This week, the Universitat de València received the professor Yana Gocheva, a researcher from Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology of the Bulgarian Academy of Science, an internationally recognized institution and a member of the Pasteur Network. Her presence has helped strengthen scientific and educational collaboration in the field of applied microbiology, as well as raise awareness of cutting-edge research in microbial biotechnology, sustainability, and space exploration.

During the visit, professor Gocheva held two seminars. The first one, for informational and educational purposes, was focusing on managing the cellulose-based waste in space missions. Using an innovative approach that combined theory, group dynamics, and an interactive biogame, he introduced the challenges of long-duration missions to Mars and the need to develop closed-loop biotechnological systems to recycle waste and generate essential resources. In addition, professor Gocheva presented results of the projects funded by the European Space Agency, including the selection of microbial consortia capable of degrading cellulose under microgravity conditions and their integration into future space missions.

The second seminar, was centered on the applications of microbial phytases—key enzymes in phosphorus release, plant growth enhancement, and the reduction of inorganic fertilizer use—and their impact on animal and human health. Dr. Gocheva presented recent examples of biofertilizers based on phytase-producing microorganisms; the use of microbial consortia in sustainable agriculture.

Moreover, professor Gocheva held working meetings with the teams behind the Micromón and DivulSuperBac projects, where she learned firsthand about the initiatives of the Universitat de València in scientific education, citizen participation and outreach in microbiology with a view to its future implementation in Sofia (Bulgaria).

Her visit has open collaboration opportunities in different scientific and educational areas, as stated in various meetings by both the dean of the faculty, Prof. Ismael Mingarro, and other faculty members from the departments of Biological Sciences and Pharmacy and Food Sciences. From the team of coordinators of the reunion, we appreciate the participation of professor Gocheva and we are confident that this first visit will lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer between our two institutions.

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