Description
This is a joint research project for studying and collection of data (metabolic specifics and biotechnological potential) for Archaea microbiological species. The project aim is related to expected isolation of new extremophilic strains. The main project activity is joint research. Study visits to Bergen and Sofia are planned as another project activity. Organization of an international workshop on diversity and biosynthetic potential of Archaea with foreign lecturers-experts from USA, Germany, Italy, Russia,Turkey, Armenia, and Portugal is planned as a project activity. Information and publicity activity is planned, too. The project is needed to provide new knowledge in the research field. Archaea is the newest (discovered in 1977) and the lest known of the three domains of life. The knowledge on the biology and ecology of Archaea is slow due to their specific requirements for growth and respective difficulties in their cultivation and isolation. The project objective is to study the diversity and biotechnological potential of Archaea found in Bulgarian hot springs. The Bulgarian project team has experience in isolating novel bacterial species, but it has no experience in studying termophilic Archaea, while the donor project partner has such experience. The role of the donor project partner is to provide this research experience in joint research along with the project promoter's team. The joint research will lead to research exchange and more knowledge and better understanding in the research field. It will allow inclusion of Bulgarian and Norwegian researchers in international research teams and will contribute to strengthening the EU dimension in research.
Summary of project results
All project indicators were met, as follows: joint research was implemented aimed to isolate cultivable Archaea and study the diversity of Archaea in Bulgarian hot springs, and 1 joint scientific conference was held in Sofia. The results from the research were reported in 3 international conferences and 1 national research seminar. Knowledge transfer was performed from the Norwegian part of the project team to the Bulgarian. 1 Bulgarian Ph. D. student was on 6-month mobility in the Norwegian donor project partner. New knowledge was generated in result of the project activities. The joint research conference in Sofia was with participation of leading researchers from 8 countries (Germany, UK, Norway, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Armenia and Romania). 2 publications in media published. Research equipment was bought to implement the project activities. 1 joint research project proposal was developed and submitted for funding under the 7th Framework Programme.
Summary of bilateral results
The joint research that was implemented aimed to isolate cultivable Archaea and study the diversity of Archaea in Bulgarian hot springs, and 1 joint scientific conference was held in Sofia. The results from the research were reported in 3 international conferences and 1 national research seminar. Knowledge transfer was performed from the Norwegian part of the project team to the Bulgarian. 1 Bulgarian Ph. D. student was on 6-month mobility in the Norwegian donor project partner. New knowledge was generated in result of the project activities. The joint research conference in Sofia was with participation of leading researchers from 8 countries (Germany, UK, Norway, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Armenia and Romania). 2 publications in media published. Research equipment was bought to implement the project activities. 1 joint research project proposal was developed and submitted for funding under the 7th Framework Programme.