In February 2026, we had the pleasure of hosting Sara Ribeirinho Soares (PhD student) from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto.

Sara’s research focuses on understanding how operational conditions in conventional activated sludge (CAS) wastewater treatment systems shape microbial community dynamics and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Working with lab-scale reactors operating continuously, like within a full-scale wastewater treatment plant, fed with real wastewater, she investigates the impact of sludge retention time (SRT) and temperature on bacterial community structure, as well as on the abundance and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) by combining physicochemical monitoring with molecular and bioinformatics approaches.

During her stay, Sara took training in DNA sequencing techniques, bioinformatics, and metagenomic data analysis. It was nice to host Sara in our group, and we hope to see her soon!

In October, we had the pleasure of hosting Chau Tran (PhD student) from RMIT University Vietnam in our laboratory. Chau specializes in gut microbiota research. During her stay, she trained in bioinformatics, protein purification methods, and DNA sequencing techniques. It was a great pleasure to have Chau with us!

On October 30, 2025, after completing his research and publishing the results in record time (all within three years), Karol Ciuchcinski successfully defended his PhD. The defense was excellent, and Karol answered the reviewers’ questions with great professionalism. We wish Karol all the best on his new path and lots of success as he leaves our laboratory but continues his journey in the scientific world!

As part of the research project “The role of urban recreational reservoirs in the accumulation, dissemination and horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes”, led by Dr. Przemysław Decewicz, our team conducted a yearly field sampling campaign across selected urban lakes in Poland. We collected surface water and sediment samples for comprehensive microbiological, chemical, and molecular analyses. Urban reservoirs are often exposed to various anthropogenic pressures, making them potential hotspots for the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Our studies will focus on identifying and quantifying antibiotic resistance genes, assessing their ability to transfer horizontally, and investigating the environmental conditions that may promote their persistence in these ecosystems.