In this paper are presented studies regarding the identification of some solutions -an alternative to the fuel world crisis, respective obtaining biofuels from grain sorghum crop (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). In Romania, the cultivated surfaces are quite small, comparative with the existing agro-climatic potential. The authors identified, following the researches, a pedo-climatic area from Romania, respective Dobrudja, where the grain sorghum meets agro-pedo-meteorological conditions favourable to obtaining of high yields. It was analysed the grain sorghum crop in the world, in Europe and Romania, but also two cultures of grain sorghum, one under field conditions and the other one under experimental conditions in the teaching plot belonging to the Ovidius University from Constanta. There are presented the results obtained regarding the technology elements applied to this culture, as well as observations upon the infestation with diseases, pests attack and the frequency of the weed species in grain sorghum crop.Keywords: solutions -alternative; biofuel; sorghum crop; agro-pedo-meteoclimatic conditions; weeds; diseases; pests; culture analysis. Biographical notes: Liliana Panaitescu holds a Doctor in Agronomy and is an Associate Professor at Ovidius University from Constanta. She has expertise in agriculture, field crops, drought, mathematical modelling in biology of growth and development of agricultural plants, agrometeorology, and climatic changes. She guides licence and dissertation thesis for the students of agriculture specialisation. She attended conferences in Romania and in Europe on agriculture tasks, environment protection, and consultancy in agriculture. She is a member of Balkan Environmental Association (B.EN.A.) and of Romanian Ecological Society. She has practical experience in applied research of the plants grown in Dobrudja.Simona-Mariana Pricop holds a Doctor in Agronomy and is an assistant at Ovidius University from Constanta. Her expertise is in field crops, plant protection, testing sunflower hybrids for resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cumana) prevalent races, and testing pesticides for culture plants. She has practical experience in applied research of the plants grown in Dobrudja. She attended conferences in Romania on topics of her interests.Marius Laurentiu Lungu holds a Doctor in Geography and is an Associate Professor at Ovidius University from Constanta. His expertise is in meteorology -climatology, climatic changes, and geography. He guides licence and dissertation thesis for the students of geography and ecology and environment protection. He attended conferences in Romania and in Europe, on topics of his interests. He obtained many awards in international competitions with the students that he guided.

Exploitation of microbial biodiversity for the discovery and development of novel cosmeceutical agents From 2013-11-01 to 2017-10-31, closed project Project details Objective "MICROSMETICS aims to discover and carry to the stage of development innovative products in the area of cosmeceuticals originating from global biodiversity using emerging and state of the art technologies in the field of biotechnology, natural products chemistry and applied microbiology. These objectives will be implemented through an extended and balanced scheme of researcher's exchanges and recruitments, in both directions and via a mutual scientific project developed on the needs and interests of both Industrial and Academic sectors, exploiting the existing complimentary expertise. More specifically, MICROSMETICS scientific concept involves the discovery of novel natural products originating from global microbial biodiversity. Already existing culture collections will be exploited incorporating modern high throughput platforms (in silico & in vitro) for the rational and targeted selection of the most promising strains. Advanced analytical approaches and techniques will be applied for the efficient, accelerated and advantageous isolation and identification of natural constituents as well as the quality assessment of the lead products. A broad spectrum of bioassays and novel analytical approaches will be incorporated for the evaluation of anti-ageing, more specifically anti-oxidant, skin-protecting, and skin-whitening activity of all derived products. Attention will be given to the selection and optimisation of fermentation technologies used for the production of final lead products to ensure sustainability. Within this frame, core scientific knowledge and lead compounds for further development are expected to be produced creating valuable synergies. Expertise will be transferred by means of the seconded researchers training in environments with different dynamics and orientation. MICROSMETICS aspires to comprise a successful model of long-lasting collaboration between Industry and Academia for sustainable exploitation of existing know-how and produced knowledge."