Professor Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz is a recognised researcher in the field of environmental microbiology and the biology of plant–microorganism interactions. Her most important achievements concern the understanding and practical use of the plant microbiome, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, as well as endophytic and rhizospheric microorganisms, in plant adaptation to a changing climate and to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought and low temperature. The results of these studies are relevant to the phytoremediation of degraded soils, the mitigation of climate change impacts, and the development of sustainable agriculture based on natural microbial consortia.
Particularly significant are her studies on energy willows used in phytoremediation, the microbiome of halophytic plants, including Salicornia europaea, endophytes that support the growth of crop plants, and the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plant–virus interactions. Professor Hrynkiewicz has led or co-led numerous national and international projects, including those funded by the National Science Centre (NCN), the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), Marie Curie, Horizon 2020, BiodivERsA/ERA-NET and COST, including research teams focused on endophyte–plant compatibility, the microbiome of perennial crops, and food safety and quality.
Her scientific output is widely cited; her Google Scholar profile indicates over 4,400 citations and an h-index of 36. Another important achievement is her contribution to building interdisciplinary research teams at Nicolaus Copernicus University, including within the Priority Research Area OBSIDIAN, which integrates microbiology, soil science, food quality and agricultural genetics.
