Magdalena Frąc | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Magdalena Frąc, Plant Science, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

Summary:

Prof. Magdalena Frąc is a distinguished scientist and academician with expertise in agricultural sciences, genetic engineering, and environmental microbiology. She holds a Professorship and the scientific title of professor in agricultural sciences, conferred by the President of the Republic of Poland in 2017. Prof. Frąc obtained her Post-Doctoral Degree in agronomy from the Bohdan Dobrzański Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IA PAS), where she currently serves as a Professor and the Head of the Department of Soil and Plant System.

Throughout her illustrious career, Prof. Frąc has demonstrated exceptional leadership and research prowess, holding various key positions within IA PAS, including Coordinator of the Genetic Engineering Unit and Supervisor of the Laboratory of Molecular and Environmental Microbiology. She has contributed significantly to the advancement of soil microbiology, environmental biogeochemistry, and genetic engineering, with a focus on understanding the functional diversity of soil microorganisms and their implications for soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

2017: Professorship in Agricultural Sciences – President of the Republic of Poland

2013: Post-Doctoral Degree in Agronomy – Bohdan Dobrzański Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IA PAS), Lublin, Poland

  • Title: “Mycological evaluation of dairy sewage sludge and its influence on functional diversity of soil microorganisms”

2007: PhD in Agronomy (Environmental Microbiology) – Agricultural University in Lublin (currently University of Life Sciences in Lublin), Poland

  • Dissertation: “The influence of dairy sewage sludge on the numbers of microorganisms and their biochemical activity in soil”

2003: Master/ENG in Environmental Protection – Agricultural University in Lublin, Poland

  • Master’s Thesis: “Characteristics of fungal communities of clovers and grasses grown on a peaty-muck soil”

Professional Experience:  

Prof. Magdalena Frąc has built an extensive professional career spanning leadership, research, and academic roles. Currently serving as the President of the Commission for the Evaluation of Research Staff at the Bohdan Dobrzański Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IA PAS) in Lublin, Poland, she also holds positions such as Member of the Scientific Board, Coordinator responsible for Genetic Engineering Unit, and Professor at IA PAS. Additionally, she leads the Department of Soil and Plant System and supervises the Laboratory of Molecular and Environmental Microbiology.

Prof. Frąc’s contributions extend beyond her institute, as she serves as the Vice-Chair of the Soil Biology Commission at the International Union of Soil Sciences and is actively involved in various audit committees and scientific societies, including SIMS Society and the Polish Mycological Society, where she previously held the position of President. Her dedication to environmental biogeochemistry has earned her recognition, including the Vice-Presidency of the ISEB International Society on Environmental Biogeochemistry and membership in the European Commission Working Sub-group “A Soil Deal for Europe” in Horizon Europe.

With a solid foundation in academia, Prof. Frąc has also engaged in teaching, having served as an Academic Teacher – Professor at The State School of Higher Education in Chełm, Poland, and holding previous positions as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at IA PAS. Her managerial expertise is evident in her role as the Manager of infrastructure projects and her involvement in postgraduate studies on leadership and management skills.

Prof. Frąc’s professional journey underscores her commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, genetic engineering, and environmental microbiology, making significant contributions to research, education, and leadership within her field.

Research Interest:

Soil Microbiology: Prof. Frąc is deeply engaged in studying the microbial communities present in soil and their role in various soil processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. Her research explores the diversity, composition, and functions of soil microbiota under different environmental conditions.

Environmental Biogeochemistry: Prof. Frąc investigates the interactions between microorganisms and environmental factors, including the impact of pollutants, climate change, and land management practices on soil microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles. Her work aims to enhance our understanding of ecosystem functioning and resilience.

Genetic Engineering: As the coordinator responsible for the Genetic Engineering Unit, Prof. Frąc likely focuses on the development and application of genetic engineering techniques in agriculture, with a particular emphasis on improving crop traits, enhancing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Functional Diversity of Soil Microorganisms: Prof. Frąc explores the functional roles of diverse microbial communities in soil ecosystems, including their contributions to plant growth promotion, disease suppression, and soil fertility. Her research aims to harness the potential of beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agricultural production.

Microbial Ecology: Prof. Frąc’s research delves into the ecological interactions among microorganisms in soil habitats, including microbial competition, cooperation, and symbiosis. By elucidating the mechanisms driving microbial community dynamics, her work informs strategies for managing soil ecosystems and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: New insight into the soil bacterial and fungal microbiome after phosphorus biofertilizer application as an important driver of regenerative agriculture including biodiversity loss reversal and soil health restoration

  • Authors: M. Mącik, A. Gryta, L. Sas-Paszt, M. Frąc
  • Journal: Applied Soil Ecology
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 189
  • Pages: 104941

Title: Plant and soil health in organic strawberry farms – Greater importance of fungal trophic modes and networks than α-diversity of the mycobiome

  • Authors: D. Siegieda, J. Panek, M. Frąc
  • Journal: Applied Soil Ecology
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 188
  • Pages: 104925

Title: Application of polysaccharides for the encapsulation of beneficial microorganisms for agricultural purposes: A review

  • Authors: M. Ali, J. Cybulska, M. Frąc, A. Zdunek
  • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 244
  • Pages: 125366

Title: The structural and functional shift in the soil rhizosphere and raspberry shoot microbiomes underlies changes caused by phytopathogens contamination and naturalization strategies implementation

  • Authors: M. Pylak, K. Oszust, J. Panek, M. Frąc
  • Journal: Applied Soil Ecology
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 186
  • Pages: 104810
  • Title: The Antifungal Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on the Phytopathogenic Fungus Botrytis cinerea
  • Authors: G. Pertile, M. Frąc

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 24
  • Issue: 4
  • Pages: 3080