More than 100 third-year students from the Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv held their practical training in plant physiology at CPSBB The students, enrolled in Biology, Biology and Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Ecology, were welcomed by the Director of CPSBB, Prof. Dr. Tsanko Gechev, and the researchers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liliya Mihaylova, Dr. Nikola Staykov, Dr. Nikolay Anachkov, Mihail Angelov, Valeria Tonova, and Sintiya Aneva.

Prof. Gechev introduced the students to CPSBB’s main research areas, highlighting the implementation of more than 30 national and international research projects. He emphasized the opportunities for career development and further education, including the accreditation of the Center to train PhD students in Biotechnology. 

Among the presented projects were NatGenCrop, CAFTA, BOOSTER, and BioCrops. Students were introduced to new tomato and pepper varieties with enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress and improved taste qualities, developed in partnership with the “Maritsa” Vegetable Crops Research Institute in Plovdiv. They were also introduced to the advanced technological equipment for  laser confocal microscopy, elemental and metabolomic analyses with mass spectrometry and chromatography, gene expression studies, GWAS analysis, cell culture propagation, and other cutting-edge research applications.

The unique properties of the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis were also presented. This remarkable species exhibits exceptional tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, extremely low temperatures, and prolonged darkness. Another highlight was the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which is used by researchers for biotests aiming to identify natural compounds with potential benefits for human health, particularly in the fields of longevity, obesity control, and metabolic disorders.

Researchers guided the students through CPSBB’s growth chambers and greenhouse facilities, where many of the ongoing experiments are currently conducted.

The students’ visit is part of the long-term commitment of CPSBB to supporting young people in their professional development and encouraging their interest in scientific careers. By providing access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, opportunities to participate in real scientific projects, and also education through doctoral programs, CPSBB offers a supportive environment for the development of the next generation of Bulgarian scientists helping to reduce the ongoing trend of brain drain abroad.