts have also demonstrated that the bar is ineffective in driving the gas further inwards. A long-standing question is how the gas continues from the CMZ to SgrA*. For the first time we have the possibility to answer this question thanks to new datasets and advances in numerical simulations. I propose here an unprecedented effort to solve this important problem through a unified analysis of all the relevant physical processes based on novel data and methodologies. I will combine recent and upcoming high-resolution astrometric and spectroscopic data with advanced stellar dynamical models to constrain the gravitational potential in the Galactic centre (GC). I will then use this potential to run cutting-edge numerical simulations to systematically quantify the contribution of all the mechanisms that can drive inward mass transport. This will solve the problem of the inward mass transport in the GC and will give us fundamental insights that can be applied to all galaxies.

EuAsiaN-ROOT aims to unravel the complex relationships between soil, roots, fungi and pathogens within forest ecosystems. Focusing on forests across the Eurasian climate spectrum, from tropical to highly continental, it will characterise the soil fungal community and mycorrhizal fungi in both roots and soils of these diverse forests. It will also investigate the fine root characteristics of forest trees and key interactions between soils, roots, mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens. It will investigate how mycorrhizal fungi associated with trees in different forest types contribute to ecosystem services such as nutrient acquisition and carbon sequestration and how these contributions are influenced by climate, soil conditions and the unique pressures exerted by soil-borne root pathogens. Through comparative analysis across forest biomes, it aims to identify the respective roles of tree fine roots and mycorrhizal fungi in the provision of ecosystem services. It is essential to identify both abiotic and biotic pressures, particularly soil pathogens, that affect the provision of these services by tree fine roots and other types of mycorrhizal fungi. EuAsiaN-ROOT research will advance scientific understanding and serve as a platform for personal and institutional development and training. EuAsiaN-ROOT's comprehensive training programme, facilitated by secondments, will equip participants with cutting-edge knowledge methodologies, dissemination strategies and insights into policy applications. Recognising the importance of dissemination and communication, we aim to increase soil literacy through practical outreach activities. EuAsiaN-ROOT is interdisciplinary, covering aspects of geology, soil science, forest ecology, forestry and nature conservation. EuAsiaN-ROOT is international, with partners from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Thailand. EuAsiaN-ROOT is multisectoral, involving partners from the academic sector and the regional nature park.