Participants: Prof. Dimitrina Kacheva, DSc; Assoc. Prof. Elena Kistanova, PhD
The name of the visited institution: Department of Animal Sciences, Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands

Duration: 07.05-15.05.2012

Purpose of the visit: Exchange of experience, introduction to the work of scientific group of Human and Animal physiology, visit of labs and acquaintance with modern lab equipment, methods and techniques for mitochondria investigation and discussion over the development of future common scientific projects.

The visit program included:

1. Visit to Department of Animal Sciences
We visited recently renovated and well-equipped labs. The opportunities to use scientific equipment and methods for mitochondria functional investigations in various tissues and cells were discussed. Special interest provoked the apparatus “Oxygraph” which measures mitochondrial and cellular respiratory processes and evaluates the functions at single mitochondria level. We were introduced to the scientific topics of the group related to different aspects of metabolic processes and their impact on reproduction. We were shown the new buildings of the University and the University Library and visited an exhibition devoted to the history of selection of tulips.

2. Meeting with the human and animal physiology group leader - Prof. J.Keijer
Assoc. Prof. Elena Kistanova presented basic aspects from the new project ReProForce+ of REGPOT program. The possibilities for development of research projects financed by the EU or other research projects based on bilateral agreements were discussed. Future perspectives for exchange of post-graduate students and scientists working on common research topics were discussed.

3. Discussion with ReProPig coordinator Prof. K.Teerds and the leader of Human and Animal Physiology group Prof. J.Keijer
Analysis of the European commission`s evaluation of the “ReProPig” project was performed. The weak and strong aspects of the project, and further correcting and applying the project for the next FP7-KBBE program were discussed. Since ReProPig project was highly evaluated exceeding the threshold for funding (total 10.5 threshold 10.0), the coordinator declared to inform all partners for the committee decision and to suggest options for the next grant application.

4. Attendance of public PhD defense and inauguration Professorship position.
The presented doctor thesis entitled ”Apical dominance and growth in vitro of Aistroemeria" was presented by PhD student P. Pumisutarop from Thailand.
The defense was conducted in English in the city Hall. The event was a representative example for the organizational procedures of doctoral defenses in IBIR like selecting foreign reviewers, examination of students, time respect of the procedure and immediate delivery of the diplomas.
In the same lecture city Hall the inauguration of Professor in Molecular Biology and Nutrition Sander Kestner was held. Before being introduced to the fellow professors from the Department of Animal Science, the candidate professor presented an interesting lecture on the problem of molecular mechanisms of fatty food in diets. The solemn ceremony was accompanied by academic rituals.

5. Visit to Animal Facilities of the University.
Introduction into organization of the work in various departments relating to various types of laboratory and farm animals and marine life was performed. A discussion with students performing the following experiments was organized:
- "Analysis of genetically determined preference for a certain type of food" - Essay on calves after weaning.
- "The role of different types of corals in the sea water purification"
The issues related to performance of the European regulations concerning the conditions of animal breeding and welfare were discussed. The visit to animal facilities was very useful since the experience of colleagues in partner center was used to optimize the work in a IBIR`s animal facilities.

6. Participation in a scientific workshop of the group of human and animal physiology.
A lecture, entitled "Regulation of Sleep" was presented by Prof. K. Teerds. New data on the mechanisms, duration and body necessity from sleep for the organisms provoked a lively discussion with participation of Prof. D. Kacheva.
In conclusion, the visit was full of interesting participations in academic activities, significant discussions and meetings. Closer acquaintance with partner’s scientific themes, technical resources, experimental facilities, as well as establishing of closer contacts with the leaders revealed opportunities for better coordination in the development of new research projects.