SGGW at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. Polish science enters the world stage

13 April marked the start of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. For the next 184 days, Yumeshima Island, created from scratch in the waters of Osaka Bay, will become a centre of global innovation, culture and science. Among the 170 participants, representing 161 countries and regions and nine international organisations. The Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) will be the first Polish university to present itself at the World Exhibition.

SGGW will open the Week of Promotion of Polish Science and become a substantive partner of the Polish Earth Day on 22 April 2025. On this day, Prof Magdalena Vaverkova and Prof Mohamed Kalaji will hold two workshops at the Polish Pavilion: ‘Plants as a source of natural antiviral substances and products and the role of photosynthesis in regulating their growth environment’. We will discover the fascinating world of green communication – how plants respond to touch, light or sound. We will present technologies that can change how we grow plants, saving energy and protecting the environment. A hit will also be an antiviral half-mask made from mosses and bean plants and edible remedies to prevent infections. ‘Composting with the “Kiero” Method.
We will inspire visitors to take action. How to compost effectively in an urban setting? How to turn food scraps into a valuable resource? The workshop will show practical solutions for sustainable living and share experiences from Poland and Japan.

As part of Polish Earth Day, SGGW also invites you to an international scientific conference where we will address two strategic topics: ‘Innovative technologies in health care.’ Prof. Mohamed Hazem Kalaji will present the effects of cooperation with Japan on the commercialisation of research, including mosses and lectins in natural antiviral agents. ‘The challenge of reducing food loss and waste through DX and AI applications.’ Prof Magdalena Vaverková will discuss how digitalisation and artificial intelligence can help in the fight against food waste. The panel focuses on practical solutions in the spirit of the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle.

At the end of the conference – a networking partner session, during which SGGW will present its educational offer and discuss plans for further cooperation with Japanese institutions.

SGGW’s presence at Expo 2025 is made possible by the ‘International Science Event at the World Expo 2025’ programme, funded by a targeted grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education through NAWA. The project aims to strengthen Polish-Japanese scientific ties and strengthen the position of natural science universities as innovation leaders.